| Becoming pregnant is an exciting milestone in any | | | | Soy Protein |
| woman's life. Because of my many physical changes | | | | - Experts recommend that protein intake be a |
| that happen during pregnancy to the mother and baby, | | | | minimum of 60 grams per day. |
| a pregnant woman's body needs essential nutrients. | | | | - A woman's blood volume increases by 50% during |
| The metabolism of a woman increases by 30% during | | | | pregnancy, and protein is needed to produce new |
| pregnancy & nursing which this increases the need for | | | | blood cells and circulating proteins. |
| essential nutrients. | | | | - Important in the development of bones, soft tissue, |
| Here is a great guide for good nutrition during | | | | blood |
| pregnancy with an explanation of each nutrient that | | | | - Lack of amino acids has been linked to birth |
| plays a vital role in baby development and a healthy | | | | deformities |
| pregnancy! These nutrients can also have a long-term | | | | Zinc |
| effect on your baby's health. | | | | - During pregnancy & lactation, the need for zinc |
| Increased Nutritional Needs During Pregnancy | | | | increase about 50%. |
| - Protein needs almost double | | | | - It is vital for tissue development, especially brain & |
| - Iron requirements rise from 18mg to 30-60 mg daily | | | | sex organs. |
| - Calcium/magnesium requirements increase from | | | | Folic Acid |
| 800mg to 1200-1500 mg daily | | | | - Folic acid is one of the most important vitamins during |
| Nutritional Supplements for Pregnancy- Supplements | | | | pregnancy. |
| help your body to obtain and absorb sufficient | | | | - It prevents birth defects such as spinal bifida and |
| amounts of the necessary nutrients before, during and | | | | neural tube defects. |
| after your pregnancy term. | | | | Pregnancy Health Tips Avoid toxic chemicals..... |
| Multivitamin/Multimineral | | | | Household cleaners: report by the Consumer Product |
| - Provides a great amount of nutrients. | | | | Safety Commission shows that chemicals commonly |
| B Complex | | | | found in households are linked to allergies, birth defects, |
| - Folic acid is crucial to prevent neural tube defects.. | | | | cancer and psychological abnormalities. Switch to toxic |
| - Ensures a healthy pregnancy. | | | | free cleaners. |
| - Relieves fatigue, insomnia, nervousness. | | | | Personal care products: in a recent study of personal |
| - Adequate niacin may act as an anti-nausea agent. | | | | care products by the National Institute of Occupational |
| Calcium Magnesium | | | | Safety & Heath; 30% were found to contain toxic |
| - Essential mineral for growing fetus. | | | | ingredients. It is essential to use toxic free shampoo, |
| - Helps relieve leg, back & joint pain. | | | | toothpaste etc. |
| - Can help provide a tranquilizing effect during labor. | | | | Most health care professionals recommend |
| Vitamin E | | | | supplementation during pregnancy & lactation. This is |
| - The U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin | | | | because the fetus must compete with the mother for |
| E for pregnant women of any age is 15mg (or 22.5 IU), | | | | the vital nutrients. |
| and for breastfeeding women of any age is 19mg (or | | | | A shortage in good nutrition can result in.... |
| 28.5 IU). | | | | - Miscarriage, early termination of pregnancy |
| Vitamin C | | | | - Premature infant |
| - Necessary to strengthen blood vessels and to | | | | - Low birth weight |
| prevent excessive bleeding. | | | | - Brain damage - impaired intelligence, psychological |
| - Large amounts taken before labor may reduce labor | | | | disturbances |
| pain - reportedly up to 50%. | | | | - Baby with a weak immune system |
| - Can reduce risk of infection after delivery. | | | | During pregnancy it is vital to have a good diet and |
| - Helps your baby grow and builds strong bones and | | | | appropriate nutrition! The nutrition demands of |
| teeth. | | | | pregnancy are extraordinary because the growth of a |
| Iron | | | | new human being requires every nutrient and extra |
| - Iron is essential for making hemoglobin, the protein in | | | | amounts of them. Poor nutrition during pregnancy is |
| red blood cells that carries oxygen to other cells. | | | | associated with low birth weight babies, and many |
| - Helps prevent anemia and excessive blood loss | | | | other problems. High levels of essential vitamins and |
| during childbirth. | | | | minerals give your baby - and your body - that extra |
| - Guards against miscarriage & fetal malformation. | | | | support from day one. |