Your thyroid gland works harder during pregnancy, supplying a variety of hormones to increase the absorption of nutrients from your diet, increase your metabolism (this helps to keep you warm) and improve your appetite to guarantee a daily supply of protein, minerals and vitamins.
On the downside, your immunity is lowered. Pregnancy also imposes an extra workload on the heart and lungs. If you get the flu, you could take longer to recover or even get some of the associated complications such as pneumonia. This could affect your health and compromise your pregnancy – you could go into premature labour.
An increased appetite doesn’t mean that you have to eat for two! It simply means that you need to look carefully at your diet and make sure that you’re eating a variety of fruits and vegetables to supply the necessary daily vitamins.
Overweight women may have micronutrient deficiencies if they don’t eat a balanced diet. Underweight and undernourished women may have a vitamin deficiency that can cause a lowered resistance to infections, poor work performance and the inability to cope with everyday stresses.
DO I NEED TO TAKE VITAMINS?
This story is from the June/July 2020 edition of Your Pregnancy.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June/July 2020 edition of Your Pregnancy.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
COVID & your child
Symptoms, treatment, vaccines and a rare condition called MIS-C is on our minds when it comes to The Virus these days.
EYES WIDE OPEN!
Breastfeeding and night wakings? Experts shine a light on a possible connection.
RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!
It happens, even with the best of intentions. Sometimes we go overboard trying to show our love – and then things backfire.
Prioritise REST!
The fatigue of pregnancy serves to remind you exactly what miracle your body is performing, so it’s essential to listen to it. Here’s what you can do to get through these low times.
CRYING CLUES
Discover the meaning behind your baby’s cries.
Pushing isn't all you need to do!
There are four main factors that affect the length and intensity of labour. They are known as the four P’s and work together to make each woman’s labour unique.
We're all NERVOUS about it!
Sure, it can seem scarier than labour, but with these simple tips to bathing your newborn, you’ll soon be a pro.
FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS
Your children and your pets – everything you’ll need to know to be a happy family.
Here's to HAPPIER beach days!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!
Feel like your child just doesn’t listen to you? There are some techniques you can use to improve your chances of getting through.
