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Pregnancy Care

Prenatal

If you're expecting a baby, then one of the most important things you can do is to make sure you get the best prenatal care possible. In this article, we'll take a look at what prenatal care is, where to get it, and what to expect on your first visit to the doctor. Let's dive in! Prenatal care is the care that you receive in your pregnancy which keeps you and your baby healthy. Prenatal care helps detect health problems and complications quite early on and helps your provider suggest the appropriate treatment. Getting prenatal care early and regularly is very important. It can help you have a healthy pregnancy and a full-term baby. Being born full-term provides your baby with the necessary time in the womb to grow and develop. Who can you go to for prenatal care? You can get prenatal care from an obstetrician/gynaecologist (also called OB/GYN) who is a doctor who specializes in women's health, menstruation, childbirth, etc. and has the training to take care of pregnant women and childbirth. A certified nurse-midwife who has received education and training to care for women of all ages, including pregnant women can also help you get prenatal care for you and your baby. How often should you visit your doctor? Weeks 4 to 28 of pregnancy: One check-up every 4 weeks Weeks 28 to 36 of pregnancy: One check-up every 2 weeks Weeks 36 to 41 of pregnancy: One check-up every week In case of high-risk pregnancies, the doctor might recommend more visits. On your first prenatal check-up, talk to your doctor about: On your first meeting with your doctor, share the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) to find out your baby’s due date. Talk to your doctor about your health conditions (like — depression, anxiety, PCOS, diabetes, blood pressure problems or weight issues), allergies, family health history, and record of any treatments that you may have undergone. This information is absolutely essential to detect problems early on to minimize complications so that you and your baby stay as healthy as possible. Talk to your doctor about your pregnancy history. If you've ever had difficulties getting pregnant or previously been pregnant, let your provider know. Tell her if you experienced any pregnancy difficulties, or if your child was born prematurely, miscarried, or was stillborn. Talk to your doctor about any addictions that you may have like — smoking, drinking alcohol or drug abuse that may hurt your baby during pregnancy. Tell your doctor about the amount of stress you're under on a daily basis. High levels of stress can make pregnancy more difficult. Talk to your doctor about stress management and stress reduction techniques. What happens at your first prenatal care check-up? Your first check-up is usually the longest because your provider asks you lots of questions about your health. At your first prenatal care check-up, your provider: A physical examination will be performed to assess your overall health. Your doctor will measure your weight and height to determine how much weight you should gain during pregnancy. Blood tests and urine samples: A doctor will carry out some blood tests to detect any infections, like syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV. Blood tests can also detect anaemia, which occurs when your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen to the rest of your body. Rh factor is a protein found in the red blood cells of most people. It can cause Rh disease in your baby if you don't have it and your baby does. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can be diagnosed with blood pressure and urine tests. This is a type of hypertension that can occur during pregnancy. A high level of protein in your urine could indicate preeclampsia. Urine tests can also tell your doctor if you have a kidney or bladder infection, as well as other conditions such as diabetes. A pelvic examination and a Pap smear: For checking the pelvic organs to make sure they’re healthy a pelvic examination is conducted. A Pap smear is conducted to check for cancer and infections, like chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Your doctor will talk to you about prenatal tests: To ensure that your baby is from health problems, your doctor will perform a series of prenatal tests. You may want to have certain tests if you have specific issues or if you are at high risk of having a baby with a genetic or chromosomal condition, such as Down syndrome. If you are at risk of having a child with one of these conditions, a genetic counsellor would assist you in understanding genes, birth defects, and other medical conditions that run in families, as well as how they can affect your health and the health of your baby. Your doctor will prescribe a prenatal vitamin: This is a multivitamin designed specifically for pregnant women. These multivitamins contain Folic acid which is a vitamin that is required for proper growth and development. It can help protect your baby from birth defects of the brain and spine known as Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) and birth defects of the mouth known as cleft lip and palate. Read more: Healthy Habits to form during Pregnancy Conclusion Later prenatal care check-ups are typically shorter than the first. Be sure to share with your provider how you're feeling and what changes you’re noticing at your check-ups. This will help your provider get to know your journey better and suggest treatments that fit you the best. Make a point to ask questions you might have between visits and bring them up at your next check-up. We hope we have helped to provide some insight into what to expect from your first prenatal visit as well as those following so that you can feel confident and excited for all stages of your journey into parenthood!

