What is Lightning Crotch Pain?

It’s got a cringey name, but that doesn’t make lightning crotch pain any less serious for the women who experience it. What is it and why does it happen? More importantly, what should you do about it if it happens to you?

A sudden, shooting pain that’s felt in the pelvis, rectum, or vagina, lightning crotch is often felt in the third trimester of pregnancy. In addition to the shooting pain, it can include symptoms like a pins and needles sensation, as well as pain that radiates down the legs. Sometimes the pain is so intense that it causes the woman to double over in response, but the pain typically comes on suddenly and dissipates quickly.

Doctors aren’t completely sure why this happens, but there are a variety of possible causes. First, as the growing fetus moves, pressure on the nerves can cause sharp pain. Then, too, as the baby’s head drops lower into the pelvis in preparation for labor, the new position can also cause pressure on sensitive parts of the body. Finally, as the body prepares for birth, the pelvic bones can pull away and separate. Sometimes, the ligaments supporting the uterus can stretch and cause pain when you move in a certain way.

Sometimes, staying in one position too long can trigger lighting crotch pain. You can alleviate this pain, then, by shifting your position. In general, remaining active and changing positions frequently can help prevent this pain from occurring. Other home treatments include using side-lying positions, placing a pillow between your legs while sleeping, wearing a pregnancy support belt, and doing Kegel exercises. A warm bath or prenatal massage can also be helpful. If it’s extremely problematic, this pain can also be treated using chiropractic adjustments or a pelvic block, an injection of pain medication into the affected region.

Sometimes, lightning crotch pain can be an early sign of labor. If you’re experiencing other symptoms, like period-like cramps, pelvic pressure, diarrhea, a burst of energy, or loss of the mucus plug, pay attention. If you start having consistent contractions, it’s time to call the doctor. Symptoms that mean you should call the doctor right away include vaginal bleeding, a temperature above 100 degrees, abdominal pain, a severe headache, sudden swelling of the face, hands, or feet, new problems with your vision, or a sudden rush of fluid, also known as your water breaking.

The good news is that for most women, this pain usually passes quickly. Even better, it will go away entirely once the baby is born. While it may be uncomfortable, it’s actually a normal part of a healthy pregnancy.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

The Best and Worst Foods During Pregnancy

Eating healthily is always good for your health, but when you’re expecting a baby, what you eat becomes even more important. Your doctor will have sound advice for you on what to eat and what to avoid, so make sure you get clarification about your diet during your prenatal appointments. In the meantime, here are some guidelines regarding the best and worst foods to eat during pregnancy.

Certain vitamins and minerals are at the top of the list. Folic acid, also known as the B vitamin folate, calcium, iodine, iron, vitamin D and DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid are all important for a healthy pregnancy. You should absolutely be taking a prenatal vitamin- again, get recommendations from your doctor- but most of your nutrition should come from your food. Especially if you’re feeling nauseous, nutrient-dense foods are the best way to effectively get the nutrition you need. Here are some foods to incorporate in your pregnancy diet:

• Lean protein: Lean cuts of meat are full of protein and iron. The amino acids in protein are the building blocks of cells, and high-protein foods can help keep you from feeling hungry by stabilizing your blood sugar. Iron helps build your baby’s red blood cells while supporting yours. Not a meat eater? Lentils are an excellent vegetarian protein source, with 17 grams of protein and 7 milligrams of iron. They’re also rich in the folate, which is crucial for your baby’s developing brain and nervous system. Edamame is also excellent, with 18 grams of protein, 100 milligrams of calcium, 3.5 milligrams of iron, and 482 micrograms of folate. Eggs are a good source of protein, and they also provide a hefty serving of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium and may reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and low birth weight.
• Dairy: Dairy provides calcium, vital for your baby’s bones. Low-fat milk is good, but yogurt is even better. It’s got as much calcium as milk, along with protein, folate, and active cultures, which can help prevent both stomach upset and yeast infections. Choose plain yogurt with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruit, put yogurt in your smoothies, or layer it with granola and fruit for a parfait.
• Healthy fats: Cold water fish, avocado, and nuts all contain fats that support a healthy pregnancy. Fish like wild salmon have DHA omega-3s, essential for the development of your baby’s eyes and brain. Avocado has healthy monounsaturated fats, which help your body absorb vitamins, along with folate and B6, which is good for your baby’s brain and may help ease morning sickness. Nuts are packed with nutrients, including magnesium, zinc, potassium, vitamin E, protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Reach for walnuts to get omega-3 fatty acids, go with almonds for calcium, and peanuts for folate.
• Colorful fruits and vegetables: The beta-carotene in carrots is converted in the body to vitamin A. Red bell peppers provide both vitamin A and vitamin C, along with healthy fiber. Sweet potato is another powerhouse, with 400 percent of the vitamin A you need daily, and kale is a superfood with vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate, iron, calcium, and fiber. Can’t tolerate vegetables? You can get your vitamins A and C from mangoes, and your potassium from bananas. Bananas are a source of quick energy that’s easy to digest even if you’re queasy.
• Dried fruit: For a quick snack, you can’t beat dried figs, dates, prunes, and apricots. Not only will they satisfy your sweet tooth and provide an energy boost, but they’re full of nutrients like fiber, iron, calcium, potassium, and antioxidants.
• Whole grains: Oats and quinoa are particularly good for pregnancy, providing fiber and magnesium to help both mother and baby. Quinoa also contains 8 grams of protein and nearly 3 grams of iron, along with calcium, potassium, and zinc.

There are also some foods you should avoid when pregnant. Steer clear of high-mercury seafood, especially swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish. Don’t drink unpasteurized milk or juices or eat unpasteurized soft cheeses, because they can contain harmful bacteria. Refrigerated deli meats and deli salads can also contain bacteria, so don’t eat these unless they’re heated. Avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish, poultry, shellfish, or eggs, even in sauces or raw cookie dough, and don’t eat raw sprouts or unwashed produce. Don’t eat unripe papaya: it can trigger contractions. Avoid excess salt and sugar, processed foods, and trans fats, and limit your caffeine consumption to just one cup of drip coffee per day or less. Eating nutrient-dense whole foods is the best plan for your pregnancy diet.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

How to Prepare for When Your Partner Goes into Labor

Did you know that supporting a woman during childbirth is an important job? Research indicates that women who have support during labor are more likely to have a positive outcome. If your partner is pregnant, you should be prepared to take on a supportive role when the big day arrives, providing her with comfort, strength and encouragement. In return, you’ll get to share in one of the most meaningful and powerful moments of your life together. Here are some tips to make sure you’re ready for what’s in store.

• Learn as much as you can before the baby arrives. Attend a childbirth class: in-person classes are preferable, but if that’s not possible, take an online course and watch videos so that you’ll be prepared. Read as much as you can, so you’ll feel confident when your child makes an appearance. Make a birth plan and discuss labor strategies with your partner.
• Expect to hurry up and wait. During the last trimester, many women experience Braxton Hicks contractions. This is a belly-tightening sensation that can feel like labor, but it’s just the body’s way of preparing for childbirth. Even when labor does begin, there will probably be several hours before it’s time to go to the hospital. It’s important to understand the stages of labor.
  • The first stage consists of three phases.
    • Early labor: During this time, the woman’s water may break, triggering labor. Contractions may feel like persistent low back pain, and will become longer, stronger, and closer together as labor progresses. It’s often more comfortable to spend the earliest part of labor at home, timing contractions so you’ll know when to head to the hospital. Generally, that time comes when the contractions are about five minutes apart.
    • Active phase: By this time, you’ll be at the hospital, and the contractions will be more intense, spaced three to five minutes apart, lasting 40-60 seconds. Your partner will need your help with breathing exercises and relaxation techniques you learned in the childbirth class, and she may want to opt for pain relief. It can also be helpful for you to massage her temples or apply counterpressure to her back. On the other hand, she may not want to be touched. Every woman is different and it’s important to listen to your partner and find out what she needs.
    • Transition phase: This is an intense phase, during which contractions will last 60-90 seconds and be about two to three minutes apart.
  • Birth happens during the second stage. This stage can last minutes to hours and includes pushing and delivery.
  • The third stage begins after the baby is born. The placenta is delivered five to ten minutes later, and it’s common for the mom to feel shaky or get chills. Now is a good time for you as the partner to offer a warm blanket. It’s also a great opportunity to hold your newborn child and let your partner rest.
• Be prepared to be flexible. The strategies you have planned for labor may not pan out. The birth plan may have to change. You may feel faint or queasy, and labor may not go the way you expect. The important thing is that you’re bringing new life into the world and your partner has you as an advocate and a source of support.

