Weight Gain is Not a Concern Just For Overweight Women.

According to the latest research* weight gain during pregnancy has taken on a more serious angle. In fact, what doctors are most concerned about is women who gain weight between the first and second pregnancy. Too much weight gain can cause a number of difficulties leading to high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and even still birth.

It’s not just for large moms. The issue is the amount of weight put on. There is a growing trend amongst doctors now to watch women who are not overweight or obese necessarily but women whose weight has increased significantly after their first baby, and, are now looking to have another one.

This new group of moms being watched by doctors has an increased risk of developing issues with their pregnancies. Putting on weight can encourage numerous pregnancy complications to develop. There is now a connection between obesity and the lack of pregnancy health.

The research indicates that significant weight put on between pregnancy number 1 and 2 found that there were more complications during pregnancy and delivery of the baby. The complications included more reports of pre-eclampsia, hypertension, diabetes, stillbirth and the delivery of a large baby. And there were more casers report to have occurred.

So what does this mean for women of a normal weight who have put on some pounds since having junior?

The most fundamental aspect of a successful pregnancy is optimum health of the mother. And now, with this new research, maintaining a healthy weight is paramount.

If your weight is reduced after the first pregnancy, then a successful outcome for the second pregnancy is more likely. A study in the Lancet medical journal, researchers found that even a difference of one or two Body mass Index Units increases the chances of developing gestational diabetes.

The body Mass Index is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in metres squared. A BMI of 20-25 is considered quite healthy. Any more, such as a 25-30 is considered overweight and 30-40 is obese.

So what can you do between pregnancies to ensure the health of your own body and reduce risk of complications?

If loosing weight to become pregnant for the second time is an issue, there here are some easy pointers to help you get rid of those extra pounds.

1. Cut down on refined sugar.

When I was a girl, the only people that had to watch their sugar was diabetics. And in the 70’s and 80’s a Diabetic was hard to find. Nowadays it seems like every second or third person you meet has this terrible condition. Too much sugar can put a strain on your pancreas and cause you to store fat if there is too much sugar in your system.

This includes Carbs. Carbohydrates are sugars too. Carbs are fine in moderation, but too much causes your bodies to store it as fat. Foods in this category you should watch are breads, potatoes, rice and pasta just to name a few. You can get “good” Carbs from vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and pumpkin.

2. Increase your physical activity

Get moving! You will be amazed at the difference in your general health 20 minutes walk a day does. Walking for 20 minutes a day increases your bodies ability to burn off that fat, increased blood flow and oxygen. It not only makes you feel good, but is great for your health.

3. Steamed, baked or grilled, not fried.

Many women don’t have the palate for steamed vegetables, claiming they are tasteless. So why not opt for grilled or baked. It’s much better for your weight and cholesterol levels to grill foods rather than fry them. For example grilled fish tastes wonderful done basked in the oven with coriander and lemon juice. Add your fish with some roasted pumpkin, steamed broccoli with a fresh tomato and avocado. A meal like this is good for your heart, muscles and with a walk, will encourage weight loss in no time.

4. Drink more water

Water itself doesn’t cause weight loss. The beauty of water is that it helps to flush out toxins, keeps your cells hydrated and encourages mental clarity. This cleansing effect will help your body loose the weight due to increased hydration and feeling full for longer.

5. Detox your body

There are plenty of detoxification programs around. The important thing to remember if you are going to detox for health you must get plenty of vitamins so your body can flush out the toxins. It’s no good going on a detox that involves fasting if you are diabetic, or hypoglycemic. It’s important to do your research on all detox products and programs. Detox should not leave you feeling hungry. A good detox should involve the right amount of nutrient absorption and hydration. Detox can work well for weight loss as it may increase metabolism.

Hopefully you’ve now seen the benefits of loosing those extra pounds before you think about conceiving another baby. You’ll feel more energy when you are not carrying around excess pounds. Pregnancy carries absolutely no guarantees of a child at the end, but with effective health management you’ll be doing all the right things to encourage a successful pregnancy to full term.

By Sally Aubrey

* Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

ALCOHOL RISK TO BABIES

UP to 18,000 British babies a year are born damaged because their mothers drank in pregnancy, research has revealed.

The figure represents three per cent of all births - three times more than previously thought.