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Pregnancy Care

Pregnancy care is essential for monitoring maternal and fetal health throughout pregnancy, including regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and screenings for potential complications.

All About Prenatal Care and Check-ups

All About Prenatal Care and Check-ups

If you're expecting a baby, then one of the most important things you can do is to make sure you get the best prenatal care possible. In this article, we'll take a look at what prenatal care is, where to get it, and what to expect on your first visit to the doctor. Let's dive in! Prenatal care is the care that you receive in your pregnancy which keeps you and your baby healthy. Prenatal care helps detect health problems…

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22 Jul 2023

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Prenatal Care for Each Trimester

Prenatal Care for Each Trimester

Wondering how you should go about prenatal care in each trimester of your pregnancy? What healthy pregnancy habits should you build in each trimester, which will help you and your baby get the best results? Look no further because we have got you covered! In this blog, we’re going to look at how prenatal care differs in each trimester and some prenatal care tips you should adopt to have a healthy and fulfilling pregnancy. Receiving quality prenatal and postnatal care…

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15 Jul 2023

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Unlock Your Zzz: How to Find the Best Sleep Position during Pregnancy

Unlock Your Zzz: How to Find the Best Sleep Position during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of great change—not just for your body, but for your sleep habits, too. You may find that you can’t get as much shut-eye as you did before you became pregnant, and adjusting to a new sleep schedule can be tricky. Luckily, there are some sleep positions that are more comfortable during pregnancy. We’ll walk you through them below. Keep in mind that what works for one woman might not work for another, so experiment until you…

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27 Apr 2023

Pregnancy myths we’ve all heard too often (and believed to be true!)

Pregnancy myths we’ve all heard too often (and believed to be true!)

Pregnancy and motherhood are one-of-a-kind experiences, especially for the first time. While the experience is daunting in itself with multiple hormonal and bodily changes, going by the right advice to care for yourself and the newborn can be quite a task. From midwives to parents to concerned neighbours — well-wishers’ advice on handling your pregnancy can pour in from all quarters but is all advice scientifically or medically sound? We’re not sure. So here we are to bust some of…

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26 Apr 2023

The Prenatal Self-Care Guide: How to Take Care of yourself and your Baby During Pregnancy

The Prenatal Self-Care Guide: How to Take Care of yourself and your Baby During Pregnancy

As a mom-to-be, you want to make sure that your baby gets the best start in life. Prenatal self-care is essential for both your and your baby’s health and well-being. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to take care of yourself and your baby throughout pregnancy, including the importance of exercise, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated and taking personal time for yourself. So, if you’re a mom-to-be, this prenatal self-care guide is a must-have! Let’s…

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06 Apr 2023

10 Essential Steps to Take Before Trying to Conceive With Diabetes

10 Essential Steps to Take Before Trying to Conceive With Diabetes

Are you planning to start a family but worried about how your diabetes will affect your pregnancy? Don't fret! With proper preparation, you can enjoy a healthy and successful pregnancy. In this post, we'll cover the ten essential steps that every woman with diabetes should take before trying to conceive. From optimizing blood sugar levels to consulting with healthcare providers, we've got you covered. So let's dive in and get ready for the journey ahead! What is Diabetes and Its…

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06 Apr 2023

Managing Hypertension During Pregnancy: A Guide for Expecting Mothers

Managing Hypertension During Pregnancy: A Guide for Expecting Mothers

Pregnancy is an exciting and wonderful time for any woman, but it can also come with its fair share of complications. One such issue is hypertension, which affects up to 10% of pregnant women worldwide. Managing this condition during pregnancy is crucial to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and baby. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about managing hypertension during pregnancy - from causes and symptoms to treatment options - so that you…

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06 Apr 2023

What are High-Risk Pregnancies?

What are High-Risk Pregnancies?

Pregnancy is a time of joy and anticipation for most women, but for some, it can be a time of stress and worry. High-risk pregnancies occur when there are potential complications that could affect the health of the mother, the foetus, or both. In this blog, we'll explore what high-risk pregnancies are, what causes them, and how they can be managed. Read more: Navigating the Ups and Downs of Early Pregnancy What is a High-Risk Pregnancy? All pregnancies carry risks.…

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06 Apr 2023

What is a miscarriage and how to prevent it?

What is a miscarriage and how to prevent it?