If you’re ready to start a family, call the Center for Vasectomy Reversal. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Understanding Pregnancy Cravings

Pregnancy changes every part of your body, from your scalp to your feet. It’s not surprising, then, that it changes your appetite and taste in food. When you’re pregnant, you’ll loathe some of the foods you usually love and crave things that will surprise you. Pickles and ice cream is the most cliched combination when it comes to pregnancy cravings, but it’s far from far-fetched.

What causes pregnancy cravings? No one really knows for sure, but it’s not a myth. Research indicates that somewhere between 50 and 90 percent of pregnant women in the United States experience cravings. Pregnancy cravings typically begin by the end of the first trimester, are at their strongest in the second trimester, and decline as the birth approaches. A woman who is breastfeeding may also experience cravings, though, and will continue to have an increased appetite because caloric needs are higher in both pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Even though experts haven’t determined the precise reason for cravings, there are some theories about why they happen.

• Hormonal fluctuations can affect the way you experience food. The hormonal shifts in pregnancy can affect the sense of smell, sensory experience of food, mood, and the types of food a person craves.
• A heightened sense of smell often accompanies pregnancy. This can have an impact on which food a woman wants to eat. Foods that smell strong or pungent may be overwhelming, while things that smell good can increase appetite.
• Nutritional needs change during pregnancy. Sometimes, a craving is just the body’s way of expressing what it needs. A craving for ice cream, for instance, can indicate a need for more calcium. If you’re pregnant and craving ice cream, go ahead and eat it! But be mindful of the need for calcium and make sure you’re getting enough from healthy sources like dark leafy greens and fish.
• Sometimes cravings are all about comfort. Pregnancy is uncomfortable and can increase cravings for comfort foods that bring back childhood memories of being loved and cared-for. The nausea of pregnancy can lead to a craving for foods that typically bring relief during illness.
• A woman’s culture impacts her cravings. Women in the United States often crave chocolate, for instance, while women in Japan may crave rice.

The most common pregnancy cravings in the United States include sweets, high-calorie, savory carbohydrates, animal protein, and fruit. Fast food, pickles, ice cream, fruit juices, chocolate, dairy, and vegetables also make the list. While it’s ok to give into these cravings from time to time, limit the unhealthy ones and make sure you’re loading your diet with the right nutrients. These include calcium, folic acid, iron, and protein.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

How to Increase Male Fertility

If you and your partner are struggling to conceive a child, you’re not alone. About one in six couples struggles with infertility, and one in three cases is due to a problem with male fertility. There are some natural remedies you can try, though, that may boost your chances of conception.

• Load up your diet with healthy foods. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, focus on getting antioxidants and healthy fats. Limit your intake of saturated fats and red or processed meat. And be careful about eating soy, because it contains plant estrogen, which can reduce testosterone bonding and sperm production.

• Take your vitamins and minerals. Though the mechanism behind it is not completely understood, research indicates that vitamin D and calcium can impact sperm health. Vitamin C improves fertility by relieving oxidative stress in the body. Additionally, limited studies suggest folate and zinc can improve sperm concentration, count, and overall health.

• Quit smoking. Smoking is bad for every part of the body, so it should come as no surprise that it’s bad for your fertility. In fact, recent research indicates that smoking consistently reduces sperm count and people who smoked moderate or heavy amounts of tobacco had lower sperm quality than non-smokers or even light smokers.

• Watch the alcohol and drugs. Don’t drink to excess, don’t do any illegal drugs, and be mindful of your prescriptions. Some antibiotics, anti-androgens, anti-inflammatories, antipsychotics, opiates, antidepressants, anabolic steroids, supplementary testosterone, and methadone can all negatively affect your fertility. If you’re concerned about a medication you’re taking, talk to your doctor.

• Keep your cool. High temperatures can damage sperm, so if you’re trying to conceive don’t hold your laptop in your lap, wear tight underwear, or soak in hot tubs. Prolonged sitting and using car seat heaters can also cause overheating.

