Pre- pregnancy vitamins & minerals
JenniferMum of three (ages 5, 2 and 1year!) so it’s a busy, but fun house. A qualified nutritionist who has been working for C&G Babyclub for the past 8 years- life is hectic, always on the run and hard work, but the smiles, giggles make it all worth it!Planning Pregnancy
To give your little one the best start in life, it’s best to get your body in tip-top condition before trying to get pregnant. Not only does this increase your chances of getting pregnant, it can also help set you up for a healthy pregnancy.
Here is a list of some of the vitamins and minerals you should be taking in when trying for a baby:
Folic acid
- It is quite difficult to get the recommended amount of folic acid from food alone.
- The natural form of folic acid is called folate and it can be found in green leafy veg such as spinach, asparagus, broccoli, beans and peas.
- A supplement of 400 mg per day along with a diet high in folate rich foods is recommended both before you become pregnant and for the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy.
Vitamin D
- This ‘sunshine vitamin’ is important for strong healthy bones.
- As sunny days are far and few between in Ireland, most people do not get enough Vitamin D.
- Choosing oily fish one to two times per week is a good way of increasing your vitamin D consumption.
- A Vitamin D supplement of 5 µg per day is an easy way of meeting your vitamin D requirements especially if you’re not a fish fan!
Iron
- Iron is an important nutrient before, during and after pregnancy — so it’s a good idea to keep it on the menu now and right throughout your pregnancy.
- Try including some of the following iron-rich foods in your diet: lean red meat, chicken, oily fish and eggs, peas, beans and lentils and green vegetables like broccoli and spinach.
If you’ve got a question about pre-pregnancy vitamins and minerals you’d like to talk to someone about it, do contact our Careline at 1800 570 570.