TTC Nutrients

A famous cliché says that what you eat becomes you, which is definitely true. No matter how healthy your diet may be, you have to settle with some changes when you become pregnant. It's either you remove a little from this food or add more on that food. Whichever way, one thing is for sure; it will help you and your baby to be healthy.

1. Vitamin D
When you become pregnant, you will need to take Vitamin D to aid in the cell growth of your baby. It also optimizes the immune system of the developing baby as well it regulates blood pressure in pregnant women. Sunlight is a great source of Vitamin D.

2. Iron
The amount of blood in your body increases when you become pregnant that is why you need a lot iron to produce more hemoglobin. You will need more iron in the second and third trimesters for the growing fetus and placenta. Lentils, tuna, kidney beans and whole wheat bread are the well known sources of iron.

3. Folic Acid
Vitamin B9 or folic acid is very essential when you become pregnant in order to prevent your baby from acquiring neural tube defects. It is also crucial in the development of DNA as well as cell and tissue formation. Folic acid can be taken from green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lintels, dried beans and peas, okra, broccoli and citrus fruits and juice.

4. Calcium
Regardless of age, when you become pregnant, your calcium is used by the developing baby for bone initiation and growth thus increases the mother's needs for the mineral. Lactose-free milk, soy milk, rice drinks, salmon fish, sesame seeds and milk yogurt are some of the sources of calcium.

5. Protein
Protein is considered as the structural element of your body as well as the baby's body. Tissues and organs grow by millions of protein combining together. When you become pregnant you must eat foods like eggs, milk, cheese and lean meat.

6. Vitamin B6
Taking Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine when you become pregnant will help to reduce nausea in women. It also decreases the chances of pre-eclampsia and pre-term birth. Meat, poultry products, fish and bananas are good sources of Vitamin B6.

7. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is required when you become pregnant for the proper formation of red blood cell, neurological functions, and DNA synthesis. Fortified breakfast cereals are essential source of Vitamin B12. It is also present in the women's breastmilk.

8. Vitamin C
When you become pregnant, as much as possible, you must not catch a cold to keep you from taking medicines which might harm your baby. Vitamin C is very essential to pregnant women to increase the absorption of iron from foods as well as to prevent protein imbalance in the baby. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid can be acquired from fresh fruits and vegetables.

9. Carbohydrates
These are basically sugars which provide fuel for the body to burn up. It also plays an important role in blood clotting, cell communication and boosting immune system both the mother and the baby. When you become pregnant you must eat potatoes, cereals, and beans in order for you to have enough energy for the upcoming labor.

10. Fats
Fats are another good source of energy and are needed for the formation and proper function of the cells. These are also needed to the development of the baby's nervous system when you become pregnant. Margarine, plant oils, and peanuts are some sources of fats.

Conceiving a baby is the most precious gift given to you. When you become pregnant, it is your responsibility to provide your little angel with the nutrients he needed through eating the right kind of foods in the right amount. Visit your OBGYN and follow what they recommend you for you and your baby's benefits.