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Home › Articles › Pregnancy › Expecting Nutrition

Expecting Nutrition

Eating for Two

By Allison Gamble, Nutritionist

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Adequate calcium stores are important in order to meet your baby's needs, as well as your own future needs. Women who become pregnant with less than two years between pregnancies are at risk for osteomalacia (softening of the bones). This is caused by not giving their bodies enough time to replenish its own calcium stores. Good sources of calcium are milk and milk products, small fish (with bones, such as canned salmon. Don't eat the bones from a fresh fish!), tofu, greens (broccoli, Swiss chard) and legumes.

Iron is needed for the production of hemoglobin in both the maternal and fetal red blood cells. The fetus accumulates most of its iron during the last trimester. The fetus depends on the mother's iron for its own formation of red blood cells. An iron deficient mother will experience more fatigue, which is due to lack of oxygen. Hemoglobin in the blood carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. Iron's role is to help carry and hold oxygen then release it to the cells. Good sources of iron are red meats, fish, poultry, shellfish, eggs, legumes and dried fruits.

While all these nutrients are vital to the health of your fetus so are many, many others. All nutrients are extremely important, which is why a diet filled with a variety of foods is essential. Remember, everyone's nutritional needs are different, so be sure to ask your doctor for a referral to a registered dietitian if you need any further guidance. I wish you all the best for a healthy, successful pregnancy!

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