Nutrients, how much more and why do you need and where to get them?

Thiamine- The demand of thiamine in pregnancy increases by 25% compared to a non-pregnant woman.

Why does a pregnant lady need thiamine? 

Thiamine is crucial for: 

• proper functioning of cardiovascular and nervous systems, a deficiency may lead to maternal health issues (complicated delivery, pre-term birth, heart-failure, pre eclampsia: high blood pressure in pregnancy, symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, muscle pain and poor appetite)
• proper development of the baby, especially the brain and nervous system. A deficiency in thiamine during pregnancy increases the risk of developmental abnormalities and impair the baby's growth
• healthy neurological function, in rare cases severe thiamine deficiency may lead to a condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (a neurological disorder characterized by confusion, memory problems and difficulty with coordination and balance) 

So, in what foods is Thiamine found?

• Meat 
• Fish 
• Whole grains 
• Fortified breakfasts and cereals 
• Fish
• Beans 
• Lentils 
• Green peas                                 
• Enriched cereals
• Breads 
• Noodles
• Rice
• Sunflower seeds
• Yogurt