The most common nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy include anemia followed by folate deficiency.  But folate coexists with iron deficiency. Because iron is used to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carry oxygen to the tissues giving your oxygenated blood a red color, and your blood volume expands during pregnancy to accommodate the changes in your body, you need to consume more red meat!  Iron deficiency in infants might slow the auditory nervous system development, meaning the babies ability to comprehend sound (according to the University of Rochester Medical Center)

Your growing fetus also needs calcium & vitamin D that most moms don’t get enough for strong bones, teeth, circulatory, muscular & nervous system to run at their peak. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium so eat that fatty fish like salmon and orange juice plus milk of course. Let’s end on a positive note, all keratinized cells like: hair, skin, & nails will look super sexy during pregnancy especially while taking those loaded prenatal vitamins.

With all this talk of prenatal vitamins and their importance and we forgot to mention getting the importance of getting nutrients from the source. If you are lactose intolerant and don’t drink milk, did you know that other than dairy both broccoli and kale have a large source of calcium?

If you are vegetarian, iron doesn’t have to come from animals.  Beans like lentils, red tomato sauce, grains, prune juice, & nuts and seeds are great sources.
The iron in prenatal vitamins can also cause constipation & nausea and if you’re in your 1st trimester even worst.  Your body is absorbing all the nutrients in your food as your little parasite is stealing them. Lol! They now make prenatals with stool softeners.  They truly are miracle workers.

What is DHA in prenatal vitamins?

DHA shortened for Docosahexaenoic acid is an omega 3 fatty acid found in cold water fish like tuna and salmon with Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) that are great for pregnant women. While pregnant you need at least 200 mg daily to help support your developing baby's brain, eyes, and nervous system.  Studies have shown that the daily adequate dose of DHA can help prevent pre-term labor (delivery before 36 weeks gestational age), increase birth weight, and supports postpartum mood in new moms. Basically it's good for you and the baby's brain.

Now to stop that constant upset stomach, try peppermint oil and acupressure wristbands like the NoMo Nausea Band. The first and only natural combination of the two to stop nausea and vomiting instantly. Peppermint essential oil when smelled via aromatherapy helps to stop vomiting immediately because the fastest way into the brain is thru the nose. Acupressure can elict beta endorphins or anti-nausea hormones when the right amount of pressure is placed at the P6 point of the wrist. 

Check out NoMoNausea.com for exact instructions.  Each technique about 50% effective at reducing morning sickness.  And now NoMo Nausea Band has made it even easier by combining both into a stylish & waterproof wristband that is clinically proven to stop 80% of your worst pregnancy upset stomach. You can find NoMo Nausea at select Harmon sections within Bed Bath & Beyond and BuyBuy Baby locations or grab one on amazon today.