Preparing To Be A Mother

Preparing To Be A Mother

Before pregnancy, the physical preparation of the mother is very important, for the cells that later will develop into a fetus, is getting enough nutrients so it can grow and develop properly. A healthy body and ideal weight, supported again by the intake of essential nutrients during pregnancy, the key of success to have a healthy baby.

Folic Acid
Vitamin B is important is consumed before the mother was pregnant, because it can prevent the occurrence of disturbances in fetal neural tube formation, which can cause defects in infants. At the time of pregnancy, also required additional folic acid to meet the needs of a growing fetus. When was the mother should consume folic acid? Most important is the amount it consumes enough, whether from food or from supplements (400 mcg a day), from the time before the time of conception until 12 weeks gestation. Better yet, when women at childbearing age have started taking folic acid, because chances are they can get pregnant without their knowledge. Foods rich in folic acid, among others, in vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, spinach, cauliflower, corn, green beans, and fruits such as oranges. But folate contained therein can be easily damaged when cooked. Folic acid intake can also be found in milk and cereal, which has been given extra folic acid.

Iron
Many women who suffer from anemia, due to a lack of iron intake in food. Foods such as meat, eggs, cereals and grains be a source of iron. Can also be assisted, with the provision of supplements, which contain about 30 mg of iron a day, taken for 6 months of pregnancy. Larger doses required when there is anemia.

Calcium and Vitamin D
To make a bone become stronger, both the mother and child. Intake can be obtained from milk, soy nuts and margarine. Vitamin D obtained from sunlight.

Mother’s weight
Mother’s weight will affect the health and weight of the baby. Mothers during pregnancy has the ideal body weight, body weight should have increased between 11.5 to 16 kg during pregnancy. For mothers with less weight, weight gain during pregnancy, more and more that is between 12.5 to 18 kg. And for mothers who have excess weight, weight gain during pregnancy, preferably between 7 to 11.5 kg.

It’s recommended that you consult with your doctor in the appropriate regulation of body weight. And is not recommended to go on a diet to lose weight.