Everyone knows that eating a healthy well balanced diet is the best thing to help us stay healthy, there is no time when this is more vital than during pregnancy. However this is no always easy to adhere to. So how can we make sure that we are providing our growing baby with all of the necessary nutrients and vitamins that they have to help them grow?
Many individuals take prenatal vitamin supplements when pregnant and although It is best to get minerals and vitamins from the food that you eat, there are some minerals and vitamins that are particularly important.
Many doctors endorse taking folic acid supplements till you are 12 weeks pregnant. Folic acid is important for pregnancy as it will also help prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, which may cause conditions like spina bifida. If you did not take folic acid before you conceived, it is suggested to start as soon as you learn that you are carrying a child. Also eating foods that contain pregnancy, such as green leafy vegetables and brown rice, some breakfast cereals, breads can be a smart idea too.
I took folic acid in my first pregnancy, but in my second i took Pregnacare Plus and when I wasn’t actually up to eating due to sickness it was reassuring to know that my baby was getting the nutrients and vitamins he required (including the recommended 400mg folic acid) even at the instances when my diet was no so good! I carried on taking these up to the birth and continued during breastfeeding. I did realise that they made me a little nauseous but I just began taking them before bed and I was fine.
A varied and nutritious diet should give enough nutrient elements for you and your baby during pregnancy however if like me you suffered from early morning sickness and food dislikes or maybe peculiar cravings, I found it a comfort to know that regardless of how my diet was at the time my baby was still well nourished, leaving me to eat my apple pie and custard as frequently as I want!! (Ok so I regretted it later when attempting to loose the baby weight although it was worth it at the time).
Emma Smith is a mother of 2 who writes a pregnancy blog with information on prenatal vitamins, fitness and health at PrenatalCareAtHome.com
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