It has sparked calls for the risks to be printed on alcoholic drinks.

Dr Raj Mukherjee, a neuro-psychiatrist at St George's Hospital, in London, said: "The safest way to make sure your baby comes to no harm in pregnancy is to abstain."

But the Government insist moderate drinking in pregnancy is safe and said it is working with drinks firms on warning labels.

Weight Gain Can Cause Health Challenges For Second Pregnancies- By Sally Aubrey

Weight gain is not a concern just for overweight women. According to the latest research* weight gain during pregnancy has taken on a more serious angle. In fact, what doctors are most concerned about is women who gain weight between the first and second pregnancy. Too much weight gain can cause a number of difficulties leading to high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and even still birth.

It’s not just for large moms. The issue is the amount of weight put on. There is a growing trend amongst doctors now to watch women who are not overweight or obese necessarily but women whose weight has increased significantly after their first baby, and, are now looking to have another one.

This new group of moms being watched by doctors has an increased risk of developing issues with their pregnancies. Putting on weight can encourage numerous pregnancy complications to develop. There is now a connection between obesity and the lack of pregnancy health.

The research indicates that significant weight put on between pregnancy number 1 and 2 found that there were more complications during pregnancy and delivery of the baby. The complications included more reports of pre-eclampsia, hypertension, diabetes, stillbirth and the delivery of a large baby. And there were more casers report to have occurred.

So what does this mean for women of a normal weight who have put on some pounds since having junior?

The most fundamental aspect of a successful pregnancy is optimum health of the mother. And now, with this new research, maintaining a healthy weight is paramount.

If your weight is reduced after the first pregnancy, then a successful outcome for the second pregnancy is more likely. A study in the Lancet medical journal, researchers found that even a difference of one or two Body mass Index Units increases the chances of developing gestational diabetes.

The body Mass Index is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in metres squared. A BMI of 20-25 is considered quite healthy. Any more, such as a 25-30 is considered overweight and 30-40 is obese.

So what can you do between pregnancies to ensure the health of your own body and reduce risk of complications?

If loosing weight to become pregnant for the second time is an issue, there here are some easy pointers to help you get rid of those extra pounds.

1. Cut down on refined sugar.

When I was a girl, the only people that had to watch their sugar was diabetics. And in the 70’s and 80’s a Diabetic was hard to find. Nowadays it seems like every second or third person you meet has this terrible condition. Too much sugar can put a strain on your pancreas and cause you to store fat if there is too much sugar in your system.

This includes Carbs. Carbohydrates are sugars too. Carbs are fine in moderation, but too much causes your bodies to store it as fat. Foods in this category you should watch are breads, potatoes, rice and pasta just to name a few. You can get “good” Carbs from vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and pumpkin.

2. Increase your physical activity

Get moving! You will be amazed at the difference in your general health 20 minutes walk a day does. Walking for 20 minutes a day increases your bodies ability to burn off that fat, increased blood flow and oxygen. It not only makes you feel good, but is great for your health.

3. Steamed, baked or grilled, not fried.

Many women don’t have the palate for steamed vegetables, claiming they are tasteless. So why not opt for grilled or baked. It’s much better for your weight and cholesterol levels to grill foods rather than fry them. For example grilled fish tastes wonderful done basked in the oven with coriander and lemon juice. Add your fish with some roasted pumpkin, steamed broccoli with a fresh tomato and avocado. A meal like this is good for your heart, muscles and with a walk, will encourage weight loss in no time.

4. Drink more water

Water itself doesn’t cause weight loss. The beauty of water is that it helps to flush out toxins, keeps your cells hydrated and encourages mental clarity. This cleansing effect will help your body loose the weight due to increased hydration and feeling full for longer.

5. Detox your body

There are plenty of detoxification programs around. The important thing to remember if you are going to detox for health you must get plenty of vitamins so your body can flush out the toxins. It’s no good going on a detox that involves fasting if you are diabetic, or hypoglycemic. It’s important to do your research on all detox products and programs. Detox should not leave you feeling hungry. A good detox should involve the right amount of nutrient absorption and hydration. Detox can work well for weight loss as it may increase metabolism.