What is a miscarriage? A miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a foetus before the 20th week of pregnancy. Loss of the foetus after the 20th week is called a stillbirth. Miscarriage occurs in 8 to 20% of known pregnancies, with the majority occurring before the 12th week. It can be a very difficult time for an expecting couple as losing a child can have a significant emotional impact on them. It can cause feelings of grief and loss, and…

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06 Apr 2023

Exercise

Exercise can be an important aspect of prenatal care, helping to improve maternal health, reduce the risk of complications, and prepare the body for childbirth

How much to exercise during Pregnancy

How much to exercise during Pregnancy

Exercise is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, and it's especially important during pregnancy. However, many women are unsure of how much exercise is safe and appropriate during pregnancy. In this blog post, we'll explore how much exercise you should aim for during pregnancy to support your physical and mental health. First, it's important to note that every woman's pregnancy is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to exercise during pregnancy. The amount of exercise you should aim…

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23 Jul 2023

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Types Of Exercises For Pregnancy

Types Of Exercises For Pregnancy

Exercise is a vital part of a healthy pregnancy as it helps to make sure that you stay physically healthy throughout your pregnancy. Not only can it help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia (high blood pressure or hypertension), but it can also help you prepare for childbirth and recover more quickly after delivery. Exercising also has a positive impact on your mood and helps with pregnancy mood swings and helps mental…

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11 Apr 2023

Prenatal Sleep Exercises

Prenatal Sleep Exercises

Pregnancy can be a wonderful and exciting time, but it can also bring about its fair share of challenges. Getting enough sleep is essential for everyone, but it is especially important for pregnant women. Getting a healthy amount of sleep promotes healthy fetal development as the body releases growth hormones during sleep, which facilitate the baby's growth and development. Inadequate sleep during pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight, premature birth, and other complications. A healthy sleep routine reduces…

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10 Apr 2023

Prenatal Yogasanas for each Trimester

Prenatal Yogasanas for each Trimester

Prenatal yoga is an excellent way to keep yourself fit and healthy during pregnancy. Not only does it help you stay active, but it can also help ease discomforts such as back pain and insomnia, mood swings, mental and physical fatigue, sickness, breathing problems, and crippling leg cramps. Practising prenatal yoga also provides a great opportunity to connect with your baby and prepare your body and mind for childbirth. In this post, we'll discuss some of the best prenatal yoga…

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06 Apr 2023

Healthy Habits

Healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, managing stress, and avoiding harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco are important for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Healthy Habits Couples Should Cultivate For A Smoother Pregnancy And Childbirth Experience

Healthy Habits Couples Should Cultivate For A Smoother Pregnancy And Childbirth Experience

Pregnancy and childbirth are undoubtedly exciting experiences for couples. However, they can also be emotionally and physically taxing. Cultivating healthy habits together can help couples navigate this journey with more ease and support. In this article, we will discuss some habits couples can cultivate for a smoother pregnancy and childbirth experience. Attend Prenatal Classes Together Attending prenatal classes together is a great way for couples to learn more about pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. Prenatal classes can provide couples with important…

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28 Jul 2023

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Unlock Your Zzz: How to Find the Best Sleep Position during Pregnancy

Unlock Your Zzz: How to Find the Best Sleep Position during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of great change—not just for your body, but for your sleep habits, too. You may find that you can’t get as much shut-eye as you did before you became pregnant, and adjusting to a new sleep schedule can be tricky. Luckily, there are some sleep positions that are more comfortable during pregnancy. We’ll walk you through them below. Keep in mind that what works for one woman might not work for another, so experiment until you…

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7 minutes

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27 Apr 2023

Healthy Habits to Form During Pregnancy

Healthy Habits to Form During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an incredibly special time in a woman's life, but it can also be physically and emotionally challenging. As a result, it's important for pregnant women to take care of themselves and develop healthy habits that will not only benefit them but also their growing baby. In this article, we will discuss some healthy habits that pregnant women can develop to have a healthy and happy pregnancy. Eating a Nutritious Diet One of the most important things that pregnant…

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06 Apr 2023

Linked health conditions

Certain health conditions, such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, can be linked to pregnancy and require careful monitoring and management throughout pregnancy.