• Consider a supplement. Certain herbal supplements may be beneficial to fertility, including fenugreek, maca root, tribulus terrestris, and Indian ginseng. D-aspartic acid, a type of amino acid, may also be helpful.

• Reduce your exposure to environmental contaminants. Poor air quality and environmental toxins have been shown to decrease male fertility. Additionally, men in jobs with exposure to chemicals and overheating, like farmers, painters, varnishers, metalworkers, and welders, had higher incidences of infertility than other groups.

• Manage your stress. Stress raises cortisol levels, and cortisol lowers testosterone.

• Get some exercise and some sleep. For each, the key is to get just the right amount- not too little and not too much. Getting enough exercise and enough rest can improve your sperm count. It can also help you lose weight, which can improve your fertility.

If you’re struggling with infertility, call the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, where we love helping people build their families! We pride ourselves on providing optimal surgical results and uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, call 941-894-6428 or contact us through our website.

The Most Popular Baby Names of 2021

When you’re expecting a baby, it can be very exciting to think about names! Making lists of names, debating them with your partner, and noticing every name you hear a mom call in the grocery store are all part of the fun. How should you go about choosing a name? We’ve got some tips.

• First, remember that you’re naming an actual person. Don’t go with a trendy or difficult spelling or choose a name that’s a pop culture reference. Save the joke names and too-cute names for your pets and pick a name that your child is not likely to resent and you’re not likely to regret.
• Walk the line between popular and strange. Consider this: children with popular names are likely to be one of many in their class. If you don’t want your child to be called by his or her first name and last initial throughout elementary school, you might want to pick a more unique name. On the other hand, it’s good to choose a name the child will one day be able to find on a key chain.
• Classics are classic for a reason. Sure, some traditional names are boring and overused, but there are many that are perfectly lovely. Look to classic literature for inspiration or read an old baby name book.
• Climb through your family tree. You may find a name you love, or you may find the perfect middle name. Either way, it’s a great way to honor a family member.
• Research the meanings of the names you like. Before you let yourself fall in love with a name, make sure it doesn’t mean something horrible.
• Carefully consider nicknames and initials. No one wants a name that will cause them to have a meanspirited playground nickname, or initials that spell something unpleasant.
• Say the name out loud to make sure it isn’t weird. Names should have a good rhythmic flow, so say the first, middle and last name together to make sure it’s what you intended.
• Determine if any famous people have that name. You don’t want to accidentally name your infant after a serial killer, a war criminal, or an adult film star.

Need some inspiration? Here are the top ten names from 2021 so far, according to BabyCenter. Will you embrace the trendy names, or do you want to know them so that you can avoid them?

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people build their families! We pride ourselves on providing optimal surgical results and uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us or call 941-894-6428.

10 Myths & Facts About Pregnancy

Expecting parents often enter pregnancy with lots of misinformation. Learn the myths from the facts to arm yourself with correct information.

1. Eating for two: While it’s true that pregnant mothers should increase their caloric intake, they shouldn’t double it. No extra calories are needed in the first trimester. Then, women should eat 340 more calories per day by the second trimester and 450 more calories by the third.
2. Exercise: It’s best to avoid rigorous exercise while pregnant, but doing light to moderate aerobics is highly recommended. A bit of physical activity every day can help maintain a healthy weight and develop the muscles and stamina needed for the delivery process.
3. Morning sickness: Less than 2 percent of pregnant women experience “morning” sickness in the morning. Nausea and vomiting are most common between weeks four and 16.
4. Heartburn and hair: The myth that having heartburn means the baby will have lots of hair has limited evidence to back it up. Still, a small study in 2006 found that 23 out of 28 expecting mothers who experienced moderate to severe heartburn gave birth to babies with an average or above-average amount of hair.
5. Emptying the litter box: Cat feces may contain the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause toxoplasmosis. As a precaution, pregnant women should wear gloves while cleaning the litter box or ask someone else to do it. However, there is no need to avoid contact with cats during pregnancy.
6. Coffee: Drinking coffee excessively can increase the risk of miscarriage during the first trimester. To avoid this, pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to 200 mg, or 12 ounces of coffee per day.
7. Alcohol: There no safe amount or time during pregnancy to drink alcohol. Women should also avoid it while breastfeeding because alcohol can enter breastmilk.
8. Predicting the gender: Despite what family members may say, the shape or placement of a pregnant belly has no bearing on the baby’s gender. A fast or slow heartbeat also doesn’t reveal whether it’s a boy or a girl.
9. Flu shot: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends yearly flu shots for nearly everyone, including pregnant women. The vaccine helps protect both mother and baby from the flu and reduces the risk of flu-related respiratory infections in pregnant women by half.
10. Vaginal delivery following a c-section: Many parents wonder if it’s possible to have a natural birth after a previous cesarean delivery. The answer may be yes, but it depends on how the pregnancy is going and whether any complications arise during labor.

