Have A Healthy Pregnancy


Aug 30th, 2011 Konrad Keller

During pregnancy, it is important to ensure that both mother and baby are getting the right vitamins and minerals to help throughout development. Staying healthy is very important, and eating a well balanced diet during your pregnancy is important. If you find that you are missing out on certain foods, try and incorporate them into your diet in interesting ways such as snacking on nuts, vegetable crisps and dried fruits during the day. Fish is also very important, and it you are not usually a fish eater try substituting your Sunday roast for delicious grilled salmon fillets. Even fish fingers every now and then is good, and getting a little of everything will help your baby to grow and develop well.

During the first twelve weeks, pregnant women should take folic acid supplements, at a dose of 400 micrograms daily. Folic acid is a B vitamin, and is responsible for making DNA, maintaining a healthy nervous system, and forming red blood cells. This makes it essential for both mother and baby during pregnancy, and is taken to help prevent birth defects in newborn babies. Women who have a family history of neural tube defects such as spina bifida, or who suffer from diabetes, anaemia, or coeliac disease may need to take a higher dose of folic acid during their pregnancy, so it is always advised to speak to your GP before beginning any mother and baby supplements. It is also important to check with your GP if you are currently taking mother and baby supplements and intending to breastfeed; folic acid does pass into breast milk, but will not have any harmful effects on your child.

Some women may need to take supplements during their pregnancy to resolve natural deficiencies which occur as a result of pregnancy. Many women may find that they become anaemic during their pregnancy, and this can be solved by taking prescribed iron tablets, which will be easily available through your GP. The dose that is required may vary so it is always worth checking with your doctor before you start taking any over the counter medications.

Mother and baby will both need some kind of supplement during pregnancy, and there are many specially designed supplements which will deliver the right vitamins and minerals for healthy growth and development. Multi-vitamins are not suitable to take during pregnancy, as they contain vitamin A which can be harmful during pregnancy. Supplements which are designed for pregnant women will feature high levels of folic acid and no vitamin A at all. Vitamin D is also important during pregnancy, and most supplements should include this to help develop strong bones.

Taking supplements is a great way to ensure that both mother and baby experience a healthy pregnancy, and there are lots of options available to help you to tailor your nutritional intake. Your GP will be able to advise you on areas in which you may be lacking, and can prescribe daily supplements to help you reach a healthy balance.

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