1. Folic acid. Aids in cell formation and DNA synthesis.

Low levels cause low weight infants and neural tube defects. 2. Proteins. Very large role in producing blood cells.

3. Vitamin A. Good for both the growing baby and the mother. Helps in the development of healthy teeth, bones, skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, also contributes to fight infections and repair damaged tissue. It is indispensable for normal cellular distinguishing and in regulating organ development in the fetus. In addition, it contributes to a healthy reproductive cycle and replaces vitamin A that disappears during breastfeeding. 4. Vitamin C. Assists the mother by helping with wound healing, preventing the usual fatigue, and combating infection. Some facts suggest that the antioxidant activity of vitamin C can help avoid the hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. In the developing baby, vitamin C helps with the formation of collagen and strong cell walls as well as blood vessels.

5. Vitamin D. By promoting calcium absorption from the digestive tract and then assisting calcium and phosphorous to form bones, Vitamin D has a major impact on fetal bone development. Note that a deficiency during pregnancy can lead to poor skeletal development in the growing baby.

6. Vitamin E. Assists in lots of facets of the developing fetus, including the circulatory, neurological, and respiratory systems. However few cases of newborn babies with low weight and premature births are linked to deficiency of Vitamin E. As an antioxidant, Vitamin E assists in the healthy growth and maintenance of the placenta during pregnancy.

7. Vitamin K. Helps to prevent problems with blood clotting caused by oxidation.

8. Thiamine (B1). Helps produce healthy nerves and brain cells and helps make energy in cells. 9. Riboflavin (B2). Helps the production and growth of red blood cells and with metabolism (making energy). 10. Niacin (B3). Helps with a healthy birth weight, length and head circumference. 11. Pyridoxine (B6). Used for blood and nerve synthesis and helps with protein metabolism. Nausea and morning sickness can be relieved by supplementing with B6. 12. Iron. Needed to make more red blood cells and to prevent anemia during pregnancy.

13. Calcium. Helps with pregnancy complications (leg cramps, pre-eclampsia, and pre-term delivery). 14. Magnesium. Helps prevent pregnancy complications like leg cramps and tension headaches. 15. Phosphorus. Phosphorus is a mineral that helps build strong bones in you and your developing babyIt's also important for muscle contractions, blood clotting, kidney function, nerve conduction, the repair of tissues and cells, and normal heart rhythm. Phosphorus helps the body generate and use energy. 16. Iodine. Is essential for the synthesis of maternal thyroid hormones and normal brain development in the fetus. 17. Sodium. Sodium intake recommendations both before and during pregnancy are the same as those for the general population: 3000 milligrams a day. In some cases, there are medical reasons to restrict the amount of sodium in your diet. Talk with your doctor if you are unsure about your sodium intake. 18. Zinc. It is important throughout pregnancy because this mineral plays an important role in cell growth and replication. Because the baby is experiencing rapid cell growth in all stages of pregnancy, this nutrient is important for the entire nine months. 19. Water. Its quite important that you drink enough water during your pregnancy and postpartum period. This will help ensure that your pregnancy is a healthy one. Water does a few things for you. It helps your kidney and liver functions (and those of your baby also), It flushes waste from your system cells. It helps with your bodys expansion. During pregnancy your blood volume will increase quite a bit. Because of this, without enough water, you could experience pre-term labor, miscarriage, constipation, or an increase in fatigue. Without enough water, milk production and flow will be hindered.