Are you and your partner interested in growing your family? If you have previously undergone a vasectomy, you still have options. Dr. Joshua Green of the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is a leader in guiding men and women down the path to parenthood. For more information about the vasectomy reversal process, please contact our Sarasota, FL clinic at 941-894-6428 or schedule a free consultation online.

Benefits of Eating Dates for Pregnancy and Labor

Dates may not be a fruit you usually keep on hand, but it deserves more attention than it gets, especially among pregnant women. Consider the benefits of eating dates for a healthy pregnancy and easier labor.

Why You Should Eat Dates When You’re Expecting

• Natural energy: Dates are one of the sweetest types of fruit, but since they’re also packed with fiber, the natural sugar doesn’t cause a blood sugar spike. Instead, you get a healthy, steady flow of energy, and you satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time!
• Constipation relief: High fiber foods also promote a healthy digestive system, thus helping prevent pregnancy-related constipation. Dates also keep you feeling full longer, reduce your cholesterol, and help you maintain a healthy weight.
• Birth defect prevention: Folate helps support healthy brain and spinal cord development in unborn babies. As a result, eating folate-rich dates before and during pregnancy can help prevent congenital disabilities.
• Bone development for the baby: Vitamin K is important for bone development and blood clotting. Consuming dates rich in this vitamin during pregnancy supports higher vitamin K levels when your baby is born. Continue eating dates while breastfeeding to pass even more of this vitamin on to your child.
• Anemia prevention: Dates contain some iron, which helps prevent anemia, or low red blood cell count. Iron also maintains hemoglobin in the body during pregnancy to strengthen you and your baby’s immune systems.
• Healthy water-salt balance: Potassium plays a role in water-salt levels and blood pressure. Eating dates can help prevent potassium deficiency for fewer muscle cramps and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
• Blood pressure and blood sugar regulation: Magnesium is another vital nutrient needed during pregnancy to help avoid high blood pressure, preeclampsia, placental dysfunction, and premature labor.
• Shorter, easier labor: Eating dates during the last few weeks of pregnancy can help ripen the cervix and promote uterine contractions for a faster delivery. It also reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

When and How to Eat Dates During Pregnancy

Dates are relatively high in sugar and calories, so don’t consume more than six per day during your pregnancy. It never hurts to ask your doctor about your desire to eat dates, especially if you have a high risk of gestational diabetes.

Dried dates are available at most grocery stores and are easy and convenient to eat. Stuffing dried dates with almonds or peanut butter is a great way to add protein to your snack. You can also blend dates into smoothies, chop them up into chicken salad, or add them to oatmeal cookies.

If you and your partner are interested in growing your family, but you previously had a vasectomy, you still have options. Dr. Joshua Green of the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is a leader in helping men and women become parents. To learn more about the vasectomy reversal process, please contact our Sarasota, FL clinic at 941-894-6428 or schedule a free consultation online.

Help Getting Pregnant: Things You and Your Partner Can Do

The journey into parenthood can be emotionally charged. Once you and your partner are ready to conceive, follow these tips to increase your fertility.

Know Your “Fertile Window”

A man’s sperm is most likely to reach a woman’s fertile egg on ovulation day and the five days leading up to it. Most women ovulate about 12 to 16 days before starting each period, so track your menstrual cycle on a calendar to help you better predict when you might be ovulating. Then, have sex with your partner every other day during this six-day “fertile window.”

Maintain a Healthy Body Weight

Being overweight makes it harder to get pregnant, but so does being underweight. Strive for a body max index (BMI) in the “normal” range of 18.5 to 24.9. At the same time, don’t exercise too much. Strenuous physical activity could interfere with ovulation, so work with your doctor to determine a moderate exercise plan that will work for you.