Hopefully you’ve now seen the benefits of loosing those extra pounds before you think about conceiving another baby. You’ll feel more energy when you are not carrying around excess pounds. Pregnancy carries absolutely no guarantees of a child at the end, but with effective health management you’ll be doing all the right things to encourage a successful pregnancy to full term.

By Sally Aubrey

* Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

Pregnancy Bleeding Misunderstood: Expert

More than half of women who bleed during pregnancy go on to miscarry their baby - and too many wrongly blame themselves for the loss, a fertility expert says.

Dr Devora Lieberman, director of the miscarriage management program at Sydney IVF, says one in five prospective mothers will suffer from bleeding after normal conception.

Babies that survive are usually smaller, born prematurely and delivered by caesarean section, but more than 50 per cent will be miscarried.

However, Dr Lieberman said the extent of the problem and the impact on affected women was widely misunderstood.

She has told a fertility conference in Sydney there is nothing a woman can do to cause the bleeding.

"But you'll find women blame themselves and think `maybe it was my stress levels or maybe it was having sex, or lifting something'," Dr Lieberman told AAP.

"There's very little awareness out there about it and unfortunately many doctors and nurses treat this situation as routine without understanding the emotional impact."

Scientists don't fully understand the cause of the bleeding but believe it is linked to a problem in the placenta and breakage in the developing blood vessels of the foetus.

"We simply do not know a lot about the cause, and no intervention has been found to be useful," Dr Lieberman said.

About 80 per cent of women confronted with pregnancy loss from bleeding elect to have the baby surgically removed immediately.

The rest opt to give birth when the baby is due, often because they are scared of surgery or want a "natural solution".

Dr Lieberman used the Fertility Society of Australia annual meeting to call for more research into the cause of the problem and more effort to raise public awareness.

"We need to have more resources to educate mothers about the possibility and better support systems within the health sector and beyond," she said.

Protein imbalance can predict pregnancy disorder

Miosoti Rodriguez is truly cherishing the first moments of her baby girl’s life. Entering the world at only 2.4 pounds, Amaya was delivered three months early because of Miosoti’s battle with preeclampsia. To protect her and the baby, doctors performed an emergency c-section.

A team of researchers from the National Institutes of Health have now identified high levels of two proteins in the maternal blood that could be predictive of preeclampsia.

The study found that an imbalance of two proteins produced by the placenta is responsible for the symptoms of preeclampsia. Abnormally high levels of these proteins deprive the blood vessels of substances needed to keep the lining of blood vessels healthy.

As a result, cells lining the blood vessels begin to sicken and die, blood pressure increases and blood vessels leach protein into the tissues and urine.

“Preeclampsia that happened at 37 weeks, these hormones, these proteins began to show up in the blood at around 25-28 weeks. The finding is interesting because there was nothing that ever panned out before that could really predict the disease and the other interesting thing is if you can isolate something that was elevated in the blood prior to the disease, you might be able to give a medicine that lowered it, you may be able to block that process,” says Dr. Lois Brustman of St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital.

This discovery is a homerun for the future treatment of preeclampsia, which can ultimately help save lives. “The risk of preeclampsia for the fetus are essentially preterm delivery, all the difficulties with a preterm birth, that’s babies that have difficulty with cerebral palsy. They can develop lung abnormalities because they are immature when they are born, immunological abnormalities, difficulty in their cognitive abilities, blindness,” reports Dr. Brustman.

Although the responsible molecules for preeclampsia have been identified, researchers believe that attempts to develop a drug treatment would need to proceed cautiously. It’s possible that restoring normal blood pressure and blood flow to the mother’s circulatory system might deprive the fetus of blood.

In addition to high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine, swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are important symptoms; however, some women with rapidly advancing disease report few symptoms.

Drug Induced Labor Raises Risk Of Amniotic-fluid Embolism

Amniotic-fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare, but potentially fatal syndrome during childbirth. According to a study published in The Lancet, women whose labors are drug-induced are twice as likely to experience this complication.

Nevertheless, the risk is still small, even if the labor is induced, say doctors. One has to weigh the risk of an AFE after inducing labor, against having to perform an emergency C-section by not inducing it.

A study, carried out by researchers at McGill University, Montreal, Canada, found that out of 180 women with AFE, 24 died. Out of every 100,000 induced labors, five develop embolism, of which about 20% to 40% die, the study found. Women are more likely to have an induced labor if they suffer from diabetes, pre-eclampsia, are older and require a c-section, forceps or vacuum.

