You see it in the movies or on television. The woman cries in pain as she has her legs spread wide and there are five to six people in hospital gowns around her. The doctor encourages her to “Push” while a man, holding her hand squeezes it tight and screams with her, “You can do it, just a little more, it’s coming.” This scene might sound so cliché but it is close to the truth on what actually takes place in the delivery room.

Bringing a child out into the world is truly a wonderful thing but the woman has to go through major pain before experiencing the infinite pleasure of motherhood. This is because as the infant finds its way out of her womb, the uterus contracts and the mother feels pain from a quick twinge to a sharp painful stab.

When the contractions begin and it occurs frequently, that means the mother-to-be is in labor. Often times, a first-time mother confuse a normal contraction and mistake it as being in labor already. But the sign that she is actually going to bring out a child to the world is when her water breaks.

Urine contractions are also symptoms. This is when the mom feels her back is tightening right across the womb. When the water breaks, there are streaks of blood in it.

Often times, the mucus lining is seen when the expectant is about to give birth. This is because the muscles in the uterus are contracting. This is also known as ‘labor pains.’ The contractions lead to the baby’s health being pressed down between the pelvis and inside the cervix. Naturally, the woman’s cervix will open to let the baby’s head pass through the vagina.

For some women, pregnancy pains are too hard to handle that they just had to take prescribed medicines to lessen the pain that they are feeling. Besides, they also have to take extra care of themselves because they have a developing and living being inside of them.

In fact, professional gynecologists all recommend that women should eat more than their usual serving. They must eat a balanced diet so that both mother and child will receive the necessary nutrients and vitamins.

The essential vitamins for pregnant women are:

-Vitamin A because it is responsible for the development of the bones and teeth of the child inside. It can be found in milk, eggs, carrots, spinach, potatoes, pumpkin and liver.

-Vitamin D because it assists the body in using the calcium and phosphorus it gets. It also strengthens the bones and teeth of the child inside. It can be found in fatty fish. The mother is also advised to have her dose of sunshine to get it.

-Vitamin E because it aids the body in forming and using the red blood cells and muscles of the child inside. It can be found in wheat, nuts, spinach, fortified cereals and vegetable oil.

-Vitamin C because it is an anti-oxidant which does not allow the tissue to be damaged and assists in absorbing the iron needed by the body to have a developed immune system for the child inside. It can be found in citrus fruits, green beans, strawberries, papaya, bell peppers, broccoli, potatoes and tomatoes.

-Vitamin B1 because it increases the energy level and regulates the nervous system. It is found in whole grain, cereals, wheat, pasta, eggs, rice, berries, nuts and pork.

-Vitamin B2 because it regulates energy and good eyesight and makes the skin healthy. It is found in meats, fish, poultry and dairy products.

-Vitamin B3 because it makes the skin healthy and cleans the nerves and assists in proper digestion. It is found in food containing protein like cereals and bread.

-Vitamin B6 because it forms the red blood cells and regulates morning sickness. It is found in chicken, fish, liver, pork, eggs, soybeans, carrots, cabbage, peas, spinach, cantaloupe, wheat, sunflower seeds, bananas, broccoli, brown rice, beans, oats, walnuts, peanuts and bran.

-Folic Acid because it supports the placenta and prevents possible defects like spina bifida and neural tube deficiency from occurring. It can be found in citrusy fruits such as oranges and strawberries and vegetables like spinach, beets, broccoli and cauliflower.

-Calcium because it strengthens the bones and teeth. It also helps blood clot and assists them muscles and nerves in functioning. It can be found in yogurt, milk, cheddar cheese, cereal, bread and canned fish.

-Iron because it assists in the production of hemoglobin which prevents low birth weight, anemia and a premature delivery. It can be found in dried beans, beef, pork, spinach, wheat, oatmeal and grains.

-Protein because it assists in the production of amino acids and helps in repairing cells. It can be found in mostly animal meat, poultry, eggs, veggie burgers, nuts, beans and legumes.

- Zinc because it helps produce insulin and enzymes. It can be found in poultry, beans, nuts, grain, cereals, oysters, red meat and dairy products.

An expecting mother must also remember that osteoporosis or breaking down of bones can take place during pregnancy. In order to prevent this, we recommend that she take Jarrow Formula’s Bone Up. It contains 240 capsules and assists expecting women in strengthening their bones for the benefit of their unborn child.

Take six capsules a day after meals. However, if you are allergic to shellfish, do not use this product. It is always better to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any form of medication, especially when you are pregnant.