Pregnancy

What happens in the body during pregnancy?

We all know that being pregnant leads to various changes in the body and it's an intensive phase during which the body works hard. Especially in the first three months of pregnancy, a lot happens, even though you might not see it as much from the outside. During this phase, the uterus grows, your heart rate and respiration accelerate, and your blood volume increases. The pregnancy hormone HCG reaches its peak, and most importantly, during this period, the fertilized egg grows into a fetus of about 7 centimeters, with all the major organs and body systems already in place. In the second trimester, your baby continues to develop, and your belly starts to grow in size and shape. It's often the most enjoyable phase for many women, as the risk of a miscarriage has significantly decreased, and pregnancy-related discomforts lessen. Many women feel their baby's movements for the first time during this trimester.

The last trimester can be the most challenging for most women, as the baby grows the fastest in this phase, resulting in a larger belly and greater physical strain. The baby accumulates more fat, can open its eyes, and learn to regulate its body temperature. From the 37th week, the baby is considered full-term, and this is often the most suspenseful phase because labor is approaching.

To stay healthy and fit during pregnancy, it is essential to take care of yourself. This includes eating a healthy diet, living consciously, getting enough rest, and engaging in physical activity. What your child receives in the first one thousand days of their life, counted from the fertilization of the egg, significantly influences their health for the rest of their life. Nutrition is just as important for your body as it is for your child's. Nutrients such as iron, vitamin A, choline, folate, and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA are essential for a pregnant woman. Exercise helps you stay mentally and physically balanced and can be a good preparation for childbirth. Entering labor with a fit body can often have benefits for the course of labor itself.

In addition to consuming a varied diet that includes vegetables, fruits, and legumes, you can also choose to take natural prenatal vitamins. This ensures that you receive all the necessary nutrients. Prenatal vitamins act as a safety net; if you are not getting enough of a certain nutrient from your diet, the supplement provides it. Ergomax offers several prenatal vitamins in its product range that are specially designed for the pregnancy period. Consider options like MegaFood's Baby & Me™ Prenatal Vitamins and Baby & Me 2™ Postnatal Multivitamins, Seeking Health's Optimal Prenatal Capsules, or New Chapter's Wholemega™ for Moms.

What to consider when choosing prenatal supplements?

There are many different types of supplements to choose from when you are pregnant, including natural prenatal vitamins, herbs, or specific multivitamins. Selecting the right supplement during pregnancy is not always straightforward. What makes a prenatal supplement a good product, and what should you consider? It's important to ensure that certain nutrients are present in sufficient amounts in the supplement. For instance, it's recommended to get 400 mcg of folate daily, and you can start taking this even when you have a desire to conceive and are trying to become pregnant. Folate contributes to tissue growth during pregnancy. Additionally, 10 mcg of vitamin D3 per day is important to support the skeleton and teeth. Getting around 200 to 300 mcg of vitamin C is beneficial for the immune system and enhancing iron absorption. Other important nutrients during pregnancy include B vitamins, vitamin E, zinc, iron, choline, and iodine. There are also probiotics designed for pregnant women and various types of omega-3 fatty acids that are significant during pregnancy. It's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before using prenatal supplements to ensure you make the right choices based on your individual needs.