Nutrition During Pregnancy

Nutrition is very important during pregnancy because because your baby requires certain nutrients to develop. Eating a balanced diet helps the baby to be healthy and can minimize some symptoms like nausea and constipation. It’s also important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.

Some things need to be restricted or avoided altogether during pregnancy. Caffeine and artificial sweeteners should be restricted. Pregnant women can safely have 200 mg or less of caffeine per day. Alcohol needs to completely be avoided in the first trimester because it can cause defects in the baby.

There are certain vitamins that need to be consumed daily to ensure the proper growth and development of the baby. Folic acid help prevent major birth defects of the fetal brain and spine called neural tube defects and pregnant women need at least 400 micrograms per day. Iron is important because pregnant women need to produce more blood to supply oxygen to the fetus and should consume 27 mg per day. Calcium is used for the development of baby’s bones and teeth and pregnant women need at least 1000 mg per day. Vitamin D Also helps with development of bones and teeth and is essential for healthy skin and eyesight. Pregnant women need 600 international units per day of Vitamin D. An antioxidant that is less known is Glutathione. Glutathione is important for the development and growth of the fetus, detoxifies pollutants before they reach the baby, and supports immune function. It is suggested that pregnant women take 500 mg of Glutathione per day. Prenatal vitamins are helpful to get necessary vitamins and minerals but do not replace a healthy diet.

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