Folic Acid
Folic acid, a type of B vitamin, helps with cell production. While folate occurs naturally in some foods, folic acid is a synthetic form. Adequate folic acid decreases the risk of neural tube defects, which impacts the brain and spine development of baby. The following Health Canada link provides more information on folic acid and neural tube defects:
Folic acid and neural tube defects - Canada.ca
Iron
Iron helps make new red blood cells and carries oxygen around the body. Iron intake needs to go up in pregnancy because blood volume increases. The iron consumed while pregnant helps baby build it's own iron stores.
For more information on iron and anemia in pregnancy:
Anemia in pregnancy | IWK Health
IWK Patient Handout: Iron in your diet
Calcium
Calcium is needed for the development of baby's bones, teeth and overall skeletal system. Vitamin D is needed to help your body absorb calcium. Calcium supplementation has also been shown to decrease the risk of hypertensive disorders (high blood pressure related illness) in pregnancy. If diet lacks adequate calcium, baby will draw calcium from maternal/birthing parent's bone stores to support it's growth. Eating enough calcium helps prevent maternal bone loss.
Calcium also supports proper muscle function and nerve transmission, benefitting both parent and developing baby.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is produced in the body from sunlight exposure during certain times of the year. It can be found only in certain foods, and often requires supplementation to get adequate levels.
Taking a vitamin D supplement of 2000IU in the last six months of pregnancy will enhance the vitamin D content of your breast milk towards meeting the daily needs of your breastfeeding infant.
The following weblink offers tips to assist in meeting these nutrient needs:
IWK patient handout: Calcium and Vitamin D
Healthy eating – Pregnancy Info
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fats support the development of baby's brains and eyes. Docosahexaenocic acid (DHA) is a type of omega 3 fatty acid. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit both mother and baby, contributing to a healthier pregnancy.
You may find the following link helpful in learning more about these nutrients:
IWK patient handout: Omega-3 Fats in Pregnancy