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Tag: pregnancy - Organic Lifestyle Magazine Tag: pregnancy - Organic Lifestyle Magazine

FDA Says to Avoid Repeated or Lengthy Sedation or Anesthesia for Pregnant Women and Children Under Three

Studies on childhood brain development in children under three have found that long or repeated exposure to general anesthesia has the potential to negatively affect that growth. The Food and Drug Administration has recently issued a warning regarding the use of general anesthesia and sedation drugs for children under three and pregnant women in their third trimester to make consumers aware of the possible side effects. The list of drugs includes commonly used anesthetics like lorazepam, ketamine, and midazolam, among others.

Janet Woodcock, the director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research released a statement regarding the FDA’s position on the new labeling requirements. “…based on the FDA’s comprehensive analysis of the latest published scientific studies, we are issuing a Drug Safety Communication to inform health care providers, parents and caregivers of children younger than three years, and pregnant women in their third trimester, that the repeated or lengthy (more than three hours) use of general anesthetic and sedation drugs may adversely affect children’s developing brains.”

Better Safe Than Sorry

Anesthesia or sedation are medically necessary in many cases and generally considered safe. Low-risk patients see a death rate of 1 in 300,000. Common non-emergency cases of sedation or anesthesia in small children include abdominal issues; nose, ear, and throat conditions; and dental procedures. The use of general anesthesia in emergency situations cannot always be avoided. The new warning label required by the FDA is intended to raise awareness of the potential effects of anesthesia on brain development during its crucial development years.

Obstetricians Have Objections

As of right now, no one has taken issue with the warning labels in regards to children. Extending the warning to pregnant women in their third trimester, however, has been more controversial. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) registered their disapproval on the inclusion of pregnant women in this warning, claiming they are “…unaware of data on pregnant women that support the FDA’s claims. These warnings may cause patients and providers to inappropriately reject the use of these medically indicated drugs.” Both animal and human clinical trials were studied for the safety advisory, but the actual human trials were only done on children.

Developing Brains Should Avoid Unnecessary Sedation

Babies have amazing, malleable brains that are developing by leaps and bounds. It’s often hard to see how much they’re learning and developing until much later in life. A caution advisory like the one issued by the FDA is designed to preserve that activity. While the ACOG makes a good point considering the clinical studies did not specifically test human pregnant women, it’s hard to see why exercising caution and sedating pregnant women only when necessary is such an issue.

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The Need for Stress Reduction in Gestational Hypertension

A significant increase  in blood volume (approximately 40-50%) naturally occurs during pregnancy to ensure there is an adequate blood supply to nourish the placenta, to protect the mother from going into shock during labour (due to excessive blood loss), and to provide a storage of fluids for breast milk production. This considerable increase often predisposes the pregnant mother to high blood pressure (hypertension) and excess swelling, especially around the feet and or ankles.

Pharmaceutical and natural diuretics decrease the body’s fluid volume, which may initially lower blood pressure due to a decrease in blood volume, but may reduce blood volume below the requirements for a healthy pregnancy, causing the kidneys to compensate by conserving fluids even more. This will consequently raise blood pressure once again and defy the purpose of taking diuretics in the first place. Therefore, a natural diuretic may be risky during pregnancy, especially if used concomitantly with hypertension medication.  I, therefore, do not give suggestions that may significantly lower the woman’s  blood pressure even more, particularly if she is already on blood pressure medication for hypertension,  as this may induce a hypotensive state (very low blood pressure) and pose a risk for mother and baby.

Instead, below I have made general suggestions to support stress management, optimal circulation, and blood vessel integrity.

Stress Management and Blood Pressure Regulation

  • During periods of stress, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is activated and prompts the blood vessels to constrict. Maternal stress in any form is, therefore, a risk factor for hypertension, especially if it continues over an extended period of time. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and gentle physical exercise are all useful ways to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS), which is associated with a healthy regulation of blood pressure. In short: when the body and mind are relaxed, muscles and capillaries relax and allow proper blood pressure regulation and blood circulation.
  • Emotional support and connection with loved ones are powerful strategies to induce a relaxed, stress-free state. She can make a daily practice of connecting with her partner for at least 10-15 minutes, with no phones or other disruptions. Over and above the cardiovascular benefits reaped from this habit, it may also ensure their foundation as a couple is strong when the little one arrives.

