This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation on behalf of Viactiv that contains affiliate links. I received Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews for my own personal use. This post is not intended to address or diagnose any medical conditions. All opinions, text and experiences are my own. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing or planning on becoming pregnant, speak with your healthcare provider if you have any specific health questions or prior to taking any dietary supplements.

Nutrition is without a doubt one of the most important things to consider during pregnancy. Everything we do and put into our bodies is directly affecting the little one growing inside of us! Given our history with pregnancy and miscarriage, it’s always been important to me to make sure I’m at my best nutritional state. Some of you have asked about my nutritional habits during pregnancy, and that post is coming! But today I wanted to share some Essential Nutrients During Pregnancy and how you can make sure you’re getting what you need!

Essential Nutrients During Pregnancy

Prenatal vitamins. I usually always take a prenatal, even when I’m not pregnant, because I knew we weren’t finished having kids and I wanted my nutrients to be up to par just in case something happened! A good prenatal vitamin will contain all the essential vitamins and minerals you need for yourself and baby! I always make sure my prenatal has DHA (omega-3s!), and if not I add a DHA supplement in too.

Calcium. This is especially important for me since I don’t eat many dairy products. I always add in a calcium supplement to my routine, especially when pregnant and after confirming with my OBGYN and midwife, so I can ensure the baby and I are receiving enough of it! 68% of women are already calcium deficient. If your body isn’t getting calcium from your daily diet, your baby’s calcium needs will be met by taking calcium from your bones – which put your own bone health at risk! Most prenatal vitamins provide only 20-30% of the recommended daily amount of calcium for pregnant women, so that’s why it’s important to take a calcium supplement to ensure you’re getting enough calcium. You don’t need EXTRA calcium while pregnant, but enough to meet your body’s daily requirements! Calcium is super important for baby’s development of healthy teeth, bones, muscles and heart!

I recently started taking Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews (in addition to my prenatal!) because when taken up to twice a day, they provide 1000mg total of calcium (the recommendation for pregnant women is at least 1000mg!). They taste DELICIOUS, so it’s a supplement I don’t mind taking! They also have half the sugar and half the calories than other leading gummy calcium supplements. Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews also contain vitamins D and K to help with calcium absorption. I feel confident in knowing my baby and I are getting the nutrients we need.

Adequate amounts of protein. I’m pretty good about this in general, but I always make sure I’m having protein with every meal especially when pregnant. Protein is really important for a developing baby! If you’re not a meat eater, I suggest adding in some protein shakes! I had a meat aversion during my first trimester, and shakes helped me get my daily recommended amount of protein without needing meat!

Iron. Iron plays a big role in baby’s brain development, so getting an adequate amount of iron through your diet is important! I pay close attention and eat iron containing foods (such as red meat in limited quantities, eggs, spinach, beans, lentils) during pregnancy. Your OBGYN will determine if for some reason you need an iron supplement for some reason, but otherwise eating iron-rich foods is all you need to do!

Folate. This is a big one, as your OBGYN will tell you! Having enough folic acid or folate in your diet is crucial to avoid neural tube defects in your baby. I make sure my prenatal vitamin has folate in it (your OBGYN will tell you this too!) so I know I’m meeting the requirements. 

Optional: Probiotic. This is more of a personal preference! With my OB’s approval, I take a probiotic to help my GI system during pregnancy (and just in general!). My family has a history of stomach issues, and taking a probiotic has helped regulate things a bit for me. My stomach was a MESS when I was pregnant with Noelle, and I’ve found improvement with this pregnancy with the addition of probiotics. 

Of course, discuss with your doctor before taking any additional supplements! Your OBGYN and/or midwife will guide you in the right direction and instruct you on all the nutrients you need during pregnancy. But, it’s your job to make it happen! 😉 If you’re looking for a good calcium supplement, give Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews in milk chocolate or caramel a try! You can purchase them at major retailers including CVS, Rite Aid, Target, and Walmart. Which flavor of Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews — milk chocolate or caramel — would you prefer? Leave a comment below!

I wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy! 🙂

(Photos by Victoria Gloria)
 

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Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews are available in milk chocolate or caramel flavors at major retailers including CVS, Rite Aid, Target, and Walmart, as well as supermarkets nationwide. 

Learn more about Viactiv and pregnancy here.

This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation on behalf of Viactiv that contains affiliate links. I received Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews for my own personal use. This post is not intended to address or diagnose any medical conditions. All opinions, text and experiences are my own. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing or planning on becoming pregnant, speak with your healthcare provider if you have any specific health questions or prior to taking any dietary supplements.