Pregnant Women contemplating

Eating a healthy diet during pregnancy and lactation is important for the wellbeing of you and your unborn child. But if you already have a good well balanced diet then you will only need to change a few things.

A woman’s body increases its need for minerals, water, vitamins and calories during pregnancy. Everyone is different and need different amounts of food to provide their dietary requirements during pregnancy.

Good Food Pregnancy Diet

Here is a guide that will give you an idea of the average amount you need from each food group while pregnant and during lactation. Only minimum servings are given and you must adjust the amounts to suit your required daily nutrient intake.

Milk and Foods High in Calcium.  3 to 5 serves (low fat):

•    cup of milk or yogurt
•    2 cups of cottage cheese
•    11/2  oz of cheese
•    cup of soy beverage
•    11/2 cups of ice cream
•    cup of calcium rich fruit juice

Protein Rich Foods.  2 to 3 serves (lean):

•    3 oz of cooked meat, fish or poultry
•    2 eggs
•    cups of cooked beans
•    4 tbsp of peanut butter

Breads and Grains. 6 or more serves (wholegrain):

•    1 slice of bread
•    1 small tortilla
•    1/2 a cup of cooked cereal
•    3/4 to 1 cup of cold cereal
•    1/2 cup of cooked pasta
•    1/3 cup of cooked rice
•    half an English muffin
•    half a small bagel

Fruit and Vegetables. 5 or more serves (fresh):

•    cup of raw fruit or vegetables
•    1/2 cup of cooked vegetables
•    medium piece of fresh fruit
•    cup of green salad
•    1/4 cup of dried fruit
•    1/2 cup of fruit juice

Fats and Oils. 2 to 3 serves. (unsaturated):

•    1/8 of an avocado
•    1 tsp of vegetable oil (olive or canola)
•    1 tsp of mayonnaise
•    6 almonds
•    20 peanuts
•    1 tbsp sunflower seeds

Keep your Fluid Intake Up

Pregnancy picture with baby shoes in foreground

Keep yourself well hydrated during pregnancy; drink plenty of water, at least 8 to 10 glasses a day. If it is hot you should drink even more water. Try to avoid drinking too much soft drink and fruit juices as they are high in sugar.

Add Fiber to your Diet

Eat foods that are rich in fiber to prevent constipation during pregnancy. Whole grains, fruits, beans and vegetables should be eaten a few times daily to give your body enough fiber.

Adding Vitamins and Minerals

During pregnancy your body needs a higher level of vitamins and minerals to help your baby grow. Be careful of the amount of vitamins and minerals you take as some may be harmful to your baby. Always get advice from your doctor before taking supplements. For example, too much Vitamin A can cause birth defects.

If you take good care of your diet during pregnancy, you are giving your child a great start in life. Please leave some comments below especially if you would like to read more information about pregnancy health specifically.

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Yummy Variety of Fruit

Many vegetarian women are uncertain of their extra dietary requirements once they become pregnant. Pregnant vegetarians do need to carefully monitor their dietary intake to ensure they are consuming enough of the vital nutrients required for a healthy pregnancy. However, a vegetarian pregnancy diet need not leave you or your baby lacking if you ensure some of the following.

Requirements for a healthy vegetarian diet during pregnancy:

• Protein. Most pregnant vegetarian women who already have a well balanced diet will need to eat an extra 10 grams of protein daily throughout the pregnancy. This will take your daily protein consumption to approximately 60 to 70 grams. To reach 70 grams of protein, pregnant vegetarian women should be drinking 3 cups soy milk or calcium enriched milk, and eating 1 cup of yogurt, 1 cup of tofu, and 4 cups cooked brown rice. As a rough guide, 10 grams of protein can be found in any one of the following: 3 ounces tempeh, 3 1/2 ounces of tofu, or 2 cups of milk.

Other great sources of protein are legumes, seeds, cheeses, eggs, dairy including cottage cheese and yogurt, and nuts. Pregnant vegetarian women should be eating 4 serves daily. Approximately 6 servings of whole cereals and pulses daily are recommended for a pregnant vegetarian.

