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What Is the Six-Meal Solution?

What is the six-meal solution, and what benefits will it give me and baby?
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Three square meals might have been the lesson of the day when you were in grade school, but now that you’re all grown up — and eating for two — you may find that number just doesn’t work. Some experts think eating smaller, more frequent meals (specifically, five or six mini meals instead of the old breakfast, lunch and dinner) can help alleviate some of the discomforts of pregnancy, including nausea, gas, bloating, constipationheadaches and fatigue. These mini meals can help keep your blood sugar levels stable, so you’re not facing big peaks and valleys (of energy and mood!) that can come with bigger meals. And since you’re already adding an extra 300 calories a day to help support your baby’s growth (about twice that if you’re carrying twins), you can take advantage of these extra eating opportunities. Remember that your baby gets the nutrients he needs first, so make sure those mini meals are healthy ones, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean protein to support his growth.

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Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

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