Mama Miah!

It is important for all pregnant to take prenatal vitamins, to ensure their overall health and their unborn baby/babies. If you are having regular Prenatal Checkups, your OB/GYN will prescribe the essential vitamins, you will be needing during your pregnancy.
In my personal experience, during the first trimester of my pregnancy, my OB/GYN prescribed Folicard (Anti-Anemia) 5 mg to me. It has Folic Acid which helps to support the placenta and it also reduces the risk of having serious birth defects called the 'neural tube' (defects of the brain and spinal cord). There are fruits and vegetables that you can eat that have folic acids like nuts, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, pasta, fortified cereals, oranges, and strawberries. 

During the 2nd trimester of my pregnancy, my OB/GYN prescribed Calciumade and Macrobee with Iron to me. Calcium helps you to have strong bones and teeth, helps prevent blood clots, helps muscles and nerves function. It can also prevent a new mother from losing her own bone density, as the fetus uses the mineral for bone growth. Other sources of Calcium are milk, yogurt, cheddar cheese, bread, cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, and calcium-fortified foods like soy milk. Iron prevents anemia and helps the mother and baby's blood carry oxygen. Other sources of Iron are pork, beef, spinach, dried beans, and oatmeal or grains fortified with iron. 

In the 3rd trimester of my pregnancy, I continue to take Macrobee with Iron then my OB/GYN changed my calcium vitamins into Caltrate Plus. I also drink Anmum but when I was in my 3rd trimester my OB/GYN let me stop drinking milk because my baby was getting bigger already. 

With the right vitamins and supplements added to a healthy diet and lifestyle, you and your baby will be in good health. 

 How about you, what are the vitamins you took during your pregnancy?

Having a regular exercise is very important to all the expectant mothers out there. Even a simple walking for 30 minutes is already good for you. Here's a helpful video I have found on YouTube: How to Exercise when Pregnant.

Good posture must be maintained all throughout pregnancy. The temptation to slouch is strong, especially during the last trimester, when baby’s weigh pulls the abdomen forward. Compensating by leaning backward puts undue stress on her back. High heels make things worse. However, a proper posture is not enough. A pregnant woman needs exercise more than ever to keep fit, prevent the development of varicose veins by improving circulation, and make labor a little easier. Here are some Helpful Exercise During Pregnancy:

From a standing position, sit down until your knees are fully bent and you are balanced on the balls of your feet. Do about 10 repetitions at a time. (For support, you can hold on to a chair and place a 4-cm-thick piece of wood or a rolled-up rug under your heels.)

1. Sit down and draw imaginary circles with your big toe by turning the ankles clockwise, then counter-clockwise. Do about 10 repetitions in each direction. Do the same with the other foot.

2. Alternately point your toes up then forward (forming a straight line from knee to toe). Do about 10 repetitions for each toe.

Get down on your hands and knees, and keep your back flat. Then simultaneously draw in your abdomen, tighten your buttocks, tilt your hips forward, and exhale. Do about 10 repetitions.

Source: Philippines Health Guide 2000.

TRIVIA:

Did You Know?

Studies have shown that women who work out while pregnant gain less weight, lose postpartum pounds more quickly, have faster deliveries, and are less likely to need a c-section.