Promoting Circulation

  • Some foods and spices are associated with improved circulation: raw ginger, sunflower seeds, olive oil, cherries, goji berries, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, and rosemary. Including these food sources regularly in meals and snacks may support circulation and also ensure the intake of a broad variety of nutrients to support the overall health of the mother and foetus.
  • If she is in a state of dehydration, the kidneys may compensate by retaining body fluids. 1.5-2 litres of water per day should ensure hydration during pregnancy.
  • Dry skin brushing from the feet upwards in clockwise circles is invigorating for the skin, improves overall blood circulation and prevents “pooling” of fluids in the lower legs.
  • Being sedentary for extended periods of time can impair circulation, especially if she sits on hard surfaces, which may impede blood flow from the lower legs upwards. Using a footrest while sitting on a chair to lift the feet in line with the hips may improve the blood flow from the lower legs to the rest of the body.
  • Gentle exercises tailored for pregnant women may be useful in stress management and also in mobilising fluids throughout her body.
  • Wearing loose-fitting flat shoes will improve comfort and reduce constrictions around the feet.

Supporting Blood Vessel Integrity

  • Throughout the day, pregnant women can enjoy the following drink: a cup of lukewarm water with juice of ½ a lemon, 1 teaspoon raw unfiltered honey, and 2-3 small pieces of raw ginger. Lemon juice contains citrate and vitamin C: nutrients associated with blood pressure regulation, improved circulation, and maintenance of arterial flexibility. Raw honey tends to have a relaxing effect on the arteries and ginger acts as a “warming” food to support circulation.
  • Maternal intake of omega 3 fatty acids in adequate amounts is essential for foetal development, but it also exhibits various cardio-protective properties for the mother: regulation of blood pressure, boosting circulation, reduced risk of thrombosis (blood clots), and increased arterial flexibility. A daily dose of high quality, purified fish oil supplement (with at least 1000mg EPA and DHA) is recommended during pregnancy.
About the Author:

Jeanne van Zyl is a qualified Dietary Educator (through CNELM), with a post-graduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition. She is currently studying for an M.Sc. in Personalised Nutrition through Middlesex University. Jeanne also lectures in Nutrition for the group of colleges that includes CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine), in Europe, and CNH (College of Natural Health) in South Africa.




Birth Defect Gastroschisis Is on the Rise

The CDC reports a frightening birth defect, gastroschisis, is on the rise both worldwide and in the United States. Its cause is unknown.

What is Gastroschisis?

Gastroschisis is birth defect that occurs when the muscles of the abdominal wall fail to form correctly and a hole (large or small) results. The infant is born with intestines and sometimes other organs outside of the body.

In addition to the necessary corrective surgery, the infant may be challenged with damage to the intestines. Exposure to amniotic fluid in utero can cause the intestines to shorten, twist, or swell. Children with large protrusions or multiple organ exposure may require several surgeries to correct the defect. Gastroschisis increases the risk of medical complications and mortality. Long-term complications include digestive issues and difficulty absorbing nutrients.

What Is the Cause of Gastroschisis?

The cause is unknown and the reason for the rise in this defect is also unknown. The CDC reports, “A 2008 review noted that risk factors associated with gastroschisis, after adjusting for maternal age, have included lower socioeconomic status, lower body mass index and other indicators of poor nutrition (lower intake of high-quality nutrients and dietary fats), smoking, use of illicit drugs, alcohol, or analgesic medications, and genitourinary infections. Additionally, among multiparous and multigravida mothers, a change in paternity since the previous pregnancy has been associated with gastroschisis. Studies have also indicated possible age-specific associations between gastroschisis and prior pregnancy loss, as well as with certain infections.”

