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Essential Nutrients for a Healthy Pregnancy: What Every Mom Should Know
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Pregnancy is one of the most transformative times in a woman's life—and nutrition plays a starring role in ensuring both mother and baby thrive. Every bite you take fuels your body’s remarkable journey of growing new life. But with so much information out there, it can be hard to know which nutrients matter most and how to get enough of them safely.
From building your baby’s brain and bones to supporting your own energy, immune function, and tissue growth, the right nutrition sets the foundation for a healthy pregnancy and beyond. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the essential nutrients you need during pregnancy, where to find them, and how they contribute to optimal fetal development and maternal health.
Folic Acid During Pregnancy: Essential for Healthy Fetal Development
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Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is an essential water-soluble vitamin crucial for various bodily functions. It plays a significant role in DNA and RNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of healthy red blood cells. This is especially critical during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy and infancy, as folic acid ensures proper development and prevents deficiencies that can lead to severe health issues.
During pregnancy, folic acid becomes even more vital due to its role in fetal development. It is particularly important for the formation of the neural tube, which eventually develops into the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Adequate intake of folic acid before and during early pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida and anencephaly, making it an indispensable nutrient for expectant mothers.