Are you thinking about a pregnancy? Are you dreaming of a baby? How do you prepare your body? How does your spouse prepare his body? What foods aid in this awesome journey to becoming a larger family?
For certain, folic acid is a main important need for both parents. 400 micrograms of folic acid and B vitamin complex are recommended. Parents should give up alcohol, cigarettes and drugs at least 3-6 months prior to conception. Some drugs reduce levels of male sex hormones and increase the risks of birth defects. Folic acid is important in the development of the nervous system, it builds white blood cells and prevents congenital defects such as spina bifida occulta. It is essential for the formation of red blood cells.
Men need to have adequate selenium, zinc, vitamins C and E and the carotenoids prior to conception. Mother should emphasize healthy foods in her diet, reduce stress and be around caring people who can give her love, back rubs, friendship and kind words.
In the nutrition realm, prenatal nutrition is about the awareness of how to prepare, eat and digest food. It is about feeling good about our own bodies emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically.
In regards to foods, mother needs plenty of protein. She can eat every couple of hours. The best proteins are not powders, they are foods. There are combinations of foods that equal protein, even when vegan or vegetarian. 75 grams of protein a day is the minimum that a pregnant mom should consume. If mother is not adequately nourished, the fetal brain and nervous system and organs can be compromised. Please read about the Foundational Brewer Diet. See the website by Joy Jones. Also, if mother is nauseous, ginger is a known remedy which also stimulates digestion and boosts circulation, respiration and the nervous system function.
Don't forget to drink plenty of fluids, including water, and excluding any caffeine or sodas with imitation sugars. Mother should drink at least 3 quarts of water a day. It is essential for digestion, and for transporting the exchange of nutrients and wastes across the cell membranes. It helps maintain body temperature.