Pregnancy & Nutrition: What You Need to Know

When you are pregnant (especially with your first) you have advice coming from all directions. .and it can get quite overwhelming. I remember my first pregnancy – one day someone would swear by something, and the next day someone would swear the opposite. For the most part you will learn by trial and error – and ultimately your body will tell you, and you’ll know what’s right. But one thing they will tell you, no matter who you talk to, is to make sure you get the proper amount of nutrients during your pregnancy.

There are quite a few essential vitamins/nutrients that doctors recommend you take heed of, and make sure that you are getting enough daily – and for good reason. All of the following nutrients & vitamins not only helps your baby develop, but helps you in your pregnancy as well.

Vitamin A & Beta Carotene (770 mcg) – helps bones and teeth grow

Vitamin D (5 mcg) – Helps body use calcium and phosphorus; promotes strong teeth and bones

Vitamin E (15 mg) – Helps body form and use red blood cells and muscles

Vitamin C (80 – 85 mg) – An antioxidant that protects tissues from damage and helps body absorb iron; builds healthy immune system

Thiamin/B1 (1.4 mg)- Raises energy level and regulates nervous system

Riboflavin/B2 (1.4 mg)- Maintains energy, good eyesight, healthy skin

Niacin/B3 (18 mg)- Promotes healthy skin, nerves and digestion

Pyridoxine/B6 (1.9 mg) – Helps form red blood cells; helps with morning sickness

Folic Acid/Folate (600 mcg) – Helps support the placenta, and prevents spina bifida and other neural tube defects

Iron (27 mg) – Helps in the production of hemoglobin; prevents anemia, low birth weight, and premature delivery

Protein (71 g) – Helps in the production of amino acids; repairs cells

Zinc (11-12 mg) – Helps produce insulin and enzymes

Calcium (1,000 – 1,300 mg) – Creates strong bones and teeth, helps prevent blood clots, helps muscles and nerves function. Protects your bone density, and possibly prevent high blood pressure while pregnant.

A majority of these nutrients/vitamins can be met with a healthy balanced diet, however, more than 1,000 OB/GYN’s were surveyed* and reported that they discuss calcium needs more with pregnant women than they do women going through menopause. Over half also recommend that pregnant women take a calcium supplement during pregnancy.

You don’t need to take extra calcium when you are pregnant, but you do need to take in enough calcium to meet your daily requirements. Many multi- and prenatal vitamins only provide about 20-30% of the daily recommended amount of calcium for pregnant women – so what can you do??

I’ve always made sure to meet my calcium requirements with Viactiv calcium chews.

Taking just 2 Viactiv calcium chews a day will meet your daily 1000 mg calcium requirements! They are also the #1 doctor-recommended calcium supplement chew.

They help you obtain the adequate daily dose of calcium to your body, when your diet isn’t enough. They come in 2 delicious flavors – milk chocolate and caramel, which is a welcomed relief to a pregnant woman who gets a bit sick of the taste and texture of a regular vitamin or supplement. (It helps me when I’m nauseous from taking pills! Such a sweet flavor!)

Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews are available in milk chocolate and caramel flavors at major retailers including CVS, Rite Aid, Target, and Walmart, as well as supermarkets nationwide. Print this coupon to save $2 on your next in-store purchase of Viactiv.

Learn more about Viactiv at www.Viactiv.com.

This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation on behalf of Viactiv that contains affiliate links. I received Viactiv products for my own personal use. This post is not intended to address or diagnose any medical conditions. All opinions, text and experiences are my own. 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. Please speak with your healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.