Pregnancy & Parenting

Pregnancy A - Z Guide | A | By Pregnacare

Vitabiotics | Published: 19/02/2021

Pregnancy A - Z Guide | A | By Pregnacare

Here's Our Pregnacare A-Z Guide To Pregnancy And Nutrition - The Letter A

Are you pregnant? Make sure you read our Pregnacare A-Z Guide of Pregnancy and Nutrition, covering everything important for parents-to-be. First up, we take a look at the letter A during pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting and special journey to producing a new life. It is also a time when what you eat and drink becomes more important as you are providing nutrition for both you and your baby. It’s a time where you are sure to have lots of questions about your journey to motherhood.

Our Pregnacare A-Z is a series of posts, one for each letter of the alphabet, designed to help you understand your nutritional needs, how they change and the best foods to choose during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

This A to Z answers many of the important questions mums-to-be have about pregnancy and nutrition. It covers topics from antenatal care through to water intake, via pregnancy vitamin supplements.

You can download the full version of the guide in PDF format here.

If you have any further questions, make sure you ask your midwife or GP.

Pregnacare A-Z Of Pregnancy And Nutrition – What Does The Letter A Stand For?

Alcohol

The Effects Of Alcohol On The Body During Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not drink alcohol at all. Drinking alcohol in pregnancy can lead to long-term harm to the baby, with the more you drink, the greater the risk.

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Amniocentesis

What Is The Amniocentesis Test?

Amniocentesis is one of several diagnostic tests that may be offered during pregnancy. It is used to detect chromosome abnormalities in the unborn child that may cause Down’s syndrome or other congenital problems. In amniocentesis, a sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the foetus is removed and analysed. This test is performed from week 15 of pregnancy onwards.

Anaemia

Anaemia During Pregnancy: What Are The Causes?

Anaemia is characterised by a low level of a substance called haemoglobin which contains iron and is responsible for transporting oxygen in red blood cells. During pregnancy, anaemia is quite common because the demands for iron change, so routine blood tests are carried out during pregnancy to check if you will need iron supplements. It is important that pregnant women eat an iron-rich diet to ensure the production of extra red blood cells so that the foetus and placenta receive enough oxygen. Iron rich foods include red meats, fortified breakfast cereals, dried fruits, pulses and bread.

Antacids

Why Could I Need Antacid Tablets During Pregnancy?

Antacids counteract stomach acidity and are often used as a treatment for heartburn. Heartburn occurs as a result of increased abdominal pressure, relaxation of the gastro-oesophageal sphincter due to pregnancy hormones and altered gastrointestinal function.* Symptoms are often aggravated by lying down, or by eating certain foods, particularly those that are spicy, fatty, fizzy or acidic. Symptoms will often be less severe with small frequent meals and snacks rather than larger meals. Avoid spicy, rich or fatty foods, eating just before bedtime and try to limit the use of antacids to manufacturers’ directions. If you’re taking iron supplements as well as antacids, don’t take them simultaneously. Antacids can stop iron from being absorbed by your body

Dowswell T, Neilson JP (2008) Interventions for Heartburn in pregnancy Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008 Oct 8;(4): CD007065

Antenatal Care

What NHS Antenatal Care Can I Expect To Receive During My Pregnancy?

Antenatal care means ‘care before birth.’ It aims to monitor and promote the wellbeing of a mother and her developing baby. Midwives and doctors provide information, advice and reassurance as well as monitoring, screening and treating where necessary. Antenatal care is a vital medical service and it is important to attend all appointments to ensure all is well with you and your baby through the pregnancy and pick up any problems early.

Aspirin

Is It Safe To Take Aspirin When I’m Pregnant?

Make sure you also check out the rest of our Pregnacare A-Z Guide to Pregnancy and Nutrition:

A / B / C / D / E / F / G / H / I / J / L / M / N / P / S / T / U / V / W 

While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information contained in this guide is accurate and reliable, this is intended as a guide only and not a substitute for advice from a health professional. Please note: Vitabiotics cannot guarantee the reliability of facts obtained from other third party information sources. Information correct at time of being published (May 2020).

Meet the Author

Gill Crawshaw

Gill Crawshaw

Copywriter / Editor of TalkMum Blog

Gill Crawshaw

Copywriter / Editor of TalkMum Blog

Pregnancy and parenting editor and writer, mum of two Gill Crawshaw is the editor of the TalkMum blog, and a writer who specialises in pregnancy and parenting. With over 18 years experience in digital content creation, she also writes the blog A Baby On Board, which covers the parenting journey. Gill has two tween-age children and lives in south London.

Neelam Kalotia

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