Everything You Need To Know About Preeclampsia: Causes, Risk Factors, Treatments

Everything You Need To Know About Preeclampsia: Causes, Risk Factors, Treatments

Preeclampsia can be a life-threatening condition for both mother and baby if not treated properly. In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at preeclampsia - what it is, the risk factors associated with it, and the treatments available to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. With all this information, you can make sure that you are well informed about this serious condition. Introduction to Preeclampsia preeclampsia is a disorder that can occur during pregnancy, typically after the…

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26 May 2023

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Unlock Your Zzz: How to Find the Best Sleep Position during Pregnancy

Unlock Your Zzz: How to Find the Best Sleep Position during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of great change—not just for your body, but for your sleep habits, too. You may find that you can’t get as much shut-eye as you did before you became pregnant, and adjusting to a new sleep schedule can be tricky. Luckily, there are some sleep positions that are more comfortable during pregnancy. We’ll walk you through them below. Keep in mind that what works for one woman might not work for another, so experiment until you…

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7 minutes

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27 Apr 2023

Gestational Diabetes: What You Need To Know About Symptoms, Causes, Risks, And Treatments

Gestational Diabetes: What You Need To Know About Symptoms, Causes, Risks, And Treatments

Are you pregnant and wondering about the risks of gestational diabetes? Or maybe you just want to learn more about what it is and how to treat it? If so, then this blog post is for you! Here, we will explain in detail what gestational diabetes is, its symptoms, causes, and risks, as well as the treatments available. Read on to find out more! Introduction to Gestational Diabetes Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It…

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10 Apr 2023

How Gestational Diabetes Impacts Your Baby

How Gestational Diabetes Impacts Your Baby

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that affects women during pregnancy. It usually develops in the second or third trimester and goes away after delivery. However, if left untreated, it can have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby. In this blog post, we will focus on how gestational diabetes affects a baby. Gestational diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels during pregnancy. As a result, the mother's blood sugar…

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09 Apr 2023

Pregnancy With Diabetes: What To Expect And How To Prepare

Pregnancy With Diabetes: What To Expect And How To Prepare

Diabetes can be a difficult condition to manage, but with the right preparation and help from your healthcare team, you can successfully navigate pregnancy with diabetes. In this article, we'll explore how to prepare for pregnancy when you have diabetes, the risks of gestational diabetes, and treatments for managing gestational diabetes. Read on to learn more! Introduction to Diabetes and Pregnancy If you have diabetes and are thinking about starting a family, you may be wondering how pregnancy will affect…

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Impact on mental health

Prenatal care can have an impact on mental health, with many women experiencing anxiety or mood disorders during pregnancy. Access to mental health support and resources is important for expectant mothers.

Mental Health Support During Pregnancy

Mental Health Support During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time for expecting mothers, but it can also be challenging if a mother is experiencing significant anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. It can affect her physical health and the health of the foetus. Hormonal changes, physical changes, and anxiety about the future can all take a toll on a mother's mental health. Mental health during pregnancy can also have an impact on the postpartum period. Research has shown that mothers who experience mental health…

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19 Aug 2023

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Navigating the Ups and Downs of Early Pregnancy: Coping Strategies for First-Time Moms

Navigating the Ups and Downs of Early Pregnancy: Coping Strategies for First-Time Moms

Congratulations, mama-to-be! The moment those two lines appeared on the pregnancy test, your life changed forever. You're now embarking on a journey that will be filled with ups and downs, but rest assured - you're not alone. First-time moms often find themselves overwhelmed by the physical and emotional changes of early pregnancy. But fret not! In this blog post, we'll guide you through some coping strategies that can help make this exciting yet challenging time a bit easier to navigate.…

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Mental Health During Pregnancy

Mental Health During Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings with it a mix of feelings and your feelings can be unpredictable at times. You can be bright and chirpy one moment and irritant the next. You’d also be likely to experience a lot of mood swings during pregnancy. These feelings As you are taking care of yourself as well as your baby, whatever you’re feeling is being felt by your in the same intensity, so you’d want the best for your baby. Pregnancy is a wonderful time…

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05 Aug 2023

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Mental Health Support For Miscarriage

Mental Health Support For Miscarriage

Miscarriage is a traumatic experience that affects a significant number of women and their partners. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, it is estimated that 10-20% of all clinically recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage. The emotional toll of losing a pregnancy can be devastating, and it is important to seek mental health support duringthis difficult time. What is a Miscarriage? Miscarriage is defined as the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. The most common cause…

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09 Apr 2023

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Navigating Mental Health as a Single Mom: How To Find Support And Overcome Struggles

