The Pregnancy Cookbook

by Vincent Connelly, Hope Ricciotti

The latest health and nutritional information, even more scrumptious recipes, and lots of dishes that are quick and easy for expectant parents to prepare. Obstetrician Hope Ricciotti combines experience from her practice with insight from her pregnancies to give the best advice on how to eat for two. She covers the latest nutritional information, including vitamins, iron, folic acid, and calcium, while letting you know which foods are risky, particularly the latest findings on mercury in fish. She gives tips on exercising, minimizing morning sickness, managing fatigue, and how to lose weight safely after the baby is born. Dr. Ricciotti's husband, chef Vincent Connelly, worked with her to create almost 150 delicious recipes that provide all the nutrients needed during pregnancy. The recipes are suited to each trimester and to a pregnant woman's changing palate. Included are chapters on nutrition when planning a pregnancy as well as advice and recipes for the nursing mother. A separate section on desserts anticipates a pregnant woman's cravings for sweets with recipes for delectable cookies and snacks. 53 illustrations.

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I knew I wasn't going to get along with Ricciotti when I opened the book at random and read the intro to her french toast recipe:

Although traditional French toast contains plenty of carbohydrates, it also contains a considerable amount of fat from egg yolks and whole milk, not to mention the butter in which it is cooked. We have been preparing a lower-fat version for years using eggs and egg whites, and skim milk in place of whole, to keep the fat and cholesterol down.

This was my first clue that Ricciotti's command of prenatal nutrition was weak at best. Why should a pregnant woman limit egg yolks? They are just about the most perfect food for pregnancy, loaded with multiple nutrients, including the fat soluble vitamins that are so important for fetal development. Plus, if you get free range eggs or eggs from hens fed omega-3 supplements, eggs are a great source of DHA, which is crucial for fetal brain development. And all this nutrition comes in a very calorie economical package: 70 calories for one large egg.

Furthermore, her praise of carbohydrates rings false in a world where an increasing number of mothers are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, a condition that puts the baby at risk for high birth weight and other complications.

What seems to be operating here is the current American hysteria about dietary fat combined with fears about excessive weight gain for mothers. I might have sympathy for this position if Ricciotti had not admitted, in her intro to the book, that it was only through sheer willpower that she managed to limit her pregnancy weight gain to the maximum recommended 35 pounds.

There is a fair amount of decent, basic information in the introduction about fetal development and what to expect during pregnancy, but you can find that information in many other books, without the dubious nutritional advice.

Or, as my midwife put it - get ample protein, eat a lot of vegetables, some fruits, and don't go overboard on carbohydrates. Ricciotti seems to be offering the opposite advice.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

i've never been pregnant, but when i am, you should probably buy me this book. really healthy, yummy recipes for every trimester...and still delicious when you're not with child.