The researchers estimated that induction could be causing about thirty to forty women in the USA to have AFE each year. One fifth of all births in the United States are induced.

The researchers said that even though the risk is still small, doctors and patients should be aware of it if the decision to induce is elective.

What is Amniotic-fluid embolism (AFE)?

Amniotic fluid, foetal cells and other debris enters the bloodstream of the mother from the placenta. This causes a serious allergic response, resulting in cardiorespiratory collapse.

"Amniotic-fluid embolism and medical induction of labour: a retrospective, population-based cohort study"
Dr, Prof Michael S Kramer MD,Jocelyn Rouleau, Prof Thomas F Baskett MB, and KS Joseph MD
The Lancet 2006; 368:1444-1448
DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69607-4
Click here to see summary online

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today

Study: Pregnancy Hormone Increases Brain Injury Recovery

POSTED: 4:21 pm EDT October 5, 2006

The same hormone that plays a key role in pregnancy could also safely help people recover from traumatic brain injuries, health officials said.Emory University researchers said progesterone therapy led to a 50 percent reduction in the rate of death overall.

In patients with moderate brain injuries, researchers said they saw a significant improvement in the number of patients who were able to make nearly full recoveries.

Acne - How to Treat Acne During Pregnancy?

C.D. Mohatta

October 4, 2006

Acne is mainly caused because of hormonal changes in the body. The hormones increase production of sebum and this sebum fills the glands to form acne. During pregnancy the hormonal activity is at it’s highest. But a pregnant woman may not use many acne medications. Let us find out now.

Acne and Tretinoin-

Tretinoin is one of the most common retinoids that are used to treat acne. Tretinoin clears the upper layer of the skin by peeling it off. Tretinoin gives very good results in acne treatment and in improvement of skin. But being a Vitamin A derivative, it cannot be used during pregnancy. All other retinoids also cannot be used.

Acne and isotretinoin-

Isotretinoin can treat the severe forms of acne. Isotretinoin which is a derivative of Vitamin A is taken orally to treat acne. But isotretinoin is strictly prohibited during pregnancy. Not only that, you must become pregnant only after few months of your stopping use of Isotretinon. So Isotretinoin is a strictly no during pregnancy.

Antibiotics-

Many antibiotics are not allowed to be used during pregnancy. You must talk to your doctor before using any antibiotic in any form during your pregnancy.

Please read more about acne and pregnancy.

Acne during pregnancy-what to use?

The choices are many to treat acne during pregnancy. Benzoyl peroxide, AHAs, Salicylic acid and few other products may be allowed by your doctor to treat acne. You must use any topical or oral medication even if it is OTC, only after consulting your doctor. Somehow, the acne clears off magically immediately after pregnancy. Is not that good news?

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advice and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Please follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.

Study Yields Clues to Cerebral Palsy

Infections during pregnancy, premature delivery linked to the illness
Learning more about the causes of cerebral palsy may lead to new ways to treat it, the study's European authors noted in the Oct. 4 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

TUESDAY, Oct. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Very premature birth, maternal infections during pregnancy, and certain findings on MRI scans are among several factors associated with cerebral palsy, new research suggests.

The research, conducted at eight centers in Europe, included 585 children born with cerebral palsy between 1996 and 1999. The researchers found that:

• 39.5 percent of the children's mothers reported an infection during pregnancy.
• 51 (12 percent) of the children were from a multiple pregnancy.
• 10.9 percent of the children were born very premature (less than 28 weeks gestation), while 16 percent were born between 28 and 31 weeks, 18.3 percent were born between 32 and 36 weeks, and 54 percent were born at term. Emergency Caesarean deliveries were performed in 32.3 percent of the births.
• Of the 351 children who had an MRI, 42.5 percent were found to have "white matter damage of immaturity" -- brain areas affected by underdevelopment. Only 11.7 percent of the children had normal MRI findings.

Based on their findings, the team of researchers led by Dr. Martin Bax of Imperial College, London, advised that "all children with CP should have an MRI scan."

