​Are you Pregnant? These Nutrients will help you give Birth to a Healthy Baby!

During pregnancy, the need for nutrient intake is increased. The following nutrients have been scientifically validated to help maintain a safe and healthy pregnancy. 1. Folic acid Folic acid also known as vitamin B9 is very important for the development of a healthy foetus. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects which are serious birth defects of the spinal cord and the brain. Folic acid helps reduce preterm delivery and low birth weight. The most important work of folic acid is done early in pregnancy, before a woman even realizes she’s having a baby. During the first 30 days of pregnancy, folic acid helps to prevent defects of the neural tube, which becomes the spinal cord and brain. Pregnant women also need folic acid throughout pregnancy to support rapid cell production. Foods and fruits that contains folic acid are oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, corn, green peas, okra, peanuts, carrot. 2. Iodine . Iodine is essential for the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system. It also regulates your baby’s metabolism. A lack of iodine during pregnancy has been linked with an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery and stillbirth. Research suggests that iodine supplement during pregnancy helps to boost the child’s IQ. Iodine can be found in cranberries and yogurt. The correct dosage of Iodine needed in pregnancy is 140 micrograms per day and 290 mcg per day while breastfeeding. 3 Iron: Iron helps you maintain a healthy immune system and also iron helps in growing your baby and also the baby’s placenta. The body uses iron to make extra blood for the mother and her baby during pregnancy. Iron also helps move oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Getting enough iron can prevent a condition of too few red blood cells, a condition called Iron Deficiency Anaemia, which can make you feel tired. Having anaemia can cause your baby to be born too small or too early. Iron-deficiency during pregnancy is associated with preterm delivery, low birth weight, and infant mortality. Foods that contains Iron includes chicken liver, cashew nuts, peanuts, whole grains. Dosage of iron required by pregnant women is 27 milligrams (mg) of iron per day. 4. Calcium: Calcium helps your baby grow a strong teeth and bone. Calcium also helps your baby grow a healthy heart, nerves, and muscles as well as develop a normal heart rhythm and also allows the blood to clot normally. It helps your baby grow and fortifies your breast milk. A deficiency in calcium can lead to muscle cramps and numbness in fingers and toes. Foods that contains calcium are low fat yogurt, okra, and sardines. Other nutrients includes Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B1, B2, B6, B12, Zinc, Copper, Biotin, Pantothenic acid. Studies have shown that even a healthy and balanced diet alone may not be able to supply the additional nutrients in pregnancy. Therefore, it is recommended that supplementation with multivitamins specially formulated for pregnant women is required. Evergreen Natal care is a scientifically formulated multivitamins for pregnant and breastfeeding women with the right dose of essential vitamins and minerals needed to maintain a safe and healthy pregnancy.