Proper Nutrition for Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a special time in a woman's life, not only do you need to meet your individualized nutritional needs, but you must also meet the requirements of your developing baby as well.

Maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy affects both mother's well being and the infant's growth. As the baby develops through the early phases of life, your nutritional needs may increase. A balanced diet focusing extra attention to nutrients like calcium, and folic acid is recommended. After delivery, an adequate diet is needed to support nursing and to replace depleted nutrient stores.

Troughout pregnancy your body and nutritional needs change dramatically. From conception through birth, your baby relies on the food you eat to help him develop and grow.

Additional calcium during pregnancy is vital, particularly during the third trimester when fetal bones begin to calcify. If a mother's calcium level drops, calcium can be pulled from her bones and can result in loss of bone density.

Iron is also key to a developing baby. A pregnant woman needs additional iron to support her increased blood volume and to provide the iron for placental and baby needs. The recommended daily value of iron for pregnant women is 18 mg.

The importance of Folic Acid

The average American gets only 285 mcg each day. Folic acid plays an important role during rapid fetal growth and development. Adequate intake of folic acid as part of a healthy diet before and in early pregnancy may reduce the risk of having a baby with a birth defect of the brain or spinal cord.

Many defects develop before a women even knows she is pregnant. Over 50% of all neural tube defects may be prevented if all women of child-bearing age consume the recommended 400 mcg of folic acid everyday starting at least one month before conceptioninto the early weeks of pregnancy.

*Women should then take a prenatal vitamin throughout pregnancy

Healthy tips for pregnant women

Visit your healthcare provider regularly.
Eat well-balanced meals.
Take a prenatal supplement with calcium, iron, and, most importantly, folic acid.
Stop drinking alcohol and smoking immediately.
Gain enough weight to support healthy fetal growth.

All content within www.foodforyourcells.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.Always consult your own general practitioner if you're in any way concerned about your health. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.