Pregnant Women Must Increase Vitamin C Intake

A woman’s diet especially during pregnancy should include many vitamins and what doctors believe is that a pregnant woman must increase the intake of vitamin C. New studies have suggested that if there are insufficient levels of vitamin C before and during pregnancy, there is a higher risk involved of damage to the developing baby. A low amount of vitamin C can result in a ruptured membrane and premature delivery.

The role of Vitamin C during pregnancy is quite significant. This water-soluble essential nutrient is very important for repairing tissues, collagen formation and numerous metabolic processes that include iron metabolism and converting folic acid to folinic acid.

Pregnant women should consume 85 mg of vitamin C daily as recommended by DRIs. The intake should be sufficient especially during the second trimester.

When the pregnancy approaches the end of the third trimester, the sac membranes that hold the fetus and amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus will start to rupture, a sign of onset of delivery of the baby. The membranes’ premature rupture can lead to premature delivery. An adequate amount of vitamin C intake can reduce this risk.

Collagen is the main component that folds the fetal membrane and it preserves the chorio amniotic membranes’ mechanical strength. Intrauterine or cervicovaginal infections are some of the conditions that result from low Vitamin C levels.

Vitamin C also helps to develop the baby’s teeth and bones. For the formation of hemoglobin, Vitamin C assists in proper absorption of iron. Even after pregnancy, vitamin C supplies nutrients that your baby needs during breast-feeding.

Tomatoes, citrus fruits, tomato juice, brussel sprouts, cabbage, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, and spinach are all good sources of vitamin C. However, you can take prenatal vitamins that have the recommended 85 mg of vitamin C level. Before you buy your prenatal supplement, check that the vitamin C level is appropriate. A pregnancy vitamin is the best way to include vitamin C if you have any concerns about your diet.

What to Eat During the First Trimester of Pregnancy

A good diet is the essence for a pregnant woman to be healthy and for the baby to develop normally. It is during the first trimester of pregnancy that pregnant women need to provide enough nutrients to for their body. This is when the baby starts to develop very rapidly. Major developments like brain development, lung development and overall growth takes place during this period.

It is very crucial that pregnant women eat a healthy diet even before conceiving. This will help them to prepare themselves for the whole nine months of pregnancy. But a major concern is that most pregnant women experience morning sickness and that can make it very difficult for them to eat a healthy diet. When nausea and vomiting happens, it becomes very hard for women to digest their food. The best thing you can do is take prenatal vitamins to reduce pregnancy morning sickness. You can also eat small and light meals at frequent intervals. Ginger ale and lemon drops are some of the home made remedies for a morning sickness cure.

It is also important to stay hydrated at all times. Drinking a lot of water or fluid during pregnancy is recommended by many doctors. Folic acid is a must to have during to the first trimester. Best source for folic acid is green leafy vegetables. Food high in proteins and fiber, lentils, beans, nuts and dry fruits and whole grain food are recommended during the first trimester.

Another important thing that a pregnant woman must take daily is the prenatal vitamins. The prenatal vitamins will provide all the essential nutrients that your diet is unable to provide. If there is any nutritional gap, the prenatal vitamins will fix this. However, it is better if you consult your doctor before buying any pregnancy vitamins.