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A healthy pregnancy diet will promote your baby's growth and development. Understand which nutrients you need most and where to find them. By Mayo Clinic StaffDuring pregnancy, the basic principles of healthy eating remain the same — get plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats. However, a few nutrients in a pregnancy diet deserve special attention. Here's what tops the list. Folate and folic acid — Prevent brain and spinal cord birth problemsFolate is a B vitamin that helps prevent serious problems with the developing brain and spinal cord (neural tube defects). The synthetic form of folate found in supplements and fortified foods is known as folic acid. Folic acid supplementation has been shown to decrease the risk of premature birth and having a low birth weight baby. How much you need: 400 micrograms (mcg) a day of folate or folic acid before conception and 600 to 1,000 micrograms of folate or folic acid a day throughout pregnancy Good sources: Fortified cereals are great sources of folic acid. Dark green, leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and dried beans, peas and lentils are good sources of naturally occurring folate.
In addition to making healthy food choices, taking a daily prenatal vitamin — ideally starting at least three months before conception — can help ensure you're getting enough of this essential nutrient. Anyone who might become pregnant should take a daily vitamin supplement containing folic acid. Calcium — Strengthen bonesYou and your baby need calcium for strong bones and teeth. Calcium also supports healthy functioning of the circulatory, muscular and nervous systems. How much you need: 1,000 milligrams (mg) a day; pregnant teenagers need 1,300 milligrams a day Good sources: Dairy products are the best absorbed sources of calcium. Nondairy sources include broccoli and kale. Many fruit juices and breakfast cereals are fortified with calcium, too.
Vitamin D — Promote bone strengthVitamin D works with calcium to help build your baby's bones and teeth. How much you need: 600 international units (IU) a day Good sources: Fatty fish, such as salmon, is a great source of vitamin D. Other options include fortified milk and orange juice.
Protein — Promote growthProtein is crucial for your baby's growth throughout pregnancy. How much you need: 71 grams (g) a day Good sources: Lean meat, poultry, seafood and eggs are great sources of protein. Other options include beans and peas, nuts, seeds, and soy products.
Iron — Prevent iron deficiency anemiaThe body uses iron to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body's tissues. During pregnancy, you need double the amount of iron that nonpregnant women need. Your body needs this iron to make more blood to supply oxygen to your baby. If you don't have enough iron stores or get enough iron during pregnancy, you could develop iron deficiency anemia. You might develop headaches or become fatigued. Severe iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy also increases the risk of premature birth, having a low birth weight baby and postpartum depression. How much you need: 27 milligrams a day Good sources: Lean red meat, poultry and fish are good sources of iron. Other options include iron-fortified breakfast cereals, beans and vegetables.
Prenatal vitamins typically contain iron. In some cases, your health care provider might recommend a separate iron supplement. The iron from animal products, such as meat, is most easily absorbed. To enhance the absorption of iron from plant sources and supplements, pair them with a food or drink high in vitamin C — such as orange juice, tomato juice or strawberries. If you take iron supplements with orange juice, avoid the calcium-fortified variety. Although calcium is an essential nutrient during pregnancy, it can decrease iron absorption. Supplements — Ask your health care providerEven if you eat a healthy diet, you can miss out on key nutrients. Taking a daily prenatal vitamin — ideally starting at least three months before conception — can help fill any gaps. Your health care provider might recommend special supplements if you follow a strict vegetarian diet or have a chronic health condition. If you're considering taking an herbal supplement during pregnancy, consult your health care provider first. Some herbal supplements might be harmful to your pregnancy. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like
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. What vitamins and minerals should a pregnant woman take?During pregnancy you need folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, choline, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and vitamin C. See the below table for recommended amounts. Fortified cereal, enriched bread and pasta, peanuts, dark green leafy vegetables, orange juice, beans.
What is the mineral needs during pregnancy for?Copper, zinc, selenium, and iron are vital minerals to support reproduction and prevent poor fetal development and complications at pregnancy [14]. Most research about micronutrient deficiency during pregnancy is on folate and vitamin D [14].
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