n the third trimester, growth is the name of the game. As your baby grows, your body expands as best it can to manage that growth.

Issues that are common during this time are:

• Blood volume increase which increases the demand for iron.

• Pressure on different parts of the body due to carrying more abdominal weight, including that on the digestive system (which can trigger symptoms such as acid reflux) and the lower back (which can trigger pain as well as the swelling of your feet).

• Overall reduction in range of activity.

Nutrients to focus on are:

• Calcium Protein
• Zinc
• DHA
• Choline
• Iron

These all encourage your baby’s growth as well as the development of breast milk. See also (Prenatal Nutrition Basics: Nutrients to Emphasize.)

There is a tendency to feel full after small amounts but to have significant hunger, so the trick is to get the biggest nutrition bang out of each bite. Nut butter on a whole grain cracker, or even a smoothie made from whole yogurt with peanut butter and berries make an appealing snack (or light meal) that is also nutrient-dense.