Prof.Dr.Hofi Site - Nutrition in Pregnancy

Nutrition in Pregnancy

*Adequate Folic acid and B vitamins virtually eliminates such defects as Spina bifida

*Another reason for adequate Folic acid intake is a new finding that it could help avoid Downs Syndrome

*Be sure to eat good quality protein during the 6th-7th month-when there is a growth spurt in the baby's brain.

*Increase calcium and magnesium with dairy products or supplements to ease those 'charley horse' leg cramps

Fetal Development

*The first 3 months are critical-with brain and hearing developing at a fast rate. Find out whether you have had the three-day or `German` measles, if not be careful of exposure at this time.

* Developing brains in the womb, in infancy and in childhood, especially require omega-3-type fish oil to construct the best neuronal architecture and biochemical wiring.DHA alone (even in vegetarian form), is specifically recommended for pregnant and lactating women to enhance fetal and infant brain development.

* Caffeine can affect a developing fetus by speeding the heart rate and by potentially restricting the flow of blood through the placenta.

Labor And Delivery

*In the last trimester, it is best not to take any aspirin or Vitamin E since these tend to thin your blood; gingko biloba also acts in this way and I cannot imagine any reason for a pregnant woman to take this herb, anyway.

*If you're overdue, nipple stimulation might bring on labor, or try a good long walk

*Don't laugh,I did this: Do not put cream on your legs before labor-labor is work, work the lubrication makes an uncomfortable mess,and you can't hold your legs during pushing. Weird advice, I know.

*Try to avoid induction of labor or addition of pitocin (See Pitocin below)

Recovery

*The more quickly you are up and about,the more quickly you recover.

*If you rub your lower abdomen to keep the uterus clamped and hard, you will bleed less and there is less clotting.