You're going to be an amazing mother! How do I know that?
Well, the fact that you're taking the time to read this article about tips to make your baby smarter speaks volumes about the type of parent you are going to be.
We, Will, Give you Tips About essential nutrition to make your baby smarter during pregnancy. Isn't it amazing to think that your baby brain is being developed right now, in your womb!?
Eating the right nutrient-rich foods during pregnancy is essential to make your baby smarter, which is why eating well during pregnancy is one of the best gifts that you can give your unborn child. let's look at some of the key nutrients that your body needs to create your baby's brain.
- Iiodine. Your iodine requirements increase during pregnancy from 150 micrograms per day, to 220, and one of the main reasons for this is that this nutrient is needed to help develop your baby's brain and Central Nervous System, which is the network of nerves that communicates messages throughout our body. This is so essential because even a mild iodine deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of ADHD or Attention Deficit hyperactivity disorder. Now we get iodine from the sea and soil, so it's found in a range of whole foods, and it's important that you get a supplement that contains iodine as well. But a supplement won't give you all of the iodine you need. Supplements are made to 'SUPPLEMENT' a healthy diet, not replace it, so make sure that you're getting adequate iodine from both supplements and your diet.
- DHA omega 3. DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid and is a type of long-chain omega 3. DHA is a major structural nutrient in the brain, and studies suggest that there is a link between mum's DHA intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding and mental advantages in babies such as improved psychomotor development and improved attention skills. For example, a study found that baby's whose mum's consumed the most DHA during pregnancy had the best problem-solving skills. And don't we all want that for our little ones. The best. source of DHA is fish, so it's important that you're eating 2-3 serves of low mercury, omega 3 rich fish every week throughout your pregnancy. If at all possible, it is recommend that you get your DHA from food instead of supplements as there's been some research that omega 3 supplements don't always have the same benefits as omega 3 from food.
- Choline. Choline requirements also increase during pregnancy, but it's been found that approximately 90% of pregnant women don't meet their choline requirements. Choline works with folate to create your baby's brain and spinal cord. Research suggests that low intakes of choline during pregnancy may be linked to increased risks of mental health. Conditions such as schizophrenia in our babies later down the track, .and adequate choline intakes during pregnancy have been linked to better cognitive performance in our children. For example, a study of a group of American mummas found that those with the highest choline intakes during their second trimester of pregnancy had children who achieved the highest scores on memory tests seven years later. So, you can see that this is a key nutrient for your baby's brain health. You won't find it in many supplements, so you really have to get it from your diet. The richest sources of choline include eggs, wheat germ, and red meat. Again, you're not going to get too much choline from a packet of potato chips! Actually, who are we kidding? We're not going to get any choline from a packet of potato chips! And, it doesn't stop there...Nutrients like folate, iron, and vitamin D are all essential for making our baby smarter too.
So, if you really want to make your baby smarter, make sure you put together a nutritious pregnancy meal plan together.
Foods to Eat During Pregnancy to Make A Smart Baby
- Eat Fatty Fish, Salmon, Whitefish, Tilapia, Shrimp, but avoid fish with mercury. Fatty Fish are rich in Omega 3 fatty acid which is important for the development of baby's brain.
- Cooked Eggs: As Eggs are rich in amino acid choline which helps to improve and boost brain growth and memory for babies.
- Rich in iron foods, such as Green peas, raisins, dried apricots. Rich in Iron foods helps to send oxygen to the brain cells of your baby during pregnancy.
- Antioxidant foods, such as berries, artichokes, tomatoes, and red beans are rich in antioxidant foods helps to protect your baby’s brain tissue and also help for baby's healthy development.
- Source of Vitamin D foods, such as orange juice, soy milk, cereals, and even exposure to sunlight helps too. A study shown mothers who had vitamin D level consumed more during pregnancy helps give birth to babies which higher brain power.
- Iodine Foods, such as yogurt, dried seaweed, baked potato, and turkey breast. Lacking of iodine during pregnancy can cause low IQ in children. You Must take iodine foods or iodize salt during pregnant.
- Folic acid foods such as, dark leafy veggies, avocado, spinach, lentils, broccoli, asparagus, citrus fruits. Folic acid is very important for the formation of brain cell in your baby.
- Boost protein, such as yogurt, bean soup, peanut butter, and lean beef. Your body and brain needs more protein right now to build cells and make hormones for your growing baby. Do not gain too much weight because you are eating for two now, eating too much can cause risk of premature delivery.