Prenatal Nutrition

You are pregnant, you are finally past your morning sickness, so it is finally time to indulge and eat all you want, right? While there is the idea that you are “eating for two,” you must remember that your Number 2 is a very tiny human being. A healthy diet will promote the health and development of your growing baby. At Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A. we understand that there is no magic formula to create the perfect diet for all pregnant women; however, there are certain standards to follow that will help mothers feed themselves and their baby or babies properly.

Perhaps the most commonly known nutrient that pregnant women are familiar with is Folic Acid. Folic Acid is the synthetic form of Folate – a B vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects, serious abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord. Taking a good prenatal vitamin will help to ensure that you are acquiring the amount of folic acid that you need.

Calcium and Vitamin D are other nutrients that pregnant women need to be concerned about. Calcium and Vitamin D are necessary for building strong bones and teeth, and calcium is required for the circulatory, muscular, and nervous systems running normally. While calcium can be found in prenatal vitamins, calcium is best absorbed by the consumption of dairy products and calcium-fortified juice.

Protein is crucial for pregnant women and their growing babies. Protein is crucial for a baby’s growth in the second and third trimesters, and it is necessary for pregnant mothers to sustain their energy throughout the day.

Iron is used in the body to make hemoglobin, a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body’s tissues. During pregnancy, a woman’s blood volume expands and makes the body require a double dose of iron. For women who are not getting enough iron, they become fatigued and more susceptible to infections. The risk for preterm labor is also increased in pregnant women who are low on iron. Therefore, iron is a necessary nutrient that will be closely monitored throughout pregnancy to prevent anemia.

At Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A. we are here to support women throughout their entire pregnancies. Helping them to achieve a good diet that is full of the required nutrients for a healthy pregnancy and growing baby is always taken seriously. If you are pregnant and looking for comprehensive prenatal care here in Marietta, please call Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A. today to schedule an appointment.