Drinking milk for your and your baby’s health

Milk is a nutritious drink and suitable for any age, particularly pregnant women. Milk is not only good for your health, but also for your growing baby.

During pregnancy, a lot of changes happen in your body. Milk can help keep your body healthy by providing calcium, which is needed in order to build new muscles and bones for your little one. Drinking milk every day will help ensure you get sufficient calcium both for yourself and for your fetus.

The right amount is a liter per day, or a large glass with each of the three meals.

The nutrients that you get from milk are vital for your baby's development and health.

• DHA is a fatty acid which is particularly important for fetal development of the brain and retina during the third trimester and up to 18 months of life.

• Choline is an essential nutrient that helps improve brain function. It is also crucial for cell membrane and tissue, as well as neurotransmitters which affect the child's memory and learning skills.

• Folate is important for the formation of red blood cells. In the first trimester, folate is very crucial for your baby's brain and nerve system.

• Vitamin B 12 helps with the brain and nerve system function.

• Calcium and phosphorus strengthens the bones.

• Vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.

• Protein is a source for amino acids which are used to synthesize proteins in the body.

• Iron is needed for healthy hemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells.

• Iodine is an essential element that enables the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, which affect the baby's growth and physical development.

Now you know why milk is recommended for pregnant women. Don't forget that baby eats what Mommy eats!