The food you put in your body serves as nutritional medicine during any stage of life, but it’s especially true during pregnancy. When pregnant, the nutrients you consume are responsible for sustaining both your body and your developing baby, which is why it’s important to get the proper amount. To provide nutritional medicine to you and your baby during pregnancy, consider adding the following four foods into your diet.

Top 4 Nutrients for Pregnant Women

1. Protein

Eating foods high in protein provides a number of benefits during pregnancy. Protein-rich foods help the baby’s tissues and organs develop properly, including the brain. Protein can even benefit the expecting mother by increasing her bloody supply and forming more breast and uterine tissue to care for the fetus. Foods like peanut butter, chicken, and lean beef and pork offer plenty of protein to pregnant women.

2. Calcium

Calcium is an incredible nutritional medicine to incorporate into your diet when expecting. Your baby’s body will use calcium to build strong teeth and bones, in addition to a healthy heart, nerves, and muscular system. Three servings a day of calcium is recommended for pregnant women and can be found in things like milk, cheese, and eggs.

3. Folic Acid

Folate plays an important role in minimizing birth defects, including neural tube, brain, and spinal cord problems. Consuming the recommended amount of 600-800 micrograms of folic acid can help decrease the risk of conditions like spina bifida and anencephaly. Incorporate plenty of nuts, dried beans, and dark leafy vegetables to ensure you receive plenty of folic acid.

4. Iron

Another vital nutrient for expecting mothers and babies is iron. Foods rich in iron are responsible for increasing blood flow, which distributes oxygen through the mother and baby’s bodies. To reap the benefits of iron, doctors recommend pregnant women consume 27mg of iron daily. Foods high in iron include citrus fruits, enriched bread, and lean beef or poultry.

If you’re expecting, talk more with your doctor about the best ways to meet the nutritional needs for both you and your growing baby.

IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health is located in Honolulu, HI, and specializes in a number of important health services, from sports rehabilitation to nutritional medicine. Whether you’re pregnant and looking for ways to improve your diet or simply want to help your body feel it’s best, the physicians at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health provide compassionate and competent care. To learn more about the services they offer, visit their website or call (808) 521-8170.