| Pregnancy! Ah, the excitement. Oh, the many | | | | birth defects such as spina bifida. There are lots |
| questions. Did you know that a pregnant woman | | | | of foods that provide folic acid. See how some of |
| needs 300 more calories than she normally would? | | | | your faves line up. Cereal, rice, pasta, spinach, and |
| Her need for calcium, iron, and folic acid are | | | | wholegrain breads. How does it stack up for you? |
| greater now than ever. The growing baby needs | | | | In addition to all this, pregnant women need to |
| lots of calcium to grow healthy teeth and bones. | | | | stay well hydrated. This will help prevent some of |
| How much calcium does a pregnant woman need? | | | | the annoyances of pregnancy and more serious |
| Well, about 1000 milligrams, or about 40% more | | | | things, like preterm labor. |
| than she already gets if she is getting adequate | | | | A pregnant woman always needs to be careful |
| amounts before pregnancy. See, like a lot? You | | | | about food poisoning. Raw meat, Raw poultry, |
| would be surprised where you can find the | | | | and raw eggs are some key things that cause |
| calcium that you need. Low-fat dairy products | | | | illness. |
| contain a great amount of calcium, as do green | | | | Also, they need to be aware that raw milk and |
| vegetables, dried beans and cereal. | | | | unpasteurized cheese can carry listeria. There is |
| Did you know that one of the most common | | | | quite a list of sea food that needs to be avoided |
| problems of pregnant women is anemia? Anemia | | | | because of the mercury content. The mercury |
| is very simple to keep from happening. Just get | | | | level can be so high in some fish that it could |
| the right amount of iron, or about 27-30 mg a | | | | harm the baby. |
| day. This will help to keep unwanted cramps at | | | | Finally, drugs, alcohol, and caffeine need to be |
| bay, as well as give an overall feeling of well being. | | | | eliminated. Not only can these cause birth defects, |
| You can get iron from eating red meat, dried | | | | but at birth the baby may show withdrawal |
| fruits, salmon, eggs, and leafy vegetables. | | | | symptoms. You are making choices now for two |
| Folic Acid is another crucial mineral. This prevents | | | | not just one. Make your choices wisely. |