"Not only do MRI scans help reveal the pathologic basis of the condition but, also, the findings have strong correlations with clinical findings," the researchers wrote. "This may be useful in helping parents, clinicians, and others involved in the care of children with CP to understand the nature of the children's condition and to predict their needs in the future."

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has more about cerebral palsy (www.ninds.nih.gov ).

Copyright © 2006 ScoutNews LLC.

6 Hidden Home Hazards During Pregnancy

Though most products you use pose little risk, here are a few precautions to take during pregnancy.

By Richard H. Schwarz, MD Safety At Home Before you got pregnant, you probably never thought twice about polishing your nails or changing kitty litter. But many moms-to-be worry that some of the substances they're exposed to on a regular basis could imperil their growing baby. Fortunately, you might only have to alter your habits slightly to keep your baby safe. While most products are generally not harmful, you should check with your doctor if you're unsure. Here are answers to some of the most common new-mom questions. Paint Fumes Q. Is it safe for me to paint my baby's nursery? A. It's not a good idea. While there's no known risk from exposure to unleaded, water-based indoor (latex) paints, all paints contain chemicals that emit fumes. Since only a few of these chemicals have been studied for their safety in pregnancy, it's best to let someone else play Picasso. Oil-based paints and paint thinners contain more solvents (which have been linked to an increase in miscarriage and birth defects) than their water-based counterparts, so choose a latex paint and ask your painter to keep the area well ventilated. In fact, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, pregnant women should avoid newly painted rooms (and their harmful odors) for at least two days after the job is done. If existing paint needs to be removed from the outside of your home, hire someone to do it and avoid the area until the job is completed for the day. Be especially careful if your home was built before 1980. Homes like this may have paint that contains lead, which can raise your risk of miscarriage or developmental delays in your infant. Chemical Exposure Q. Should I steer clear of the harsh chemicals in most cleaning products? A. There are some household cleansers that pregnant women should avoid. Check the labels and avoid products that say they're toxic, since they may contain risky solvents. For example, oven cleaners and window cleaners often contain glycol ethers, which have been known to increase a woman's risk of miscarriage, and most mildew removers contain phenols, which may increase risk of birth defects or fetal death. (To find out more about what's in home and cleaning products, go to householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov.) Plus, most cleansers contain strong-smelling chemicals like ammonia or chlorine, which won't hurt your baby but may make you queasy. A good guideline: Keep your windows open while cleaning and wear gloves, or opt for a natural cleanser, which can do the job without triggering pregnancy-related nausea. Simple baking soda can work wonders on bathtubs and ovens, while a vinegar-and-water solution effectively cleans glass and countertops. Q. If I'm exposed to pesticides, will it harm my baby? A. While there's no concrete proof that normal exposure to these chemicals poses a significant risk to your baby, recent studies have suggested that larger quantities may harm the fetus. For instance, one study found that pregnant women who lived within a mile of locations where agricultural pesticides had been regularly applied were at increased risk for fetal birth defects. The takeaway: If you're a mom-to-be it's probably safest to avoid pesticides whenever possible. In addition to pesticides, don't use insect repellents that contain the chemical deet. Although its effects have not been thoroughly studied in pregnant women, there are some concerns about its toxicity. However, if you must have your home or property treated with pesticides, follow the guidelines below: Steer clear. Have someone else apply the chemicals, and leave the area for the amount of time indicated on the package instructions. Be prepared. Before pesticide treatment, remove all food and utensils from the affected area, including those in your cabinets, closets, and drawers, if your kitchen is involved. Vacate your home for several hours and keep it well ventilated by opening windows. However, if pesticides are used outdoors, be sure to close all windows and turn off the air-conditioning so fumes won't be drawn into the house. Cover up. Wear rubber gloves when gardening to prevent skin contact. Clean up. Reduce your exposure by carefully washing or peeling store-bought produce. Manicures and Hair Color Q. Can nail polish hurt my baby? A. It's fine to treat yourself to an occasional manicure. Ideally, though, it should be in a space with open windows, since nail polish, polish remover, and the materials used to attach and remove artificial nails contain solvents. However, it's unlikely that brief exposure from polishing your nails will pose a risk to your baby or you. Q. Is it safe to color or perm my hair while I'm pregnant? A. You might consider putting your hair-coloring plans on hold for a while. Though there's no proof that the chemicals in hair dyes, permanent wave solutions, or relaxers cause birth defects, miscarriages, or any other pregnancy complications, there are no reliable studies that prove these substances are safe either. Researchers do know that they penetrate the scalp and enter the bloodstream, so theoretically they could reach your growing baby. For this reason, some healthcare providers now recommend that pregnant women avoid such hair treatments, especially during the first trimester when their unborn baby's organs are beginning to develop. But if you're desperate, choose a process that involves less scalp contact, such as highlights. Vegetable-based dyes, such as henna, are also considered safe. If you're the do-it-yourself type, wear gloves to minimize absorption of hair-product chemicals through your skin, and don't leave the product on any longer than necessary. And whether you're at home or in a salon, make sure the area is well ventilated to avoid breathing in any fumes. Cat Litter and Uncooked Meat Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection with symptoms that resemble the flu (fever, aching joints). In general, there are no lasting effects on the woman who contracts the toxoplasmosis. The bacteria that cause this infection are often found in animal droppings and raw meat. Unfortunately, if passed to your baby, toxoplasmosis can lead to vision or hearing problems. To keep the infection at bay, ask your partner to clean your cat's litter box or pet cage during your pregnancy, and avoid undercooked meat. If you do develop the symptoms above, call your doctor. Early treatment with antibiotics can protect your baby. Richard H. Schwarz, MD, obstetrical consultant to the March of Dimes, is past president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; chairman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at New York Methodist Hospital, in Brooklyn; and a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Cornell University Medical College, in New York City.