Other essentials in a healthy pregnancy diet:

• Calcium is an essential requirement for the baby’s growing skeleton. It is important to note that if you don’t consume enough calcium for the developing baby that the calcium will be leeched from your own bones as a substitute, leaving you at a very high risk of osteoporosis. All pregnant women need approximately 4 serves of calcium rich foods daily. Calcium can be found in tofu, cheese, cottage cheese, cow’s milk, yogurt, almonds, dried fruit, green vegetables, especially spinach, broccoli, and kale, watercress, sesame seeds and tahini, and pulses and whole grain cereals. Another essential is Vitamin D which is needed by the body to properly absorb the calcium. Look for products that have Vitamin D added, such as milk, butter, and margarine. Vitamin D can also be provided by about 15 minutes of sunlight.

• Iron. Iron is essential in every pregnant woman’s diet, as it is common to become anemic when pregnant. There are many plant sources that are rich in iron, these are green vegetables, dried fruits, and wholegrain pulses and cereals. Since iron in its plant form is harder for the body to metabolize, it can be useful to consume Vitamin C at he same time as the iron rich foods. For example, a glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice will help breakdown the iron in that spinach. If you are concerned about your iron levels have your doctor or midwife check with a simple blood test. If your doctor feels that iron supplements are necessary he or she will advise you.

• Vitamin B12. This vitamin is crucial for the normal development of the baby’s cells and tissues. Vitamin B12 can be found in yeast products, dairy, and eggs. Some soy products and cereals have been enriched with Vitamin B12 and these can make great selections.

• Fluids. Most pregnant women find that they become more thirsty. Producing the extra blood for the baby as well as the amniotic fluid increases your fluid requirements. Drinking plenty of water, juices, and herbal teas will keep you hydrated and minimize the chances of constipation, which can be a problem for some women when pregnant.

Pregnant Mom and Dad

Pregnancy diet recommendations for a vegetarian.

• Fruits and vegetables, including dried fruits. 4-5 servings daily will provide Vitamins C and A, calcium, iron and folate.

• Cereals and grains such as rice, oats, wheat, rye and barley. 4 serves per day for fiber, protein, energy, Vitamin B family, calcium, zinc and iron.

• Dairy and soy products such as milk, cheese, tofu and yogurt. 3-4 serves daily for calcium, protein and Vitamin B12.

• Vegetable fats and oils are needed to provide essential fatty acids. 2 small serves are all that is required.

• Nuts and seeds such as sesame, peanuts, almonds etc provide calcium, fat, protein and energy. One to 2 small servings.

• Pulses such as chick peas, beans, and lentils. One to two serves provides fat, energy, protein and calcium.

• Yeast extract in the form of Vitamin B12 enriched spreads. One serving daily.

Conclusion

A vegetarian diet during pregnancy needs to be well balanced and planned to ensure enough vital nutrients are being consumed. If you are in any doubt about your pregnancy diet we recommend seeing a nutritionist or consulting your medical practitioner.

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pregnant mother

We all know that Jessica Alba had a fantastic figure before she was pregnant and that she conscientiously worked out throughout her pregnancy. Now, a mere few months after giving birth to baby Honor, she is again wowing the world in her bikini worthy body.

Jessica states she gained 25 pounds during her pregnancy, which is within the recommended pregnancy weight gain of 25-30 pounds.

* Jessica’s exercise during pregnancy.

Jessica traded her running and weight sessions for gentler activities such as stretching, walking, Pilates, yoga, and a stationary exercise bike. Walking is ideal exercise for pregnant women as it is low impact but will still burn calories. Stretching and yoga are great for both mental and physical well being. The relaxation can be helpful for alleviating stress and it is a great idea to maintain your flexibility while pregnant.

* Jessica Alba pregnancy diet.

Jessica sensibly ditched the coffee when she found out she was pregnant and replaced it with lemonade, made with real lemons. Jessica found that she needed to eat small snacks every 4 hours to keep her energy levels up, and to avoid getting too cranky.

* Jessica’s after pregnancy diet.

Once Honor was born, Jessica started counting her calories. Her weight loss diet is low fat and low carb, and is approximately 1,700- 2,000 calories per day. As Jessica is nursing her baby that is estimated to burn up 500 calories. Her exercise regime burns another 500 calories daily.

