Pregnant women have special nutritional needs. They need more of certain nutrients, including folic acid, iron, and calcium. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women should take a daily supplement that contains at least 600 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid.
With the Best prenatal vitamins for pregnant women, you will get basic nutrients like folic acid and iron and other important nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids DHA, choline, and more. Taking the Best pregnancy vitamins is important for pregnant women because they help to:
- Prevent congenital malformations of the brain and spine.
- Promote healthy growth and development of the baby.
- Support the mother’s health during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Help to prevent preterm labor and low birth weight.
- Reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
A lot of myths surround pregnancy and nutrition. Some women think they need to eat for two, but that’s not the case. Pregnant women only need about 340 extra calories a day in the second and third trimesters or about 16 percent more than before they were pregnant. Here are some tips for pregnant women to help them get the nutrients they need:
1. Get Enough Iron
The supplement will help you get enough folic acid, which is important for preventing brain and spine congenital disorders.
2. Get Enough Calcium
Iron is important for making hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in your blood. During pregnancy, your blood volume increases, so you need more iron. The best way to get iron is from food sources, such as lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, and iron-fortified cereals. If you’re not getting enough iron from your diet, your doctor may recommend an iron supplement.
3. Take Your Prenatal Vitamins Daily
Calcium is important for the development of your baby’s bones and teeth. You can get calcium from milk, yogurt, cheese, dark leafy greens, calcium-fortified juices and cereals. If you don’t get enough calcium from your diet, your doctor may recommend a supplement.
4. Get Enough Protein
Protein is important for the growth and development of your baby. Protein sources include meat, poultry, fish, beans, tofu, eggs, and nuts.
How Can I Stay Active While Pregnant?
There are plenty of ways to stay active while pregnant. You can go for walks, swim, do prenatal yoga or Pilates, and even take pregnancy exercise classes designed specifically for expectant mothers. Just remember to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. Pregnancy is not the time to start a new, intense exercise routine.
How to Gain Healthy Weight During Pregnancy?
Most women need to gain about 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy. You might need to gain less if you were overweight or obese before getting pregnant. And if you were underweight before pregnancy, you may need to gain more. Talk to your doctor about how much weight you should gain during pregnancy.
To help you gain the healthy weight you need, focus on eating nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks. And make sure to get enough calories. If you’re having trouble gaining weight, talk to your doctor about ways to increase your calorie intake.
Pregnancy can be a wonderful time, but it’s also a time when your body is going through a lot of changes. Taking care of yourself by eating right and staying active will help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