Nutrients Essential to Prenatal Development

During pregnancy, your developing baby receives all of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients necessary for healthy growth. Whether it comes from your body’s stores or your diet, it is essential to make sure that everything they need is available to them!

Topping the list in early pregnancy is folic acid, or folate. In the first three weeks of pregnancy, your baby is forming a brain and spinal cord. A folic acid deficiency can lead to neural tube defects and other debilitating birth defects. Orange juice, lentils, peas and beans are all great sources of folic acid, but you should still take a supplement with at least 0.4mg per day.

Calcium aids in the development of strong, healthy bones and teeth. Without enough calcium in your diet, the fetus will actually take it from your bones, resulting in a deficiency in your own body. Drink plenty of milk and eat hard cheeses, yogurt and salmon to get your 1000mg per day.

Protein is vital to your developing baby. It also helps your body to repair cells that are damaged or changing during pregnancy. You can find your 60g per day in meat, poultry, dried beans or nuts.

Your body’s need for iron will nearly double during pregnancy as you work to produce extra blood. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, low birth weight and even preterm delivery. You will need at least 27mg of elemental iron per day. If you aren’t getting enough in your diet by choosing iron-rich food such as spinach, tofu, lean meat or nuts, your doctor may recommend a supplement. Vitamin C also aids the body in absorbing iron, so eat the food or take your supplement with a Vitamin C-rich option such as orange juice or cantaloupe.

Choline is a nutrient that many pregnant women don’t have enough of in their daily diet. It is crucial for normal fetal brain development, yet the average American gets only 314 of the 425mg recommended daily (the National Institute of Health, http://www.medindia.net/news/view_news_main.asp?x=14088). Choline is found in high levels in soy lecithin, beef liver and egg yolks.

Vitamins, especially those in the B family, are important in fetal development. Be sure to get your recommended daily intake of thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B5), pyridoxine (B6), pantothenic acid (B12), and biotin. Your everyday diet should provide sufficient amounts of these vitamins, but eating fortified cereals and whole grain breads will help.

Iodine is a trace element that helps to prevent brain defects. A condition called goitre can result from a lack of iodine in countries such as South Africa where iodine levels are low or nonexistent in soil, plants and fish. In these areas, iodized salt can help to supply iodine in the diet, but remember that excessive use of salt can be dangerous. As always, moderation is the key.

Essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6 are also necessary in prenatal development. Omega-6 comes from canola oil, soft margarine and other plant oils. Omega-3 is found mostly in fish, which pregnant women may not eat during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife about a supplement.

Incorporating healthy, nutrient-rich foods into your everyday diet, along with an approved supplement, is the key to ensuring good prenatal health.

Article written by Sally Aubrey

For more information on keeping excellent health for your and your baby just go to www.amazingpregnancysecrets.com