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Three Nutrients You Need While Pregnant

Everyone wants a healthy baby, but not everyone knows what a growing baby needs to develop normally. Below are three nutrients you need while pregnant.

Folic Acid

Several studies have concluded that taking folic acid every day before pregnancy can significantly reduce birth defects related to the neural tube. The reason it's necessary to take folic acid BEFORE getting pregnant is because the brain and spinal column are among the first to develop so it needs to be in your system in the earliest stages. Early studies have also shown folic acid to help reduce the likelihood of miscarriages for some women.

Iron

It's advised to consume iron rich foods or begin taking an iron supplement before and during pregnancy because of the transference of blood as your baby develops. If you are iron deficient it may cause complications when you lose blood while giving birth and also impacts your baby's development before birth.

It is possible to get the needed amount of iron through food, but in the later stages of pregnancy you may find certain foods unappealing which makes a supplement necessary. If you feel weak or fatigued after giving birth, it may also be the result of iron deficiency.

Calcium

It's important to always remember that your baby can only be as healthy as you are. If you are calcium deficient, it not only weakens your bones, but presents the possibility of effecting your baby's bone development. Iron and Calcium work against one another in the body, with iron having a negative effect on calcium absorbtion.

If you need to take both supplements you may want to take your iron supplement in the morning and your calcium supplement in the evening to improve absorbtion.

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Three Nutrients You Need While Pregnant

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