Nutrients during pregnancy

Pregnant friends holding bellies

Pregnancy is such an exciting and special time in a woman’s life. There has never been a better time to look after yourself. Staying physically active in conjunction with a healthy, nutrient-rich diet will support the wellbeing of both you and your growing baby. 

Physical activity
Keeping physically fit and active during pregnancy offers many health benefits, such as improving physical and mental wellbeing while helping you to maintain a healthy weight. Healthy pregnant women should participate in some form of aerobic and muscle strengthening exercises to a point where they can still carry on a conversation without being breathless. Make sure you warm up, cool down and only exercise within your comfort zone. Depending on your level of fitness, physical activities to enjoy include yoga, swimming, walking, light jogging, aqua aerobics, cycling or specialised pregnancy exercise classes.

Nutritional support
During pregnancy your nutritional demands increase to support not only your health, but also that of your developing baby. Eating a wide variety of unprocessed foods is a good place to start with a focus on nutrient density rather than increased volume Some key nutrients that are essential in pregnancy include:

• Folic acid
Folic acid, if taken daily for one month before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy, helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. See Pregnancy Plus 1-2-3.

• Iodine
Iodine requirements are increased during pregnancy as adequate maternal iodine levels support the development of a baby’s brain and central nervous system. See Pregnancy Plus 1-2-3.

• Vitamin D
Inadequate sun exposure, lifestyle and diet are just some of the reasons why a significant number of Australians are deficient in vitamin D. Colecalciferol (vitamin D3) supports healthy foetal development during pregnancy and supports a healthy pregnancy. See Pregnancy Plus 1-2-3.

• Omega-3 fatty acids
Fish oil is a rich source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which assist the health of both mother and baby during pregnancy. The body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids so women can only obtain them from their diet or through supplementation. Sufficient levels during pregnancy are required for normal development of the baby. In particular, DHA is important for the development of a baby’s eyes, brain and central nervous system. 

Products you may be interested in

all products antioxidant supplements best-selling supplements bone & joint supplements children's health supplements drawn from goodness energy supplements eye health supplements gut & liver supplements hair, skin & nails supplements heart health supplements home page immune support supplements inflammation & pain supplements latest special offers magnesium supplements make this winter golden memory & concentration supplements men's health supplements metabolics multivitamins muscle health supplements new & improved supplements nutritional oils nutritional supplements pregnancy & reproductive health supplements sleep, stress & mild anxiety supplements trending supplements vegetarian & vegan supplements vitamin b supplements women's health supplements article Pregnancy & Reproductive Health Women's Health
Vegan

Activated B Complex

$30.95

Vegan

Magnesium Forte

$34.00

Vegan

Magnesium Citrate 900

$33.50

Vegan

Quercetin Complex

$53.45

Vegan

Vitamin D3 1000

$28.50

Vegan

Vitamin C 1000 Plus

$28.00

Vegan

Women's Multi +

$32.50