But these factors do not always apply. Megan Lehman shared the following on Facebook: (Quoted with permission)

I have always wondered what caused my precious baby boy to be born with this condition, and let me tell you, it was not alcohol, drugs, or poverty that they are now discovering increases the risk. What I did do, and very early on in my pregnancy before young and stupid me knew better, was ride on a tractor while my husband worked the fields on his family farm.”

…expectant mothers need to be warned of pesticides, chemicals in our foods, and maybe even in the prenatal vitamins that we take so carefully. An increase in incidence means something is causing it and likely many other issues as well.”

How Prevalent Is Gastroschisis?

The prevalence of gastroschisis has been on the rise since the 1980s and has risen in every category of race/ethnicity and maternal age group. Collected data showed the number of cases doubled during 1995–2005 compared to earlier reports. Reports comparing 1995-2005 with 2006-2012 show another 30% increase. Prevalence has risen from 3.6 per 10,000 births to 4.9 per 10,000 births. (Based on data collected from 14 states’ surveillance programs.)

Over the past 30 years, Utah has seen a ten-fold increase in gastroschisis” – IBIS

During the period 1995- 2012 the increased was:

  • 68% for infants born to young white mothers less than 20 years old.
  • 268% for infants born to young black mother less than 20 years old.

trends - gastroschisis 1995-2005 - CDC

This alarming increase in prevalence among young black mothers does not denote higher overall numbers in this racial group. White and Hispanic young mothers report higher overall incidences.

Incidence Per 10,000 Births by State

  • Arizona – 5.5 per 10,000 births (1:1818)
  • Arkansas – 6.3 per 10,000 births (1:1587)
  • California – 5.4 per 10,000 births (1:1852)
  • Colorado – 4.4 per 10,000 births (1:2273)
  • Delaware – 6.1 per 10,000 births (1:1639)
  • Florida – 4.4 per 10,000 births (1:2273)
  • Georgia – 4.5 per 10,000 births (1:2222)
  • Illinois – 4.0 per 10,000 births (1:2500)
  • Indiana – 4.5 per 10,000 births (1:2222)
  • Iowa – 5.1 per 10,000 births (1:1961)
  • Kansas – 5.0 per 10,000 births (1:2000)
  • Kentucky – 3.6 per 10,000 births (1:2778)
  • Louisiana – 5.0 per 10,000 births (1:2000)
  • Maine – 6.2 per 10,000 births (1:1613)
  • Maryland – 5.1 per 10,000 births (1:1961)
  • Massachusetts – 3.5 per 10,000 births (1:2857)
  • Michigan – 1.7 per 10,000 births (1:5882)
  • Minnesota – 3.8 per 10,000 births (1:2632)
  • Mississippi – 2.9 per 10,000 births (1:3448)
  • Nebraska – 5.6 per 10,000 births (1:1786)
  • New Hampshire – 2.2 per 10,000 births (1:4545)
  • New Jersey – 2.2 per 10,000 births (1:4545)
  • New York – 2.4 per 10,000 births (1:4167)
  • North Carolina – 4.4 per 10,000 births (1:2273)
  • North Dakota – 9.0 per 10,000 births (1:1111)
  • Oklahoma – 6.5 per 10,000 births (1:1538)
  • Puerto Rico – 5.1 per 10,000 births (1:1961)
  • Rhode Island – 4.2 per 10,000 births (1:2381)
  • South Carolina – 1.2 per 10,000 births (1:8333)
  • Tennessee – 5.7 per 10,000 births (1:1754)
  • Texas – 5.9 per 10,000 births (1:1695)
  • Utah – 5.1 per 10,000 births (1:1961)
  • Vermont – 2.5 per 10,000 births (1:4000)
  • Virginia – 1.3 per 10,000 births (1:7692)

* States not listed did not report to the study or did not report gastroschisis numbers.