* Exercises after pregnancy.

Jessica quickly returned to her pre-pregnancy workouts, of up to 1 hour daily or exercise, 5-6 times per week. Jessica mixes it up with the treadmill, swimming, lifting weights, an elliptical machine, core training, and circuits. Jessica was also a fan of the 12 week 3-2-1- Baby Bulge Be Gone workout.

* Conclusion.

While we haven’t all started out with Jessica’s sensational body, every pregnant woman can use her sensible pregnancy workout as a guide. Gentle exercises such as walking, stretching, and Pilates, are all great ways to maintain flexibility, and fitness while not overheating, or being high impact while pregnant.

We haven’t all got Jessica’s access to personal trainers, or the media scrutinizing our post baby bulges either, but even a brisk walk around the neighborhood with the pram every day is a great place to start. You could short cut a long and exhausting search by inspecting this website for many handy pregnancy tips on maintaining a slim and healthy pregnancy.

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Your first stop in getting advice for how to have a healthy pregnancy should of course be your doctor. Don’t just rely on a web article to do it all, although we try our best. Note that we said ‘doctor’ here - not your mom or your co-workers. There are a lot of bizarre beliefs that people have about eating during pregnancy, and listening to a bunch of conflicting rumors out there will just confuse you.

A healthy pregnancy diet will basically consist of hearty, nourishing food and stay away from junk foods. Ideally, your healthy pregnancy diet will make allowances for these needs:

* About 1200-1500 mg calcium per day. Remember that calcium builds bones, and if your body lacks this it might draw calcium from your own system, which means your own bones and will increase the risk of osteoporosis. Either eat and drink lots of dairy products or have your doctor supply calcium supplements.

* About 60 grams of protein per day. This isn’t just for the baby’s body, but for the placenta, uterus, and breast tissue as well. It will also help your body make more blood and more amniotic fluid.

* About 60 mgs of iron per day. Too little iron will produce an anemic condition that leads to a host of other problems. In addition to iron-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, your doctor might prescribe an iron supplement as well.

* Vitamins. Generally your intake of vitamins will go up about 50% during pregnancy. This is especially true of the B vitamins. Here again, your doctor might prescribe a supplement.

Any healthy diet to follow during pregnancy is going to feature these nutritional elements. The myth is that women get irrational cravings during pregnancy. Actually, it’s that your body is going to have more appetite than normal, so of course you’ll be hungry more often and smelling a whiff of food passing by will be enough to make you hungry. Listening to your body cravings will help you determine if there’s something you’re not getting enough of. A sudden desire for fried chicken, for instance, might be an indicator that you’re not getting enough protein.

During your pregnancy, healthy eating, diet, exercise, and environment will doubtless be on your mind a lot. Of course, staying away from tobacco, alcohol, too much sugar or starch, or empty calories is a given. While you will of course be concerned about all of the weight you’re putting on, you should be focusing on the baby’s health and not how you’ll slim down afterwards. If you breastfeed after giving birth, your body will naturally burn those fat stores in making milk anyway. Also, your doctor will most likely recommend moderate exercise during this time.

Some of the nutritional requirements will be directed at not only your baby’s body, but the development of his or her brain as well. Elements and nutrients like iodine, folate, and taurine help with the formation of the brain. It may seem that these elements are particularly picky, but you have to remember that the human brain is the most complex and sophisticated three pounds of meat out of all of nature. It is naturally high maintenance, and it is only possible to form that due to the uniquely rich, varied, and plentiful diet we are able to provide for ourselves.

It is advised that you don’t skimp on maintenance of your body during pregnancy. Over seventy percent of the human body’s cells form during pregnancy, so this is a crucial time to watch what you’re doing. Here’s a video I’ve included to get you started with a healthy recipe during pregnancy;

Kitty provides more information from her down-loadable guide about a healthy pregnancy.

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First Three Weeks

The first three weeks was an amazing ride! I started splitting into two cells. And then there were four of me. The next thing I knew, there were eight of me. I was already three weeks old, but I was only about as big as the mole on my Uncle Johnny’s face. I think I was ten times smaller than an inch.

