Nutrition for Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Are you pregnant or planning to conceive? Nutrition is a vital part of a healthy pregnancy. Eating a well-balanced diet can help support your baby’s growth and development, while also keeping you healthy.

Essential Nutrients for a Healthy Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body needs more nutrients than usual. Here are some essential nutrients that are crucial for a healthy pregnancy:

• Folic Acid: Folic acid is a B-vitamin that helps prevent birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine. You can get folic acid from leafy green vegetables, fortified cereals, and supplements.
• Iron: Iron is necessary for making hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to your body. Your body needs more iron during pregnancy to make more blood for you and your baby. Good sources of iron include lean red meat, beans, spinach, and fortified cereals.
• Calcium: Calcium is essential for building strong bones and teeth. You can get calcium from dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and calcium-fortified foods.
• Protein: Protein is important for your baby’s growth and development. Good sources of protein include lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, and tofu.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain and eye development. You can get omega-3s from fatty fish, such as salmon, as well as from flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts.

Best Foods to Eat During Pregnancy

Eating a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods can help ensure that you and your baby get all the nutrients you need. Here are some of the best foods to eat during pregnancy:

• Leafy green vegetables
• Colorful fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean protein sources, such as poultry, fish, beans, and tofu
• Dairy products
• Nuts and seeds

It’s also important to stay hydrated during pregnancy. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, and more if you’re active or it’s hot outside.

Nutrition Services at Nao Medical

At Nao Medical, we offer nutrition services to support you throughout your pregnancy journey. Our experienced nutritionists can help you create a healthy eating plan that meets your needs and preferences. We also offer group classes on nutrition and healthy eating during pregnancy.

In addition to nutrition services, we provide comprehensive prenatal care, including regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and screenings to ensure the health of you and your baby. Our caring and knowledgeable staff are here to support you every step of the way.