Statistics listed copied with permission from the Avery’s Angels Gastroschisis Foundation website. Their cited source is the National Birth Defects Prevention Network October 2013, Birth Defects Research Part A, Clinical And Molecular Teratology Vol. 97 Number 10, and the 2013 Congenital Malformation Surveillance Report.

Conclusion

We do not know what is causing this birth defect, but we do know our ever-increasing chemical exposure is wreaking havoc on our health and that chemical exposure including pesticide exposure causes birth defects.

We are now faced with chemical exposure in the air we breathe, in the water we drink, in our indoor environments in homes, schools, and offices. We use soaps, lotions, shampoos, toothpaste, and perfumes filled with chemicals. We dye our hair and our bodies. Genetically modified foods with their high levels of pesticides are found in all of our processed foods.

If we do not return to a clean, safe, organic lifestyle, common sense dictates birth defects of all kinds will continue to affect our children in rising numbers.

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Seven Ways To Avoid Gaining Too Much Pregnancy Weight

Discovering that you and your partner will soon have your first baby is probably one of the most euphoric moments in your life, especially if you’ve been trying to conceive for a long time. Earlier, you made all your life decisions keeping only yourself and your partner in focus. Now with the much-anticipated arrival of your little one, there’s almost nothing you do without thinking about how it will impact the angel growing in your womb.

As you accustom yourself to these changes, there’s one huge (pun intended) change that worries you the most – your weight gain. Though it is normal for women to gain weight during their pregnancy, you surely don’t want to end up looking like a human version of Godzilla. Well, here are seven ways to avoid gaining too much pregnancy weight:

Drink A Lot Of Water

When everybody, from your doctor to your fitness trainer and nutritionist harps about the importance of drinking plenty of water, you have to believe that there’s some truth to it. Apart from keeping you well-hydrated and energetic all day long, drinking water also curbs your cravings at odd times of the day that may have you pile on free calories. Since, during pregnancy, your digestive system slows down, drinking enough water can also contribute to healthy bowel movements and therefore prevent bloating. Water is also important for the formation of the amniotic fluid that surrounds your fetus.

Stay Active

Staying active throughout your pregnancy is also a great way to prevent excessive pregnancy weight gain. It also makes the process of postpartum weight loss a lot faster and simpler. Practice low to moderate intensity exercises like walking, swimming, kegels, yoga, etc. for an hour every day. Apart from helping you maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy, exercise can also help elevate your mood and ease pregnancy-related discomforts according to a study conducted by Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise reports. Avoid exercises that can make you susceptible to falling, and do consult your doctor before adopting an exercise regimen.

Eat Often (But Eat Healthy)

As counter-intuitive as it may sound, eating frequently can also contribute to the maintenance of healthy weight during pregnancy. The key is to watch what you eat. Include generous portions of fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables in your diet that will do a wonderful job of providing you and your little one with wholesome nutrition while keeping you full for long periods. Opt for lean meats, fish (choose varieties low in mercury) and low-fat dairy foods to meet your protein, omega-3, and calcium requirements, respectively. Eat a lot of leafy greens rich in folic acid, vitamin C, calcium and vitamin K. For snacks, stick to healthy options like nuts, pomegranates, Greek yogurt, sprouts, etc. Of course, you are allowed to give in to your cravings once in a while, but keep a check on the portion sizes.

Avoid Eating Out

Love eating out? Unfortunately, during pregnancy, you may have to cut down on your restaurant indulgences, especially fast foods. Unless you’re opting for soups or salads, food available in restaurants can be pretty high in calories and low on nutrition. If not cooked properly, it can also make you susceptible to food poisoning that can be harmful to both you and your little one. As far as possible, minimize your intake of outside food. If you are planning to eat out, do a prior check on the ingredients, calories and possible allergic reactions caused by the dish you’re planning to order.

Team Up

It always helps if you team up with someone sailing the same boat as you. Instead of joining a regular gym or yoga class, join one dedicated solely to expectant mothers so there’s greater motivation for you. Join a pregnant women support group to share ideas on nutrition and fitness for better results.