But I felt very proud. But why, I already had a brain, a stomach, lungs and my very own pair of eyes. And I was surprised by how my heart was beating on a regular basis. It already started to beat when I was only eighteen days old, but it was unpredictable and irregular back then.

Maybe it was the regular flow of water, food and air coming through the umbilical cord that was making me better each day. That tube was attached to my mid-stomach. I tried to see where the other end of the tube went. I think it was attached to the inside of Mom’s uterus. Yeah, I think it was my Mom who was giving me all those nice things. I love you Mom!

Fourth and Fifth Week

Then the fourth and the fifth week came. I was amazed by how my fingers and toes started forming. They were very cute. Then all those nice stuff started showing on my face. Yeah, that was when my mouth, ears and nose started to appear. And my, oh my, I noticed that I’ve grown. I was no longer as big as Uncle Johnny’s mole. I’ve grown to the size of Aunt Tina’s fingernail! And I loved how I could now wiggle my body. And buds started growing in my mouth too.

Sixth Week

The next thing I knew, I was already six weeks old. My skeleton was finally complete. I must say I loved my new frame. It started out as an elastic-like substance, a cartilage, and then it started to harden. The soft cartilage turned into bones. I had bones!

Seventh Week

Then I grew a week older. I was taller then, about the size of my big brother Mike’s toe. My heart was already pumping blood that was all my own, not my Mom’s. Then I noticed something growing between my legs. It was weird but that’s how I found out that I was a boy. I was to grow up to be more like my Dad than my Mom, more like Mike too.

Ninth-Tenth Week

I was about 9-10 weeks old when I started to choose my own rhythm of play and naps. My mouth, my eyelids and my hands became much more sensitive to touch. I started feeling all sorts of things. I started playing. I enjoyed sucking my thumb too. I was proud of my fingers and their perfect nails. I also enjoyed opening and closing my mouth. I was only 1½ inch tall but I could do a lot of great things. I felt very proud!

Second Month

Before I knew it, I was already two months old. That’s when I felt really grown-up. I thought I heard my Mom laughing too. They told me later that it was because they were taking ultrasound images of me. My Mom was laughing because she could hear my heartbeat. I don’t know what’s so funny about it though. Grown-ups can be really weird.

Third Month

I was already two inches tall back then. And I could swim like one of those fishes my Grandma liked to keep in her aquarium. I must say I was very good. There was urine all over the place though. And it was all coming from my kidney. Good thing my Mom always changed the water in the uterus.

I was starting to make poopoo too. But they all went out through my Mom’s bloodstream. Thank God! And oh, I started making all sorts of funny faces. I loved how I could now smile and frown and do all sorts of stuff with my face.

Fourth Month

I got really big when I was four months old. Would you believe that I was 6 inches tall? My Mom started noticing me too, especially when I kicked and squirmed.

Fifth Month

I was five months old when I started to breathe. They say that was to get me ready for when I was finally out of my Mom’s womb. I was also already starting to really hear my Mom. All Mommies should be really careful with what they say when they have a baby living in their wombs.

Sometimes I would hiccup a lot. My Mom would then tell me to go to sleep. Maybe I was bothering her or something.

Sixth to Eighth Month

I was twelve inches long! I was all grown. My eyes were getting better too. Sometimes I would even see a red glow. I had to cover my eyes with my hands. Maybe my Mom was at the beach or something.

I’ve become fatter that time too. I felt ready to finally get out and meet my Mom. Besides, the womb was getting too small for me. I couldn’t swim or wiggle anymore.

Ninth Month

Though my Mom’s womb was already too small for me, it still felt soft and warm. And I loved how I could hear Mom’s heart beat. It never failed to lull me to sleep. But I was ready and willing to get out and finally meet her. I was all grown. I was ready.

Then it happened. After a really tight hug, blinding bright lights forced my eyes to open. Voila! I made it! I was out. Then I met my Mom. I knew I would love her forever.

Remember, taking good care of yourself now is imperative including your diet. If you have concerns or a motherly interest about the food and beverage you’re consuming, consult your doctor and down-load this pregnancy diet guide and read it!

