 Winter is coming to an end and with January being the most popular month for conception many women are discovering they are pregnant. Congratulations! All that time indoors finally paid off and you are now on one of the most exciting adventures of your life. Your body is undergoing drastic changes. Hormonally, progesterone and estrogen levels have increased, influencing your mood, sex drive, and growing uterus. Physical changes are already beginning. You may be experiencing tender and swollen breasts, increased urination, constipation, fatigue, and changes in appetite and food cravings. Psychologically, pregnancy embodies a host of emotions from happiness and excitement to anxiety, and stress. You may have concerns about changes in your relationship, or worries about how pregnancy may affect your work. Rest assured knowing that you can help things fall into place over the next nine months. Being prepared for all the side effects of pregnancy can make the first trimester comfortable and enjoyable.  Finding the Prenatal that is Right for You: Finding the right prenatal can feel as challenging as finding a provider for your maternity care. At the World of Nutrition we carry only the best. MyKind Organics Prenatal by Garden of Life is made from over 30 raw organic fruits, vegetables and herbs. It offers minerals & vitamins that can be digested and absorbed easily by the body. This vitamin is especially awesome because it contains Folate (the active form of Folic Acid). Folate is responsible for the development of your baby’s nervous system and aids in the prevention of neural tube defects. Support your energy, nutrition & fetal development by choosing a prenatal that is made from real whole food.  Magnesium & Morning Sickness: Theories are beginning to suggest a correlation between magnesium deficiency and morning sickness. There are many safe and effective ways to meet your magnesium needs without having to swallow another pill. One of the most adequate ways to supplement with magnesium is to apply it topically. Magnesium levels are increased in the body without it having to pass through the digestive system. Magnesium oil is cost effective, works promptly and is easily absorbed by the body.  Omega-3 Fish Oil & Pregnancy: The latest research has found Omega-3’s to be vital to neurological and early visual development of your growing baby. Mainstream western diets provide minimal omega-3 nutrients. Since we do not produce omega-3’s there is a severe deficiency in most populations. During pregnancy many women become depleted in omega-3 nutrients because of the demands of the fetus to properly develop the nervous system. “Omega-3 fatty acids have positive effects on the pregnancy itself. Increased intake of EPA and DHA has been shown to prevent pre-term labor and delivery, lower the risk of preeclampsia, and may increase birth weight. Omega-3 deficiency also increases the mother’s risk for depression. This may explain why postpartum mood disorders may become worse… with subsequent pregnancies” (Americanpregnancy.org). Nordic Naturals Omega supplements come in a variety of forms and dosages, and are in triglyceride form (which is easily processed by the body), ultimately allowing the mother and fetus to maintain proper levels during pregnancy.  Diet: The subject of diet during the beginning stages of pregnancy can seem particularly daunting. Lets face it, for some the first trimester is about survival. With nausea, food sensitivities, and not enjoying the things you typically do, diet goes right out the window. What if I told you the way you feel may be directly related to what you are eating? Increasing your protein and fats during pregnancy helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and aids in the growth of tissue for the uterus, placenta and fetus. Protein plays a huge factor in healthy weight gain, and energy levels. Pregnancy is the perfect time to review your nutrition. Limiting or eliminating processed grains, sugars, and meats that have been subject to antibiotics, additives, and preservatives is the best thing you can do for your body. Most of these food items are high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Processed foods lack vitamins, fiber, and minerals that are essential for a healthy pregnancy. Creating a whole food meal plan should be fun, tasty, and satisfying. Eating vitamin and nutrient rich foods are the focus of a healthy pregnancy diet. Listed below are nutrient rich foods to add your diet plan.
Get inspired and step out side the box, your body needs healthy nutrition more than ever. Consider meal prepping with a loved one once a week to ensure you have healthy nutritious snacks and meals at your fingertips.  Pregnancy Apps: For many new moms pregnancy can be a time full of questions and curiosities. Take advantage of technology and apps. Finding an app that you enjoy can make documenting your pregnancy easier, informative & provide reassurance for many of the questions that arise. Here are some of my personal favorites:
 Getting Active: Spring is a fantastic season to be pregnant. The weather is warming up and the flowers are blooming. Getting active at least 30 minutes a day can set the stage for balanced weight gain, and can help keep common pregnancy pains at bay. Exercise releases endorphins and supports more restful sleep. Simply walking the local greenbelt, gardening, or taking a prenatal yoga class is a great way to move your body and you will feel more awake, alert, and happy.
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