Essential nutrients that should be consumed by pregnant women.

 Consumption of healthy foods is a must for pregnant women. In addition to healthy foods, pregnant women are also required to consume some nutritional intake to meet the needs of physical development and intelligence of the baby during the womb.

Therefore, pregnant women are required to ensure the nutritional content of foods consumed beneficial and nutritious. Quoted from Female First, there are some important nutrients that should be consumed by pregnant women. Anything?

Folic acid

Folic acid significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects (NTD), such as spina bifida. Women are recommended to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily during the pregnancy program and continue during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, as the baby's spine develops.

Sources of folic acid foods include green vegetables, leafy, brown rice, and cereals.

Omega 3 DHA and EPA

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients for health. Not only to maintain the balance of brain function, but also contribute to the development of the baby's brain and eyes.

Researchers have found that babies born to mothers with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids at the time of delivery have a higher life expectancy until the second year of life.

Food sources of omega 3 fatty acids can be found in oily fish such as salmon, fresh tuna, mackerel, sardines, and others with 1-2 servings per week.

Iron

In addition to producing blood, iron also maintains the immune system. Iron is the main nutrient for brain development. Pregnant women need extra iron that can be obtained in red meat, dried fruit, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables.

Protein

Proteins are found in every cell of the body, forming skin, muscles, hair, fingernails and all other tissues. They provide structure to the cells and help them function properly, and help cells repair themselves.

During pregnancy, the protein you consume will help your baby grow normally and also make antibodies to their immune system and be able to function oxygen transport through the blood.

In addition, your need for protein increases during pregnancy, therefore multiply protein intake such as meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, milk, peas (peanuts), nuts, seeds, soybeans (including tofu) during pregnancy .

Calcium

Needed to build baby bones of the baby. Calcium also helps keep blood pressure healthy. If you do not eat enough during pregnancy, then you will lose some of your bone mass to supplement your fetal calcium needs. It increases the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

Calcium-rich foods that should be consumed daily include milk, yogurt, cheese, fortified foods such as dairy alternatives and green vegetables. (Ren)