Get Enough Sleep

Not sleeping enough can also get in your way of maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy. A study conducted by The Journal of Women’s Health reports that inadequate sleep can contribute to excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Though sleep troubles are common during pregnancy, certain measures like regular physical activity, a routine sleep pattern, dietary improvements, and the right sleeping postures can help you get a good night’s sleep.

Cut Out Stress

Stress is another crucial factor that can contribute to increased pregnancy weight gain. It can negatively impact your dietary choices, making you crave for foods high in fats and sugar. Practice calming exercises like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga to keep your stress levels in check.

Though these tips will help you sustain your recommended body weight during pregnancy, always remember that you should not compromise on your required nutritional intake to lose weight as it could hamper your baby’s development. The key is to adopt a healthy balance in your lifestyle and eating habits. Congratulations on the great news.

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Cooling Foods for a Hot Summer Pregnancy

The cure for a fever used to be more cowbell. But what’s the cure for an unending, unrelenting season of hotter than average summer weather, especially if you’re pregnant? Whether this is your first little one or you’ve been down this road before, figuring out how to efficiently solve problems is crucial. Why not take the same approach to how you cool down, using nutrient-rich and healthy foods to streamline your body’s cooling functions? Some of the best foods for a much-needed break from the heat also provide other pregnancy-related benefits. Here are some of the best two-for-one deals that you can nibble on through the last (and possibly hottest) months of summer. And you don’t have to be pregnant, or even female, to benefit from these foods!

Cool Down With Watermelon

Let’s start with the big guns here – watermelon. For many people, sweet and juicy watermelon is the ultimate summer fruit. Watermelon is a natural diuretic that helps with swelling while still replacing important nutrients. Approximately 75% of pregnant women suffer from some degree of fluid retention, and vitamins B, C, beta-carotene, and folic acid in watermelon are ideal for flushing that excess water while cooling you down. As an added side benefit, watermelon can also help regulate bowel movements. Pregnancy hormones and shifting organs can disrupt a regular elimination routine. Watermelon is a delicious summertime treat that can help you get back on track. Watermelon can be added to salads, but for maximum cooling and eating benefits, just leave yours in the fridge and enjoy it as soon as it cools down.

Stay Hydrated With Berries

Staying hydrated is key in surviving a hot summer, especially while pregnant. Berries also help you stay hydrated. Now is the time to be buying fresh berries, as the peak of summer makes them more plentiful and more delicious than ever. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cranberries are potent sources of antioxidants, which repair stress damage in the body. They are considered to be a cooling food in Chinese medicine, and their high water content can help promote alkalinity in the body. For a pregnant lady craving something sweet, berries are a great way to indulge that desire. They contain fiber, which slows down your body’s absorption of the sugar. The “more sugar, bigger baby” theory might be an old wives’ tale, but why not choose something sweet that comes with some cooling powers and a heaping side of nutritional benefits as well? Use berries as a snack throughout the day to help with the perpetual hungry feelings or try them in a creamy, healthy smoothie.

Benefits of Dark Leafy Greens

Dark, leafy greens provide cooling summer hydration along with other great health benefits. These bad boys are composed of 80 to 95% water (depending on which green it is) and though they might not have an immediately noticeable cooling effect, they could actually increase the body’s ability to regulate itself long term. The body’s temperature regulations occur in the brain, and greens like spinach and collards have been found to protect the brain from premature aging and stress damage. These greens are power packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, K, and folic acid. Folic acid is an often discussed pregnancy nutrient, as it makes a difference in preventing birth defects, but some medical professionals disagree as to whether using folic acid supplements is actually doing more harm than good. Up your daily dose of dark greens for a little piece of mind and a more efficient summer cooling system!

