Introduction
All expectant mothers need nutrition guidance as part of their prenatal care. Not only does the nutritional status of a mother affect her well-being, but also maternal outcomes and her fetus’s health. A licensed dietitian or a nutritionist can do the dietary guidelines and other essential interventions (Kubala and Westphalen). The dietary supplements that are safe for usage by expectant mothers include iron and folate.
Iron
During pregnancy, maternal blood volume rises by almost 45 percent, making the need for iron to increase. Pregnant or lactating mothers should take a recommended 27 milligrams of iron per day to evade the risks of iron deficiency and possibly, anemia. Iron is essential for the transport of oxygen and the fetus’s stable development and growth and the placenta. However, pregnant mothers without iron deficiency should take the recommended amount to avoid side effects such as constipation and abnormally high levels of hemoglobin.
Folate
The synthetic source of folate, a family of B-vitamins, is folic acid. Folate is essential in the production of red blood cells, the synthesis of DNA, and the fetus’s growth and development. A recommended 600 micrograms can prevent a pregnant mother from congenital-related abnormalities and defects in the neural tube (Kubala and Westphalen). Supplementation is necessary since many pregnant mothers don’t consume foods rich in folate.
Conclusion
The article used in this supplementation has insightful as it sheds light on the nutritional needs, which are crucial in developing the fetus and the expectant mother. The article contains more than five supplements, their benefits, and highlights the effects of excessive and deficiency of each supplement (Kubala and Westphalen). Moreover, several links have been impeded in the site to provide access to science and research-based evidence.
Works Cited
Kubala Jillian, and Dena Westphalen. “What Supplements Are Safe During Pregnancy And What Aren’t?”. Healthline, 2020, Web.