Copyright Pregnancy and Baby Tips

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The thing you have to remember is, babies take a long time. The first signs of early pregnancy may not come for as long as a week to several weeks after conception. plus, every body is different, and the symptoms (to use medical parlance, even though it sounds like we’re talking about the flu) can all be signs of something else entirely. Remember that there is no evolutionary advantage to knowing the instant that you’re pregnant, so the human body didn’t evolve a dashboard light.

Of course, there’s the good old standard store-bought test - and that doesn’t show results any sooner than any of the other signs. Wouldn’t you know? Here’s the other signs which may or may not show up before you’re definitely for-sure anyway.

A delayed or missed period - Being the most common reported sign of early pregnancy. It can also be an unusually light period. But period abnormalities can also be caused by sudden changes in weight, fatigue, tension, stress, hormonal changes, or changes in medications.

Implantation bleeding - just the opposite. A sudden spot of blood indicates that the fertilized egg is attaching itself to your uterine wall. Except, whoops, this could be a period. Implantation bleeding only goes on for a brief while, not days and days.

Swollen or tender breasts - This one’s almost definite. If your breasts suddenly inflate a size bigger almost overnight, as if you’d had a visit from the booby fairy, you’re probably pregnant. But not all women gain mass in their breasts during pregnancy, and it can also be caused by sudden hormonal changes or taking or ceasing to take birth control pills.

Morning sickness - Another almost-sure sign. Not very good for detecting early signs of pregnancy, however, since it doesn’t happen until 2 to 8 weeks after conception. Note that this isn’t like the flu, where you’re sick all day. This is where you wake up queasy, usually barf, and then you’re fine although hungry. We still have no idea why this happens, although scientists are still wondering about it.

Backaches and headaches - But sometimes this is just a plain old backache or headache. Backaches are your body adjusting to try to accommodate for the added weight and bulk about to take place, and the headache has to do with hormonal changes. this is a particularly common symptom with the first pregnancy, so it’s one of the early signs of teen pregnancy.

Decreased bladder capacity - Going to the bathroom more frequently may be an early sign, or it may be because you’ve been hitting the beer, coffee, or soda too hard, or even that you’re coming down with diabetes.

Increased appetite - I know, it’s supposed to be an old wives tale that you suddenly wake up in the night wanting pickles and ice cream. However, changes in appetite are unarguably common. So it isn’t so much that you crave specific food, or even unusual food, as that you just crave more food, since you’re now eating for two. It’s easy to translate that into craving a specific kind of food. Typically, women report craving sweet, salty, or spicy tastes. Doctors are mostly of the opinion that there’s no medical basis for women to develop unusual cravings, but most of them advise you to go with them as long as you’re still eating healthy.

Remember, taking good care of yourself now is imperative including your diet. If you have concerns or a motherly interest about the food and beverage you’re consuming, consult your doctor and down-load this pregnancy diet guide and read it!

DISCLAIMER: This is not a medical website, and consulting a web page is no substitute for a doctor’s opinion. Get yourself to a doctor if you think the above list might apply to you.

Copyright Pregnancy and Baby Tips
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Medical practitioners use Shepherd’s Purse to prevent hemorrhage in patients by constricting blood vessels and assist the body’s ability to coagulate blood. The natural juices assist in stopping nosebleeds when swabbed on cotton and placed inside the nose. Shepherd’s Purse boosts levels of Vitamin C in the body. Typical use allows the body to cycle out more fluids during menstruation and urination. Tincture from fresh plantation used during pregnancy helps to stop bleeding and assists in producing contractions. The plant stands readily available in soluble form by cutting the plant and steeping it in hot water.

Shepherd’s Purse Common Uses:

Eating the leaves provides elevated levels of calcium in the body.

10-20 drops of tincture helps control bleeding after a miscarriage.

15-20 drops one or two times a day to prevent prenatal blood clotting.

20-40 drops or tincture helps control bleeding during the delivery of placenta and thereafter.

20 drops mixed with equal amounts of Blue Cohosh helps decrease the size of the uterus to normal after 4-6 weeks of regular contraction.

Shepherd’s Purse and Blue Cohosh assists in postpartum along side, regularly scheduled breastfeeding, proper nutrition and sufficient bed rest.

3 drops of tincture given to a newborn provides prophylactic treatment of Vitamin K.