Healthy Tea

Iced tea during a hot summer isn’t just good hospitality, it’s practically a cooling-off requirement. Since cutting back on any kind of caffeine like that in black or green tea is a pretty standard recommendation for any pregnancy diet (and caffeine can dry out the skin anyways), a good herbal tea is the solution. Red raspberry leaf is a great herb for pregnant ladies to know about. It contains vitamin B, iron, calcium, and magnesium and has been shown in research to reduce the time spent in the second stage of labor, improve circulation, and strengthen uterine muscles. There have been women who report red raspberry leaf has helped induce their labor, so it’s a good idea to do some research before you take it. Red raspberry (not the leaf) is a common ingredient in many readily available pregnancy teas, but to get the benefits from it, buy quality red raspberry leaf in herb or tea form from a company you trust. Mountain Rose Herbs has a great organic pregnancy blend that adds spearmint for that extra refreshment factor.

The Hotter the Cooler?

It might sound crazy, but spicy foods like hot peppers can also help you cool off. Yes they make you sweat more…but that’s actually the body’s way of expelling heat. We are always producing heat and your ability to remain cool depends on how fast you can sweat off that excess warmth. This method is most effective at cooling down the skin, and peppers also have other benefits. You’ll feel more alert, experience better digestion, and use the calories you consume more effectively. As peppers have been identified as a cause of heartburn (which some women experience during pregnancy), it’s important to take it slow and know what spice level is comfortable for you. Adding a little bit of cayenne to cranberry lemonade combines the benefits of berries and hot peppers and wraps it up in a refreshing summertime package.

Of course, these aren’t the only cooling foods available to you. It’s easy to fantasize about consuming one ice cream bar after another in an attempt to stop the sweaty madness, but after the short term buzz you’re left with an inner cooling system that is less able to reliably do its work. Choosing a cooling snack that pairs something nutritious with the heat relief you’re seeking is an efficient way to make your life (and baby’s!) a little easier.

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Acupuncture for Fertility

More and more women are turning to acupuncture to increase their chances of conceiving a longed for baby.

Modern life seems to put so many demands on women in their twenties that making a decision to have a child is postponed. Career progression, affording a home, not meeting ‘the one’ until later in life, seem to be the main reasons why many women decide to have their first child over the age of 35, a time when our fertility, supposedly declines.

Of course, there is the inaccurate media message that as soon as we hit 35, all of our eggs are defunct! Interestingly, this message has had such an effect that some women over 35  stop using contraception because they think they are no longer fertile.

So how can acupuncture and diet help boost your fertility? A healthy, regular menstrual cycle is optimum to helping you conceive, being no less than 19 days and no more than 35 days in length.  Acupuncture seems to regulate the menstrual cycle and is particularly beneficial for women who may have been diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). This is a condition of the endocrine system where cysts develop in the ovaries and cause the body to miss ovulation. PCOS also raises high levels of the male hormone called androgens into the body which reduce the size of the follicles. Follicles produce the hormones oestrogen and progesterone and release an egg when you ovulate.

Having acupuncture around pertinent times of the menstrual cycle such as at ovulation and then at the highest point of progesterone, usually day 21, can encourage the body to work more effectively and contribute to a natural pregnancy without the need to resort to hormone therapy. A diagnosis from a Chinese medicine perspective would identify the best time in your cycle for you to have acupuncture.

For many women, undertaking a course of acupuncture to help conception could simply be because it is going to help de-stress the mind and body. Trying to conceive can be extremely stressful, particularly once all the tests have been undertaken and there are no identifiable issues for not falling pregnant.

Stress causes cortisol, a steroid hormone to rise, which in turn can stop our bodies ovulating, so using acupuncture can keep the body receptive and open. Cortisol also affects the part of the immune system responsible for preventing miscarriage in early pregnancy, so having a course of acupuncture once you are pregnant can also be beneficial.

For women who choose medically assisted fertility cycles, acupuncture is often used to maximise the health of the developing follicles and to encourage the blood supply to the uterine lining, to aid with implantation of the egg. Acupuncture is also used to help minimise the side-effects of the drugs.

