How should pregnant women choose prenatal milk?

Pregnant women should pay attention to how to prepare formula, the dosage, the timing of consumption, and change the type of formula when needed to improve their health and help the fetus develop.

This prenatal milk is specially formulated for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Essential nutrients such as DHA, folic acid, iron, zinc, and calcium help boost the mother's immune system and promote optimal fetal development.

Dr. Nguyen Anh Duy Tung, a specialist in Nutrition Clinic System, advises pregnant women to consult their doctor to choose the appropriate type of prenatal milk.

If pregnant women experience fatigue and dizziness, they can choose milk with high iron and zinc content to improve their condition. Those who frequently experience cramps and body aches should consume products rich in calcium, which helps reduce cramping symptoms and balance the skeletal system. When the fetus is developing slower than average, expectant mothers should drink milk rich in protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals to support the baby's overall development.

Prenatal milk typically provides a full range of easily absorbed nutrients, including iron (preventing anemia during pregnancy), folic acid (reducing the risk of birth defects), DHA (improving eyesight), calcium (helping to develop strong bones and teeth), and fiber (supporting digestion and maintaining a healthy digestive system).

Pregnant women should pay attention to the taste of the product, prioritizing familiar, refreshing, and easy-to-drink flavors. They should choose reputable prenatal milk brands with modern production processes that ensure safety and meet high quality standards.

Pregnant women need to choose the right prenatal milk to ensure both mother and fetus are healthy. Photo: Freepik

Doctor Duy Tung advises pregnant women to pay attention to the following points to receive the optimal benefits from drinking prenatal milk.

How to prepare formula : Read the instructions carefully and mix the formula according to the recommended ratio. Do not mix it too thick or too thin, as this will affect the nutritional content and may impact the mother's digestive system. Pregnant mothers should use the measuring spoon provided in the formula container. Do not estimate by eye, as this may lead to incorrect proportions. Gently shake the container before opening to prevent the powder from clumping.

Use clean, boiled water to prepare formula. Depending on the type of formula, the water temperature should be around 40-50 degrees Celsius. Water that is too hot will destroy the nutrients in the formula. Water that is too cold will not dissolve all the powdered formula.

Dosage : Pregnant women should supplement with 3-6 units of prenatal milk per day (depending on the stage of pregnancy), equivalent to 300-600 ml of prenatal milk per day. Drinking too much prenatal milk, or consuming excessive nutrients, can be harmful to both mother and baby. For example, excessive weight gain in the mother increases the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia. An overweight fetus can lead to consequences such as heart failure, respiratory failure, and hypothermia. Overuse of prenatal milk also increases the risk of pregnancy constipation, bloating, and indigestion.

Best time to drink prenatal milk : Drink prenatal milk about 1-2 hours after breakfast and about two hours before bedtime. Do not drink milk while eating as it can cause indigestion and overload the stomach. Pregnant women should drink the milk immediately after preparing it. Prepared prenatal milk can be stored in the refrigerator and used within 24 hours; it should not be kept for too long as it will spoil and lose nutrients.

How to drink prenatal milk : Pregnant women should drink the milk slowly, in small sips. After drinking, avoid taking medication as it may reduce the effectiveness and hinder nutrient absorption. This could cause adverse health effects.

Pregnant women shouldn't force themselves to drink only one type of milk. If they find the milk unsuitable, they should consult their doctor to change it, but avoid changing it too often as this can slow down nutrient absorption.

Dr. Tung noted that prenatal milk cannot completely replace a balanced, nutritious diet. Pregnant women need to ensure they are providing sufficient nutrients for themselves and their fetus, have regular prenatal checkups, and undergo prenatal nutrition consultations so that doctors can advise on a balanced and scientific diet.

Kim Thanh

Readers can ask questions about nutrition here for the doctor to answer.

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