Pregnancy Nutrition and Vitamin Supplements

Pregnancy Nutrition and Vitamin Supplements

Pregnancy Nutrition is very important for the growing infant inside the mother’s womb. The mother and the child require vitamin supplements to keep their bodies healthy during pregnancy. In fact, a mother to be may be asked to start on certain vitamins, even before she conceives, during the pregnancy planning stage itself.

Prenatal Vitamin Supplements

These specially designed prenatal vitamin supplements are only for pregnant women. These forms of pregnancy nutrition contain higher amounts of the B vitamin folic acid and iron in them. However, you must ensure that you do not take any vitamins without asking your doctor. You must make sure to purchase your vitamins from a reputed manufacturer. It is also very important to stick to the prescribed dosage.

Folic Acid Supplements during Pregnancy

Folic acid aids in the formation of red blood cells. It is very essential for the healthy growth of the fetus. It prevents serious abnormalities of the brain and spinal chord. Babies who lack folic acid may be born with severe birth defects.

Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplements During Pregnancy.

Omega 3 fatty acids aid in the formation of a healthy brain and body of the baby in side the mother’s womb. It is generally believed that, fish is the only source of Omega 3; however this has been proved wrong. Tofu, flaxseeds, walnuts, canola, and wax seed are excellent vegetarian sources of omega 3 fatty acids. You must have foods rich in omega three fatty acids, however do consult your doctor on the amounts you need to consume to stay healthy.

Herbal Supplements during Pregnancy

You may have certain doubts and fears about taking herbal supplements during pregnancy. Used as flavorings and in teas they are fine but avoid taking concentrated quantities in the form of pills. They may be toxic. In fact, you must ask your doctor before taking any form of pregnancy nutrition supplements. It will help you have a safe pregnancy.

Pregnancy Diet- Its Importance Cannot Be Underestimated

Pregnancy Diet- Its Importance Cannot Be Underestimated

A person’s diet during pregnancy stages can have a huge impact on the outcome of the pregnancy. If a healthy baby must be born, the mother must eat healthy. After all, the food provides nourishment to the mother and baby and helps the fetus grow into a 71/2 pound little baby.

The First Trimester

You must eat freshly cooked green leafy vegetables, legumes, or pulses and have lots of fruits and fruit juices as part of your pregnancy diet. Eat three small meals a day, instead of heavy meals and avoid fried, fatty foods, as they are more difficult to digest and sit in your stomach longer. This is especially true during the first trimester, when you could be suffering from morning sickness and nausea. Also, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, so that you do not get dehydrated.

Vitamin Supplements

The importance of nutrition during pregnancy for a mother cannot be underestimated. You must have a regular intake of folic acid supplements in your diet. You should start as early as three months before you conceive. Folic Acid is a B vitamin that prevents serious abnormalities of the brain and spine. Without folic acid, your baby is at risk of premature delivery, improper growth of the fetus and low birth weight. The other nutrient that is necessary is calcium, for healthy bones and teeth. It also helps build a healthy muscular, circulatory, and nervous system. You must also eat a lot of protein in your diet. The doctor will recommend multi vitamins after a health check during the three pregnancy stages

Avoid the Dangerous Three

The other important thing is to completely avoid drinking, smoking and doing drugs. Drinking can seriously damage the reproductive system of both males and females. Drugs will waste away the baby inside you. As far as smoking is concerned, research says that there is a 64% increase in chances of birth defects in the infants whose parents smoke. Even passive smoking can be dangerous to your unborn child and may result in a baby with low birth weight.

Therefore, it is important that your diet during pregnancy be right to be able to bear a healthy baby.