Eat Right for a Healthy Pregnancy
EAT RIGHT FOR A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
Your growing baby demands more as you eat for two. Read on to find out what are the key nutrients you need in your daily diet for healthier mom and baby!
BETTER GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
What is good for the mother is also good for the baby.
Consume more protein to:
- Aid in baby’s healthy growth and development especially during the second and third trimesters where your baby undergo a rapid growing process.
- Mom’s optimal breast and uterine tissue growth during pregnancy.
HEALTH TIP!
RNI: 1st trimester: +0.5g/day
2nd trimester: +8g/day
3rd trimester: +25g/day
BUILD STRONGER BONES
Calcium intake increases during pregnancy to at least three servings a day to:
- Aid in baby’s healthy development of bones and teeth.
- Regulate mom’s body use of fluid.
- Restore mom’s calcium storage.
HEALTH TIP!
RNI: 20-49 years old: 1,000 mg/day
HAVE A SMART BABY
Omega-3 fatty acids comprise of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) which are vital for the following:
- Supports the fetal’s development of brain, eyes, and nervous system.
- Supports mom’s brain health.
- Prevents inflammation.
HEALTH TIP!
ISSFAL DHA: 300 mg/day
SUPPORT RED BLOOD CELL PRODUCTION
An array of essential multivitamins and iron in pregnant women helps to:
- Close mom’s nutrition gaps so both mom and baby obtain all essential nutrients to maintain a healthy body.
- Support the production of red blood cell to help bring oxygen and deliver it to the baby and prevent anaemia in mom1.
HEALTH TIP!
RNI (IRON): 100 mg/day
REDUCE RISK OF BIRTH DEFECTS
Complete B vitamins such as vitamin B12, folate, vitamin B6, biotin, pantothenic acid, niacin, thiamine and riboflavin are essential to boost mom’s and baby’s health by:
- Supporting baby’s neural tube development.
- Boosting natural energy for moms and the growing baby.
- Preventing birth defects such as spine and brain with folic acid² especially during the early stage of pregnancy.
HEALTH TIP!
RNI (folic acid): 600μg/day
KEY TO PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Besides acting as an antioxidant and enhance immune cell production, vitamin C is crucial for pregnant women to:
- Assist in the formation of connective tissue, muscle and bone growth.
- Support absorption of iron.
- Support formation of collagen which is an integral part of the blood vessel.
HEALTH TIP!
RNI: 80 mg/day
REFERENCES:
1. S. Margareet Schoorl, S. Marianne, G. Derek van der dan B.Piet C.M., Effect of iron supplementation on red blood cell hemoglobin content in pregnancy, 2012 Nov 19; 4(4): e24.
2. M. Sarah D, F. Sarah, T. Larissa, L. Jane, CW.Mark, The Prevention of Congetial Anomalies with Periconceptional Folic Acid Supplementation, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
