It is essential for expecting mothers to take care of themselves while carrying their little bundles of joy. Here are a few nutrition tips for mothers to follow during pregnancy:

Eat Protein

Protein is a fundamental building block of your baby’s development. Try eating a protein-rich diet complete with eggs, nuts and fully-cooked meats. 

Don’t be Afraid of the Weight Gain

Gaining the amount of weight recommended by your healthcare provider is important for a healthy infant. Contact your doctor if you are concerned about gaining too little or too much weight during pregnancy.

Make the Calories Count

You need extra calories during pregnancy, but make sure they’re not empty calories. Eat foods that are good for you and packed with vitamins and nutrients. Eating the right calories now can possibly make it easier to shed the baby weight later. If you are looking for a prenatal multi-vitamin, try CVS Prenatal multi-vitamin with DHA omega-3. 

Stay Hydrated

Drinking lots of water is incredibly beneficial and vital for you and baby. Expecting moms should drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water a day and even more during the warm summer months.

Take Your Vitamins

Follow the instructions of your healthcare provider and take prenatal vitamins with recommended levels of folic acid and DHA omega-3 (try BrainStrong Prenatal or Enfamil Expecta Prenatal Supplement with DHA).

Recent research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found healthy, pregnant women who took a DHA supplement had bigger, healthier babies with longer gestation periods compared to other healthy pregnant women who took a placebo.