Key Nutrients to Focus on During Pregnancy October 30, 2023 General Eating healthy nutritious foods during pregnancy is very important for your health as well as your baby’s development and growth. Here is a list of key nutrients that should be incorporated into your daily diet to ensure healthy development of your baby, reducing the risk of complications, and giving your body the proper energy it needs during this time. 1. Folate or Folic Acid - Foods rich in folate or folic acid prevents birth defects in your baby’s brain and spine. Here is a list of WIC eligible foods that are high in folate to incorporate in your daily diet: Beans and pea Fortified breakfast cereals Dark green leafy vegetables Broccoli, asparagus, brussels sprouts and beets Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits Avocado, papaya, bananas Eggs 2. Iron - Eating iron rich foods helps prevent anemia and allows for a healthy birth weight. Here is a list of WIC eligible foods that are high in iron to incorporate in your daily diet: Fortified breakfast cereal Beans and lentils Spinach Potatoes Tofu Canned fish 3. Calcium and Vitamin D - These nutrients provide strong bones. Here is a list of WIC eligible foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D to incorporate in your daily diet: Fortified breakfast cereal with milk Eggs Fortified yogurt Fortified soy beverages Fortified orange juice Mushrooms Cheese Dark green leafy vegetables Canned fish 4. Choline - Supports both you and your baby’s nervous system. Here is a list of WIC eligible foods that are high in choline to incorporate in your daily diet: Eggs (especially the yolk) Beans and peas Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, collards, red potatoes Canned fish Milk Yogurt 5. Omega 3 fatty acids - Supports a healthy heart and brain. Here is a list of WIC eligible foods that are high in Omega 3 fatty acids to incorporate in your daily diet: Canned fish: chunk light tuna, mackerel, pink salmon and sardines References: https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/resources/eye-nutrition-folate-and-folic-acid#What%20WIC-Eligible%20Foods%20Provide%20Folate https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-during-pregnancy-stick-to-the-basics-to-ensure-good-nutrition-for-baby/#:~:text=Nutrients%20important%20for%20women%20during,and%20to%20keep%20you%20hydrated https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/resources/nutrient-infographics https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/Tips_for_Pregnant_ Women_English.pdf Comments are closed.