Nutrition during the prenatal and perinatal period

Nutrition profoundly influences fetal development and maturation that can be often overlooked whilst engaging in our busy day-to-day tasks. We all know the swan song of taking ‘daily vitamins and folic acid tablets’ but what do the benefits entail? Vitamins and minerals in the correct amount may ensure a healthy, well-developing bub and attribute to mum’s overall wellbeing.

 

Let’s talk about Folate:

What is it?

Folate is a B vitamin taken within the first 3 months of pregnancy that helps protect the baby from neural tube defects during development

Folic acid vs Folate:

Folic acid is the synthetic version of Folate with no real distinction other than how we ingest it (Folic acid vitamins or Folate from food).

Let’s talk about Folate:

Folic acid is the synthetic version of Folate with no real distinction other than how we ingest it (Folic acid vitamins or Folate from food).

How much should I have?

During the first 3 months, it is recommended to have 500micrograms of folate/folic acid daily.

Where can I get it?

The easiest way to achieve this is by consuming folate-rich food or at least supplementing with a daily folic acid multivitamin.

The best sources of folate are your raw or steamed Hardy green vegetables such as Asparagus (1 cup = 134 micrograms of folate) and broccoli (1 cup 57.33 micrograms of folate) and spinach (1 cup cooked= 263 micrograms of folate) to name a few. Folate is contained in other foods such as Beans and walnuts (14 halves=27.78 micrograms).

Knowing is half the battle:

Proper food education around making good food choices result in happier bodies and reduces the amount of chemical stress placed on the body. Chemical stress can have a physical manifestation resulting in acute or chronic pain. The more we give our bodies what is needed, the more longevity we can experience alongside a better quality of life.

I personally believe that a chronic issue may be multifaceted and may not have one specific cause or solution. As a chiropractor, I take the holistic frame of reference and understand that these stressors be they Physical, Chemical or Emotional may appear as pain and masquerade as other musculoskeletal issues.

 

 

References:

Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center. (2022). Retrieved 25 April 2022, from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia.aspx

Pregnancy and diet – Better Health Channel. (2022). Retrieved 25 April 2022, from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/pregnancy-and-diet#folic-acid-folate-and-pregnancy