Precautions Involving Common Use:

Shepherd’s Purse will lose its potency if picked and allowed to dry before making tincture.

Shepherd’s Purse can cause coagulation of the blood and improperly used for postpartum treatment, can cause the uterus to clamp down, continue contracting and it may persist.

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Maternity clothes and stylish??

Being pregnant doesn’t mean you cannot be sexy. In fact, pregnancy is when you are feminine at its best! So why not flaunt it with sexy and stylish maternity wear. Designers have come up with amazing collection of maternity clothes that addresses your need for comfort and desperation for style. Not just that, you have a huge choice when you pick up the clothes for the tiring yet beautiful few months.

Stylish maternity clothes..Then it must be expensive!

Pregnant women often feel that spending too much on maternity clothes is a pure waste of money as they will be wearing them for just few months. They are quite right in thinking that way. Maternity does last only few months. But what if the stylish clothes come cheap? Yes, you can get hordes of fashionable yet graceful maternity clothes nowadays at very affordable prices. This is because even designers have realised the sentiment behind not spending too much on maternity wear. Therefore, they have come up with collections that would sweep the ground beneath your feet. The modishness that the collection display is praiseworthy and you would be surprised at how comfortable they are while wearing it.

Great! But is it just the same loose evening gown with few extra frills that you call fashionable?

Well, if you think that way then you are insulting the huge pool of talented fashion designers that this country has! Designers have come up with astounding collection for you. You can now get affordable and stylish maternity clothes for every occasion.

If you are working and no more fit into the executive wear that is so characteristic of you then despair not. You can get a wonderful range of executive wear for pregnant women. They give the same authority that your pre-pregnancy clothes revealed along with the extra comfort that you require. You can get formal short skirts, long skirts, pants, formal tops, etc at affordable prices yet so maternal in its bearing.

Going to parties with your big tummy during pregnancy may be unsettling for you. Parties before that period used to be a place to show off the latest style in the town. If you think you can’t do that now, then you are wrong. Pick up any one of the stylish maternity evening gowns that the stores have today and you are going to be the talk of the town. So get ready for the next wedding you are going to attend with the same enthusiasm as you are going to be called ‘that beautiful pregnant lady’ in there.

It is not just occasional wear that they have to offer. You can also get the casual maternity wear for your daily activities. The casual maternity wear offer great fashion content plus ease that would make you look great doing even simple day to day things.

For all those who want to enjoy their routine despite being pregnant, there is good news. You can now avail maternity clothes for almost all activities. Latest in this category are the special swim suits. You can have the mod swim suit even when you are bloating with the baby inside you!

Nursing period post pregnancy demands comfortable wear as you have to feed your new born often. You can now choose from some amazing nursing wear that give you a chance to feed your baby prudently yet while being at ease.

Maternity is a dream for most women. But they do secretly fear the enormous change that it is going to bring into their lives in terms of physical and material changes. Well you can’t change that bulging tummy of yours, but you can definitely do a little to make that round body of yours attractive and even more beautiful! In short, drive away your maternity blues with affordable and stylish maternity wear and make a fashion statement!

Kitty writes and publishes regularly on pregnancy, babies and pregnancy weight gain. The normal development and health of your baby depends on it. There’s much, much more pregnancy information here.

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During pregnancy it is vital to increase your intake of efa (essential fatty acids). Essential fatty acids are vital for the proper development of the fetus as well as the physical and mental wellbeing of the mother. As a result it is important for expectant mothers to supplement their diet with EFAs. This essential fatty acid supplement should include both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids for best results.

Firstly, omega 3, and in particular DHA and EPA are essential for proper development of the brain in an unborn child as well as mental wellbeing and development after birth. The brain is composed of about 60% fat; this fat is taken from these essential fatty acids. Studies have also shown that children with higher levels of efa’s have higher IQ’s than those with lower levels and are more likely to experience learning difficulties. By supplementing your diet with essential fatty acids you are therefore ensuring that your baby is not disadvantaged mentally.

DHA also plays a part in the development of the retina and omega 3 essential fatty acid deficiency leads to visual problems. If you want your baby to have good eyesight then you should ensure that you get enough essential fatty acids.

