Nicole Sparks, MD is a paid partner. All opinions are her own.
How to Prepare for a healthy pregnancy
Pregnancy is such an exciting time and preparing for pregnancy begins even before you get that first positive pregnancy test.
Eating healthy foods, exercising regularly and taking a prenatal vitamin should all begin before trying to conceive.
Making an appointment with your doctor and discussing your medical history, medications, lifestyles and behaviors is important before getting pregnant.
As you progress in your pregnancy, the demands of your body increase as well. Although it is said that you are now “eating for two” the truth is, you only need an additional 340 daily calories beginning in the second trimester to help support your growing baby.
Nutrition
Your body also needs many important vitamins to sustain a healthy pregnancy. Folic acid is extremely important to help support the baby’s development, including brain development,* and it is difficult to get an adequate amount of folic acid from food alone, so we recommend taking a daily prenatal supplement with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid starting at least one month before pregnancy and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
I recommend your prenatal supplement should contain some key ingredients including:
- Folic acid & choline: both help support healthy brain development*
- Iron: helps red blood cells deliver oxygen to the fetus
- Iodine
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
Choline plays a key role in the brain development of your baby.* Although choline is naturally found in chicken, beef, eggs, milk, and soy products, it may not be enough to meet the demands of pregnancy.
MegaFood’s Baby & Me 2 Prenatal Multi is formulated with methylated folate and choline for healthy brain development in the fetus,* and can be taken at any time of the day even on an empty stomach! Baby & Me 2 Prenatal Multi also has key added nutrients recommended in pregnancy like iron and Vitamin B12 and contains real food like organic oranges and broccoli.
Postpartum support is important as well.
Vitamins are not only important for before and during your pregnancy but in the postpartum period as well. In addition to having a good support system, your changing postpartum body needs support as well via a healthy diet and high-quality supplements, especially when breastfeeding.
MegaFood’s Baby & Me 2 Postnatal Multi supports optimal postnatal nutrition for nursing mothers* and contains important nutrients like Vitamin C and D3 and real food like organic oranges and brown rice.
Movement
Exercise and physical activity in pregnancy has great benefits for both mother and baby and is usually associated with minimal risks. If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, we recommend regular aerobic and strength conditioning exercise before, during and after your pregnancy. If you have complications, discuss with your doctor first before beginning any exercise program.
What are safe exercises in pregnancy?
- Walking
- Stationary cycling
- Stretching
- Water aerobics
- Dancing
- Resistance exercises using weights or resistance bands
If you have questions about diet, exercise or supplements in pregnancy, be sure to speak to your healthcare provider. Baby & Me 2 Prenatal and Postnatal supplements contain the necessary ingredients to help support a healthy pregnancy and a healthy postpartum journey.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.