Acupuncturists who are also naturopaths are additionally equipped to give nutrition and lifestyle advice. Eating nutrient-boosting foods which suit you, and omitting foods and products from your life which can disrupt the functioning of the endocrine and digestive systems helps to address both toxicity and any vitamin or mineral deficiencies. These powerful natural tools used together can support the body in returning to hormonal balance, and can greatly enhance your chances of a having a naturally conceived healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Author

Amanda Hair - BeddingAcupuncturist Amanda Hair-Bedding is a Course Consultant for CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine), the UK’s largest training provider in natural therapies. She practices in Bristol, UK.




Six Common Superfoods For Your Pregnancy Diet

It’s a no-brainer that one of the prerequisites to a healthy and smooth pregnancy is a wholesome diet. To contribute to the holistic development of the little one in your womb, you must ensure that your food choices are rich in essential nutrients. A poor diet during pregnancy can lead to fatal issues such as abnormal brain development, increased risk for obesity, heart diseases, and diabetes, among many other health problems in your baby. In the midst of battling  your food cravings and aversions, it is also important that certain health-boosting superfoods find a permanent place in your daily diet. These nutrient-rich powerhouses don’t just help enhance your overall wellbeing, they also support your baby’s growth. Here are six superfoods that must form a part of your pregnancy diet chart:

  1. Broccoli –Preparing a nutritious salad for supper? Don’t forget to add broccoli to it! This delightful vegetable is one of the best pregnancy superfoods that houses numerous nutrients like folic acid, calcium, iron and vitamin C – all of which contribute to a healthy pregnancy. Foods rich in folic acid are essential for all expectant mothers as they reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus. Calcium contributes to the development of the baby’s healthy bones while iron ensures proper oxygen supply to the fetus. Vitamin C helps lower the risk of pre-eclampsia reports a study conducted by BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
  2. Avocado –Looking for the perfect sandwich spread that offers a blend of great taste and good health? Guacamole is just what you need! Avocados contain heart-healthy omega-3 fats that aid the development of the fetal brain. They are also high in fiber, folic acid, vitamins K, C, B6, and potassium. During pregnancy as your gastrointestinal tract slows down, you face an increased risk of developing indigestion and hemorrhoids. Fiber helps prevent these problems. Vitamin K helps in healthy blood clotting and your baby’s bone development. Vitamin B6 provides relief from the symptoms of pregnancy nausea and vomiting.
  3. Salmon –If you are a fish lover, salmon is the variety you should be indulging in! A study conducted by the American Journal of Nutrition found that pregnant women who eat oily fish like salmon twice a week increase the status of EPA and DHA in their fetus. This helps reduce the risk of poor visual and neural development in the baby. It is important to remember, however, that some fish such as lobster, oyster, prawns, shrimps, mussels, and crabs may contain harmful bacteria. If not cooked well, they can lead to food poisoning and even miscarriage.
  4. Berries –These antioxidant-packed fruits add a lot more than delightful flavor to your morning cereal! They also make it a lot more nutritive. Berries are rich in potassium that aids blood pressure control, lowering the risk of pre-eclampsia that can lead to life-threatening complications concerning the brain, kidney, and liver. The antioxidants contained in berries help improve immunity and fight infections. Berries also contain vitamin C, calcium, folate, and fiber.
  5. Chia Seeds –Sprinkling chia seeds on your daily salad and smoothie can remarkably amp up their salutary benefits. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fats that help reduce the symptoms of pregnancy depression. They also help lower sugar absorption, thus preventing blood sugar spikes. They are good sources of energy-giving carbs, too.
  6. Eggs –You must sure know that eggs are a great source of protein – the building blocks of body cells, both for you and your baby. It also contains a micronutrient called choline that contributes to the fetus’ brain and cell development. Eggs are even rich in iron and omega-3 fats that are both beneficial to you and your baby.

You must note that your healthy food choices during pregnancy will also determine your baby’s food preferences in future, apart from contributing to his good health. Along with enriching your pregnancy diet with these delightful and healthy foods, don’t forget to drink plenty of water to keep yourself well hydrated and to boost your energy levels. Take good care of yourself and the soon-to-arrive angel.

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