Iron Calcium vitamins and minerals for mother and baby

>The increased need for iron during pregnancy is especially great. Iron is needed to deliver the oxygen required by your baby as it grows.

Foods must be chosen carefully to meet this need. Protein foods, dried beans and peas, and some dried fruit, whole grains, and fortified cereals all contribute iron. It is also important to eat a vitamin C-containing food at each meal. This helps your body use the iron.

Calcium is vitally important for bones and teeth for both you and the baby during pregnancy as well as in the years to come.

Calcium and iron are nutrients that will be stolen from your body if they are inadequate in your diet to meet the needs of pregnancy. Be sure you include a good supply of these important nutrients.