3 Important Nutrients Needed During Pregnancy
Throughout pregnancy, your baby gets the nutrients it needs directly from you. This means that you might have to take supplements or make certain dietary changes to ensure both of you get the required nourishment. Your prenatal care provider will tell you exactly what is needed, so be sure to follow their guidance. Here are three common nutrients that are especially important during pregnancy.
A Brief Guide to Nutrients for Prenatal Care
1. Folic Acid
Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin that is crucial to healthy brain and spinal cord development. You can get folic acid from a variety of foods, including leafy green vegetables, dried beans, and fortified cereals. Prenatal care providers often suggest folic acid supplements throughout pregnancy, anywhere from 600 to 1,000 micrograms a day.
2. Calcium
Calcium plays a central role in developing and maintaining strong bones and teeth. It is also important for your circulatory, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems.
The best and most easily absorbed sources of calcium come from dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, and it is also available in high doses from calcium-fortified orange juices and cereals, as well as salmon and spinach. You will likely need around 1,000 milligrams daily during pregnancy.
3. Iron
Iron is a key ingredient of hemoglobin, which helps red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the rest of the body. It also aids in the development of certain hormones. When you're pregnant, you require twice the amount of iron than a nonpregnant person.
This ensures that you are making enough blood to supply the baby with adequate oxygen. Plan to include 27 milligrams of iron a day as part of your prenatal care routine. You may need supplements, or you can find high iron levels in foods like meat, poultry, spinach, and iron-fortified oats.
The prenatal care team at Genesee Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology will recommend the supplements your body will need throughout pregnancy. Serving the Rochester, NY, area, they provide comprehensive gynecological and pregnancy care, including prenatal support, annual exams, pap smears, and minimally invasive surgeries. Call (585) 641-0399 to schedule an appointment or visit them online to browse their services.
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