Navigating Mental Health as a Single Mom: How To Find Support And Overcome Struggles

Single motherhood can be an incredibly isolating journey. As a single parent, you are the sole provider for your children and carry the entire weight of the household on your shoulders. This can take an immense toll on your mental health, leaving youfeeling overwhelmed and exhausted. In this blog, we’ll explore how to find support and overcome these struggles while navigating mental health as a single mom. Acknowledging the Struggles of Single Moms As a single mom, it’s easy to…

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06 Apr 2023

Stress Management During Pregnancy

Stress Management During Pregnancy

It is common for moms-to-be to have feelings of anxiety during their pregnancy. They may stress about the well-being of their baby, stress about preparing for the baby's arrival, stress about their bodies, and stress about the changes in their body. Especially the hormonal changes during pregnancy can influence your mood and these mood swings can make dealing with stress even more difficult. If stress persists during pregnancy, it can increase the chances of having a preterm baby (born before…

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Nutrition

Nutrition is a key aspect of prenatal care, as the body requires a range of nutrients to support fetal development and maternal health. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and protein is recommended, along with prenatal vitamins and adequate hydration.

Folic Acid Is A Prenatal Super-Nutrient: Here’s Why You Need It During Pregnancy

Folic Acid Is A Prenatal Super-Nutrient: Here’s Why You Need It During Pregnancy

Pregnant or expecting mothers must take extra special care of their diets in order to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. While there are many options for prenatal nutrition, one nutritional powerhouse that is especially important for pregnant women is folic acid. Read on to learn why folic acid is so important during pregnancy and how you can make sure you’re getting enough of it in your diet. Folic Acid in Prenatal Nutrition Folic acid is a nutrient found in…

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06 Aug 2023

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Unlocking The Power Of Vitamin B: Why Prenatal Nutrition Must Include This Key Nutrient

Unlocking The Power Of Vitamin B: Why Prenatal Nutrition Must Include This Key Nutrient

When it comes to prenatal nutrition, it can be difficult to keep up with all the information out there. But one key nutrient that cannot be overlooked is vitamin B. In this article, we'll explore why vitamin B is so important and what foods are rich in this essential nutrient. Discover how unlocking the power of vitamin B can make all the difference when it comes to successful prenatal nutrition! Introduction Vitamin B is essential for pregnant women and their…

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10 Apr 2023

Vital Vitamin D: Why It’s Essential for Prenatal Nutrition and Your Baby

Vital Vitamin D: Why It’s Essential for Prenatal Nutrition and Your Baby

Prenatal nutrition is vital for the healthy development of a baby, and an essential part of that is making sure you’re getting enough Vitamin D. But why is Vitamin D so important? In this article, we'll explore the reasons why mom and baby need to get ample amounts of this nutrient during pregnancy – and how it can benefit both in the long run. What is Vitamin D and its Benefits? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a…

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10 Apr 2023

Essential Vitamins and Minerals Needed during Pregnancy

Essential Vitamins and Minerals Needed during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time when a woman's body goes through a lot of changes, including increased nutritional needs. Adequate intake of vitamins and minerals during pregnancy is important to ensure the health and development of the baby, as well as to support the health of the mother. Here are some of the most important vitamins and minerals that are needed during pregnancy: Folic acid: We already talked about folic acid in the previous blog posts, but it is worth mentioning…

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10 Apr 2023

Prenatal Nutrition: What Foods Should You Eat?

Prenatal Nutrition: What Foods Should You Eat?

Get over your pregnancy cravings by eating something nutritious. Pregnancy is a time when a woman's body goes through many changes, and it is important to maintain a healthy diet to support both the mother and the growing baby. Eating a nutritious diet during pregnancy is linked to good brain development and healthy birth weight, and can reduce the risk of many birth defects. There are some nutrients that are absolutely essential in a prenatal diet like protein, vitamins and…

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06 Apr 2023

What are Prenatal Vitamins and What Do They Do?

What are Prenatal Vitamins and What Do They Do?

Prenatal vitamins are a crucial component of a healthy pregnancy. They are specifically designed to provide expectant mothers with the essential nutrients needed to support the growth and development of their babies. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of prenatal vitamins, the key nutrients they contain, and tips for choosing the right prenatal vitamin for you. Why are Prenatal Vitamins Important? Prenatal vitamins help ensure that a woman gets the necessary nutrients during pregnancy, even if her diet…

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06 Apr 2023