First of all, congratulations on your soon-to-be bundle of joy! This is an immensely delightful time in your life. And it’s normal that you want to make sure your “oven” provides all the right goodies for your little bun. To help future moms prepare themselves, doctors often recommend a slew of prenatal vitamins and minerals. This is to make sure that both mom and baby are getting proper nutrition during pregnancy and have everything they need during these nine months.
And with all the funky cravings—and possible morning sickness— you’ll undoubtedly face, it can become quite a challenge to manage your nutrition without any supplementation. So, let’s go over some of the most common pregnancy-perfect vitamins, minerals, and supplements doctors recommend to future moms.
Preventing anemia with iron
In addition to ensuring the well-being of your baby, you need to restructure your diet to focus on your own health. Every pregnancy has its quirks, so make sure you listen to your body and monitor your nutrient intake. Certain deficiencies can be very harmful to you. For example, a lack of iron can lead to anemia. Plus, your baby has a better chance of a healthy birth weight when you include enough of this mighty mineral in your diet.
Since some of the best-absorbed iron is found in animal products, it can be difficult to get enough through food alone. So, your doctor will recommend an iron supplement to prevent anemia.
Folic acid to the rescue
This particular ingredient often gains the most attention from medical professionals and future moms, since it’s well-known to be vital for a healthy pregnancy. A folate deficiency can lead to severe issues with the baby’s spinal and brain development, which is a strong reason to add it to your diet.
Folate belongs to the group of B vitamins, and it can be very hard to come by in food. So, many pregnant ladies use folate supplements to maintain proper nutrition during pregnancy. It’s recommended for pregnant women to consume at least 400 micrograms per day, enough to prevent birth defects and keep you strong and healthy!
Vitamin and mineral bundles
To keep things simple, you can opt for a single combination of vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional ingredients that are helpful during your pregnancy. There are all kinds of supplements out there that can help your pregnancy and boost your health. For example, nutrient-dense functional medicine supplements are a great option for many moms-to-be.
Simply put, functional medicine revolves around your particular needs. It tailors a solution based on your genetics, lifestyle factors, and best possible absorption of each ingredient. Such a combination leads to better supplements for a healthy pregnancy without agitating your digestive tract. It’s a win-win in every sense for your belly and your baby.
Immune system boosters
Not only are you eating for two while you’re pregnant, but you’re also protecting two with your one and only immune system! To boost your immune system, take a look at what you’re eating. See if you can make any changes to add more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals through your diet and nutrition during pregnancy.
One way to do this is with green smoothies. These tasty treats are a delicious and easy way to “smuggle” in certain immune-boosting ingredients to your diet. It’s a great trick to sneak in foods that you might normally be unable to stomach while you’re pregnant.
In addition to your diet, you can look for a multivitamin supplement that is designed to enhance your body’s natural defenses. This will help support your immune system and prevent infections. And that way, you can eat well and have peace of mind.
Get your vitamin D in order
We all know that vitamin D is vital for your well-being even in regular circumstances. But this important vitamin is also tough to come by in its most bioavailable, or easily absorbed, forms. And, most mamas find it difficult to consume enough of this crucial vitamin through food alone, especially if they are lactose intolerant. Not every region in the world is sunny enough to give you your daily dose in that way, either.
With that in mind, prenatal vitamin D is often recommended for pregnant women to reduce the chances of deficiency. It’s especially useful for your immune system, keeping your bones strong and dense, and preventing preeclampsia.
Above all, talk to your doctor
You may know your body so well that you are tempted to reach for a supplement on your own, especially if you’re already taking something to give your diet an added health boost. However, when you’re pregnant, you should always talk to your doctor. Take the necessary precautions, check your blood work, and then make an informed decision based on your doctor’s advice.
After all, each pregnancy is unique, much like every woman is. And this is your chance to improve your health and nutrition during pregnancy in a guided, careful manner. This way, you will bring your little one into the world happy and healthy!
Looking for more awesome pregnancy tips? Check out these 5 important tips to follow during and after pregnancy, and 4 ways to love your body during pregnancy.
About the Author
Chloe is a journalist from Adelaide and a regular contributor to Smooth Decorator. She loves everything related to decor, aesthetic and lifestyle topics. She is also passionate about photography. Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world and take some stunning photographs of beautiful places. Beside all this, she enjoys drinking coffee and reading a beautiful book from time to time.
LifeAsMama
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