Important Vitamins and Minerals to Take during Pregnancy

When you're pregnant, it's important that you pay close attention to the things that you are putting into your body. Naturally, a lot of women focus on the "don'ts" and worry primarily about what foods and substances they should avoid consuming. Of course, this is a very important part of a healthy pregnancy, but it is just as important to pay attention to the things that you should be consuming.

Having a healthy diet is a key component of getting all of the essential vitamins and minerals your growing baby needs, but there are certain things you should pay close attention to, and more than likely, should take a supplement for. This article will introduce you to a few of them, but to ensure your baby is getting everything it needs, you should speak to a doctor or other medical professional at a Reno pregnancy center.

Folic Acid

This is one of the first substances that your doctor or nurse will ask you about when you tell them you're pregnant. It is absolutely vital that you are consuming at least 1,000 mcg of folic acid every day to ensure that healthy growth and development of your baby. Folic acid is especially important in the very early stages of pregnancy, when the fetus's neural pathways are beginning to form. Insufficient folic acid can lead to neural tube defects, which are very serious birth defects with no cure.

Generally speaking, you should take a prenatal vitamin from the moment you begin trying to conceive, to ensure that the fetus gets the necessary folic acid from the very beginning. Most over-the-counter prenatal supplements will have 800 mcg of folic acid, which is the most you can get in a pill without a prescription. This means you'll need to get the additional 200 mcg from other sources. This includes the following:

• Leafy greens
• Corn, squash, and other vegetables
• Black beans and kidney beans
• Fortified cereals and breads

If you're doubtful of your ability to get the necessary folic acid in your diet, then ask your doctor for a prescription to get a prenatal vitamin with higher folic acid content.

Calcium

Your baby needs calcium in order to grow and strengthen their developing skeletal system. Unlike folic acid, if you have insufficient calcium in your diet, it will most likely not have a direct effect on the fetus. Rather, it will have a serious effect on you later in life. If there is not enough calcium in your diet, the fetus will draw the calcium it needs from your body, which can weaken your bones and eventually lead to osteoporosis. Make sure you are consuming at least 4 servings of dairy a day.

Iron

Having sufficient iron in your diet during pregnancy will prevent anemia and reduce the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Most prenatal vitamins will have some amount of iron in them. However, you can also get iron from foods like beef, pork, spinach, and iron-fortified wheat products. Try to get at least 27 mg a day.

Protein

A high-protein diet will help with the repair of cells and the production of amino acids. Additionally, you may notice that you're much hungrier when you're pregnant; having a diet high in protein will help to cut down on your hunger and cravings. You can get your protein from meats, dairy products, beans, and nuts. Try to consume at least 71 g of protein a day when you're pregnant.

These are just a few of the vital vitamins and minerals you should consume during pregnancy. To learn more, schedule an appointment at a Reno pregnancy center.

Source : articlesbase.com