Artemis P Simopoulos, MD and Jo Robinson say in their book, ‘The Omega Diet’, “Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for the normal development of the unborn baby’s brain, especially during the final three months of gestation when the size of its brain increases threefold. If the mother fails to get enough of these nutrients in her diet, the fetus will pirate what she has stored in her tissues - including her brain. Lab tests show that new mothers have half the normal blood levels of omega 3 fatty acids. Women who breast-feed their babies have even lower levels of DHA because they are continuing to supply the baby’s needs for omega-3 fatty acids. If a woman does not replenish her store of these essential elements following the birth of a child, she will have lower and lower levels with each additional child. Some people suggest this is why firstborn children score higher on intelligence tests. Until now, people have attributed the well-documented mental superiority of firstborn children to the fact they spend more one-on-one time with a parent. It is now being suggested that their greater cognitive abilities may also be due to a more generous supply of maternal DHA.”

Pregnant mothers should therefore increase their intake of foods rich in omega 3 essential fatty acids, and in particular EPA and DHA, such as are found in fatty fish and fish oil supplements, walnuts, flax seeds, omega 3 eggs, and dark green, leafy vegetables. Besides increasing her intake of these foods the pregnant mother would do well to take a fish oil supplement to further increase the amount of DHA and EPA that is available both to her and to the fetus.

EFA (essential fatty acids) are essential to the proper development of the fetus and in particular the development of the fetal brain and retina. The fetus will draw its supply of DHA and other omega 3 fatty acids from its mother and so the mother’s supply will decrease if she does not replenish it by eating foods high in omega 3 fatty acids as well as taking fish oil supplements. If you want to give your child the best chance at life then be sure to increase your intake of omega 3 essential fatty acids for optimal development of your baby’s brain and vision.

Learn more about flax seed oil benefits women on our site. You’ll also find other information such as vitamin b12 for mental health and deficiency in omega 3. OmegaFlaxSeedOil.com is a comprehensive resource to help individuals gain the benefits of essential nutrition such as flax seed oil, omega 3 and vitamin B12.

Kitty writes and publishes regularly on pregnancy, babies and pregnancy weight gain. The normal development and health of your baby depends on it. There’s much, much more pregnancy information here.

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Your Child’s Weekly Progress

Week-by-week developments start from the day your body prepares the process of ovulation. Within a 14 day time frame the ovulated egg combines with the sperm to form a zygote. Rapid developments progress throughout the first 4 weeks following combination. The woman can find out if she is pregnant through tests during the first 4 weeks. During this time the zygote develops into an embryo and forms what is called the primitive streak. The primitive streak then expands into three layers. The bottom layer develops the baby’s tongue, lungs, surrounding gland structure and the tonsils. The middle layer produces the lining of the heart, blood cells, reproduction and excretory system. The top layer produces cells for the baby’s skin, teeth, mouth, anus, eye lens, and nervous system components.

The pregnancy continues on week-by-week to develop parts of the heart and circulation begins the beating of the heart. Between the 8th and 9th week of pregnancy the embryo’s cerebellum begins formation. This time includes details on the embryo’s gender development. After the 9th week in pregnancy the fetus becomes active. During the 11th week detailed body features can be recognized in the forming fetus. This period of development provides very important basis in your child’s formation.

The fetus begins to develop an immune system throughout the following weeks. Expecting mothers, now more than ever, need to keep in mind proper nutritional habits. Doctor visits help determine any pregnancy related issues for the expecting mother. Cramps, morning sickness, persistent nausea, lack of energy and backaches may form due to the hormonal changes involving pregnancy. These symptoms begin during the initial stages of development and sometimes continue throughout the duration of the pregnancy.

The joys of pregnancy go hand-in-hand with physical pain as you progress through the journey of baby development. Women possess a privilege of motherhood in their pregnancy capabilities. Week-by-week reports make the journey through pregnancy thrilling and wholesome. Expecting mothers should keep a pregnancy calendar to provide detailed information during doctor visits, health-issue analysis, and gauging of mood swings. Visiting the doctor alone does not constitute your week-by-week pregnancy calendar. You need to write down signs and symptoms throughout the entire duration of your pregnancy. Detailed records should be kept all the way up until the final moment, where you welcome your newborn child into the world.

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