Pregnant women can’t simply
eat whatever they want, as a balanced diet is crucial for healthy fetal
development. If you fail to get certain nutrients while your baby is forming,
you risk subjecting the fetus to birth defects and learning disabilities. Likewise,
the mother may experience more complications with her own body throughout the
pregnancy if she eats an unhealthy diet, and could have problems with labor when
it’s time for the baby to be born. To get the right nutrients, pregnant women
should subscribe to a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Most of them are
common sense, although the amounts you should get vary from nutrient to
nutrient.
(1) Calcium
Not only does calcium
promote strong bones in adults, but it also helps in fetal development by
administering bone growth. Calcium aids in blood clotting, the sending of nerve
signals, muscle contractions, hormone release and heartbeat regulation. Pregnant
mothers need to make sure that they are getting their usual calcium intake
during pregnancy so that there is enough left over for the baby, although a
supplement is usually not needed unless you are calcium deficient. The
Institute of Medicine’s Food and Nutrition Board suggests that everyone gets
1,000 milligrams of calcium daily, including pregnant women. Likewise, a 2010
study published in The Journal of Nutrition indicated that a calcium-deficient mother could
give birth to a child more prone to increased body fat percentage, elevated
triglycerides and insulin resistance.
Also known as DHA,
docosahexaenoic acid is an Omega-3 fatty acid that helps in your baby’s brain
development. Getting the right amount of DHA can increase your baby’s
intelligence, providing them with better attention spans and capacity to learn.
Getting DHA can be as simple as adding salmon or Omega-3 fortified eggs to your
diet. According to the March of Dimes, pregnant women should get 200 milligrams of
DHA daily to ensure optimal infant brain, eye, and nervous system development.
(3) Folic acid
Folic acid is
crucial because it prevents babies from being born with neural tube defects
such as spina bifida and anencephaly. These serious birth defects can cause
lifelong paralysis and the baby to be born with part of its brain missing.
Folic acid helps with cell division and formation, and in pregnancy, helps the
baby form the neural tube that will become the spinal cord and brain. If the
fetus doesn’t get enough folic acid, the neural tube may not close properly,
putting the baby at risk for defects. Yet, by adding folic acid to your diet,
you can help prevent a string of problems from occurring, such as cleft lip and
low birth weight. You can get your required intake of 600 mcgs of folic acid by
munching on leafy, green vegetables, bananas, or nuts.
(4) Iron
When you’re pregnant, getting enough iron in
your diet is important because it plays an essential role in your baby’s brain
development. Research conducted by University of Rochester Medical Center
showed that anemia or iron deficiency in infants may slow the onset of auditory
nervous system development, compromising the baby’s ability to comprehend
sound. This could lead to language problems down the line. When a mother
doesn’t get enough iron, her baby may also be born with a low birth weight,
which can bring on some complications. However, a mother should not get too
much iron, as excess amounts can be toxic. Getting iron from a healthy diet is
likely better than resorting to iron pills during pregnancy, which can supply a
mother with more iron than she requires.
(5) Protein
A developing fetus
needs protein because it encourages cell growth, provides the amino acids that
boost in bone and muscle development, and allows for healthy blood production.
By contrast, a lack of protein can cause a myriad of issues, including poor
muscle and joint development, poor bone development, muscle or bone
deformities, miscarriage, brain damage and a high risk of birth defects. A
pregnant mother lacking protein may feel weak and fatigued. To ensure her baby
develops normally, a mother should consume 70 grams of protein daily, from
sources like eggs, peanut butter, and meats. However, she should avoid eating
soft or unpasteurized cheeses as a source of protein, as they contain bacteria
that could cause food-borne illnesses.
ESP Protein powder is highly recommended for pregnant mothers because the protein from soy is equivalent to 4 times of egg, 12 times of milk, low in fat, no cholesterol and more easily absorb by human body.
(6) Multivitamins and Minerals (Supplements)
Moms need to eat
essentially an alphabet of vitamins, including vitamin A, B-vitamins, vitamin
C, and vitamin D. Vitamins play an important role in fetal development. Vitamin
A and beta carotene help your baby grow bones and teeth, flawless baby skin,
and help with eyesight development. While 770 mcg should be consumed daily,
pregnant women must limit their intake of A vitamins derived from animals,
which can adversely affect development. B-vitamins each have their benefits,
from B-1, which regulates your nervous system and energy levels while pregnant
to B-12, which aids in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin C works to
keep your body tissues undamaged, while vitamin D promotes strong bones.
Vitamin E has multiple benefits, such as aiding in the absorption of vitamin K
and muscle formation.
Make sure you don't skip these important nutrients during your pregnancy.
If you can't afford to have a balance everyday, it is always wise to supplement the 6 most essential nutrients with supplements in order to fill the nutritional gaps.
If you need any supplements, feel free to contact me. I teach customers how to take supplements correctly as well.
013-803 3850
Dr. Mommy F
Shaklee Independent Distributor (ID: 1243458)
Coordinator of Shaklee Corporation
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