07/14/2024
We are kicking off our educational series starting with *nutrition* during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, it is crucial to get necessary nutrients for both yourself and baby!
There is no one sized fits all diet during pregnancy. It is important to be kind to yourself, show yourself some grace and do the absolute best you can. Whether you're taking a food based prenatal or are trying to eat mindfully during this time, you have different ways to approach it.
Here are some key nutrients to keep in mind when choosing (prenatal) vitamins and creating balanced meals:
Folate
Benefit: Helps prevent neural tube defects (NTD)
Where to find: Citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, and legumes. It is often recommended to take a vitamin containing folic acid to ensure adequate intake!
Iron
Benefit: Helps to prevent anemia Where to find: Lean meats, dark leafy greens, and beans. Pair with foods rich in Vitamin C to aid your body’s absorption.
Calcium
Benefit: Aids the development of baby’s bones, muscles, heart and nerves
Where to find: Dairy products and dark leafy greens (which contain smaller amounts)
Vitamin D
Benefit: Helps your body absorb calcium and keeps your immune system strong
Where to find: Fatty fish, eggs, and of course, from the sun!
Iodine
Benefit: Supports the development of baby’s nervous system
Where to find: Fish, dairy, and iodized salt
DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid)
Benefit: Helps baby’s brain and eyes develop
Where to find: Fatty fish and eggs with added DHA
Don’t forget to consult your team for advice personalized to your body’s needs!
And if you are searching for more tailored support, you can find a provider on .