Certain nutrients are essential in early pregnancy to help the developing baby. Our nutritional therapist Laura Southern says: ⁠ ⁠ 🔸Folic acid is essential in the early stages of pregnancy to help prevent conditions such as Spina Bifida and cleft palate. 400mcg should be taken daily until 14 weeks gestation and ideally should be started 2-3 months pre-conception if possible. If you have had a baby with a neural tube defect or elevated risk factors your doctor may recommend a higher dose of folic acid.⁠ ⁠ 🔸Omega 3 is important for the baby’s developing brain, whilst it is found in oily fish a supplement can also be beneficial throughout pregnancy.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ 🔸Vitamin D deficiency is very common in pregnancy and it is one reason why many mums may feel very tried. It is also required to support bones in women and fetal bone development. Therefore it is recommended to take vitamin D supplements during pregnancy which may be included in a pregnancy multi-vitamin. ⁠ ⁠ #pregnant_world #pregnant #pregnancy #pregnancydiary #pregnancylife #pregnantlife #london #gynaecology #londongynaecology #earlypregnancy #expecting #motherandbaby #newmum #expectantmum #newbaby #newborn #pregnancynutrition #nutrition #food #foodinpregnancy #eating #healthyeating #folicacid #omega3 #vitamind