There are two forms of iron in foods - heme and non-heme. Moreover, your unborn baby also needs to store adequate iron for the first six months of life before he/she starts consuming solid foods. This is because, during pregnancy, your blood volume expands to accommodate the changes in your body. Inadequate iron intake may lead to anaemia. Iron is needed for the formation of red blood cells. Care should be taken, however, to avoid overcooking the vegetables as folate is easily destroyed by heat.įolic acid capsules are sold at your local pharmacy.ĥ Pregnancy Supplements You Need and Why You Need Them 2.

Due to the severe nature of neural tube defects, we strongly advise adequate folate intake of at least 800 micrograms daily before conception and throughout the first three months of pregnancy.ĭark green vegetables, for example, spinach, broccoli and asparagus citrus fruits and juices, yeast extract, liver, dried beans and fortified breakfast cereals - are rich in folate. This nutrient helps prevent neural tube defects (malformations of the brain and spinal cord) in your developing baby and anaemia in pregnant women. Folate (also known as Folic Acid)įolate is vitamin B, which is essential for cell division and organ formation. Yet, certain nutrients are especially important to ensure optimal pregnancy outcomes. More than 40 different types of nutrients are needed to sustain good health and promote your unborn child’s growth and development.

protein, folate, calcium, vitamin D and B vitamins) may be significantly higher than in the non-pregnancy state.Īs such, you should make smart choices by choosing a variety of nutrient-dense foods, rather than just eating more food! This is especially so if you now experiencing a smaller appetite.Ĭonception to Birth: Eating for a Healthy Baby Essential Nutrients for Pregnancy On the other hand, requirements for other nutrients (e.g. Good nutrition optimises the growth and development of your baby and safeguards your own health.ĭuring pregnancy, your energy requirement increases by about 300 kcal a day, which is not much compared to the average non-pregnant Singapore woman’s requirement of 1700 kcal a day. Pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. Source: Dr TAN Thiam Chye, Dr TAN Kim Teng, Dr TAN Heng Hao, Dr TEE Chee Seng John, The New Art and Science of Pregnancy and Childbirth, World Scientific 2008.Įating healthy before conception and throughout

Apple juice benefits pregnancy