Eat a Balanced Diet

In addition to helping you achieve a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet provides your body with fertility-promoting nutrients. While trying to get pregnant, eat more:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Lean protein
• Whole grains
• Lentils and beans

Then, eat less:

• High-mercury fish
• Soda
• Caffeine
• Trans fats

Take Prenatal Vitamins

It doesn’t hurt to start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as you start trying to conceive. Finding a prenatal vitamin that agrees with your system now makes it easy to stay on it during pregnancy. Choose a supplement that provides at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid to promote healthy brain and spine development in your future fetus. Dietary sources of folic acid include leafy greens, broccoli, beans, citrus fruits, orange juice, and fortified cereals.

Stop Smoking and Drinking

Smoking causes fertility issues in men and women alike. Even secondhand smoke can affect the chances of becoming pregnant, so keep away. Also, because alcohol consumption can cause birth defects, a sexually active woman should stop drinking as soon as she goes off birth control. Cannabis and other recreational drugs should be avoided as well while trying to conceive.

De-Stress

Research shows that high stress levels make it more difficult to get pregnant. Of course, relaxing is easier said than done. Try reducing stress in your daily life with these tips:

• Take a walk.
• Learn deep breathing exercises.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Find activities that make you smile and laugh.
• Try yoga or meditation.
• Go on vacation.
• Catch up with an old friend.
• Avoid overbooking yourself.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping men and women become parents. If you’re ready to begin your journey into parenthood, consider a vasectomy reversal performed under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green. Our state-of-the-art clinic in Sarasota, FL provides a comfortable setting to receive your fast, effective procedure. To learn more, please call us at 941-894-6428 or schedule your free consultation online.

Healthy Food Ideas for Your Pregnant Partner

A healthy diet is always important, but it’s never more important than during pregnancy. When the foods eaten are nourishing a growing baby, they must be nutrient dense. Sometimes, the mom-to-be doesn’t have much of an appetite, and that’s even more reason to make every bite count. While it’s ok for her to sometimes treat herself to yummy, empty calories, her diet needs to be loaded with foods that pack a nutritional punch.

• Dairy products provide protein and calcium. Yogurt is a great dairy option, as long as it’s not full of sugar. Try plain yogurt with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruit, or incorporate yogurt into dips and dressings.
• Legumes, especially lentils, are a great source of protein and other nutrients. They contain folate, iron, and fiber, among other nutrients, and can be eaten in salads, soups, and stews.
• Sweet potatoes are amazingly nutritious. One sweet potato has more than 400 percent of the daily requirement for vitamin A, which is crucial in the first trimester. They’re easy to eat, baked or sliced and roasted into oven fries.
• Salmon, especially wild salmon, is one of the best foods to eat during pregnancy. It’s got omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, and it’s a safe seafood choice for pregnancy. Roasted salmon filets over greens or rice, served with a sweet potato and steamed vegetables, make the perfect meal.
• Eggs are inexpensive, easy to cook, and packed with nutrients. They’re a good source of protein, and contain choline, which helps brain development, and vitamin D. There are tons of ways to eat eggs, just make sure you cook them thoroughly.
• Lean meat provides protein and iron. It helps the baby grow and keeps the mom from feeling hungry. Small amounts are sufficient, so toss meat into soups, noodle dishes and salads.
• Berries are delicious and nutritious. They’ve got carbs, vitamin C and other vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, and they help increase water intake. Eat them plain or toss them in smoothies or salads!
• Broccoli and leafy greens contain many important nutrients. Kale, for example, has folate, iron, vitamins C, A, E, and K, calcium, and fiber. Toss greens into a smoothie, cook them with pasta, pile them on a sandwich, or scramble them up with some eggs.
• Avocadoes are creamy, rich, and are an important source of monounsaturated fatty acids. They’ve also got folate, vitamin B6, fiber, and potassium. They’re good for leg cramps, promote healthy tissue and brain growth in the developing baby, and may even ease morning sickness. They’re great in guacamole, sandwiches, salads, omelets, and on their own.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping couples grow their happy, healthy families. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 for a free consultation.