Nutrients needed during pregnancy

UMMATIMES -Important Nutrients During Pregnancy. As gestational age increases, the nutritional needs of pregnant women will increase, especially after entering the second trimester of pregnancy. Because at that time, fetal growth takes place rapidly - especially the development of the brain and nervous system? and requires optimal nutritional intake. (Related article: Nutrition of pregnant women)

The nutrients required are:

1. Carbohydrates and fats as a source of energy to produce calories can be obtained from cereals, tubers.

2. Protein as a source of building blocks can be obtained from meat, fish, eggs and nuts.

3. Minerals as a regulatory agent can be obtained from fruits and vegetables.

4. Vitamin B complex is useful for maintaining the nervous system, muscles and heart to function normally. Can be found in cereals, seeds, nuts, green vegetables, yeast, eggs and dairy products.

5. Vitamin D is useful for the growth and formation of your baby's bones. The source is found in fish liver oil, egg yolks and milk.

6. Vitamin E is useful for the formation of healthy red blood cells. Eat whole grain institutions especially whole grains, nuts, vegetable oils and leafy greens.

7. Folic acid is useful for the development of the nervous system and blood cells, many are found in dark green vegetables such as spinach, cauliflower and broccoli. In fruits, folic acid is found in oranges, bananas, carrots and tomatoes. The need for folic acid during pregnancy is 800 mcg per day, especially in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Lack of folic acid can interfere with brain formation, to congenital defects in the central nervous system and fetal brain.

8. Iron, which pregnant women need to avoid anemia, is found in green vegetables (such as spinach, kale, cassava leaves, papaya leaves), meat and liver.

9. Calcium is needed for the growth of fetal bones and teeth, as well as to protect pregnant women from osteoporosis. If the mother's calcium needs are not fulfilled, the calcium deficiency will be taken from the mother's bones. Other sources of calcium are green vegetables and nuts. Currently, calcium is best obtained from milk and its processed products. Milk also contains many vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, B2, B3, and vitamin C.