During pregnancy, eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet will ensure that you acquire the majority of the vitamins and minerals your body require. When you’re pregnant or have the potential of becoming pregnant, it’s very vital to eat a nutrient-dense diet and supplement. Prenatal vitamins are multivitamins essential for women who are pregnant or attempting to conceive. From this article, you will get to know Vitamins that Pregnant women must take during their pregnancy, so read this article carefully to get the complete information. You may get a prenatal vitamin through your doctor, or you can buy them over the counter without a prescription. During pregnancy, a woman needs to take a prenatal vitamin on a regular basis as recommended by the doctor. If you want to become pregnant, start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as possible.
Vitamins, minerals, and nutrient-rich diet is important during pregnancy as they help your body stay strong and healthy. Your growing baby obtains all of the nutrition it needs from you throughout pregnancy. As a result, you may need more throughout your pregnancy than you did before. If you’re expecting multiples (twins, triplets, or more), you may require more nutrients than if you’re expecting a single child. Your prenatal vitamin will provide you with the nutrients you require during your pregnancy. If you’re a vegetarian, have bad food allergies, or can’t eat certain foods, your doctor would recommend you to take a supplement to help you get the nutrients you and your baby need. A supplement is something you take to provide your body with enough nutrients that you don’t get from your diet.
When Should I Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins?
It’s highly recommended to women that they should start taking prenatal vitamins before they get pregnant or during the initial cycle of their pregnancy. Folate is a prenatal vitamin given before conception lowers the risk of neural tube abnormalities such as spina bifida. During the first month of pregnancy, a baby’s neural tube grows, which will eventually become the brain and spinal cord. It’s possible that this will happen before you even realize you’re expecting. If you haven’t already, start taking a daily prenatal vitamin as soon as you learn you’re expecting. Throughout your pregnancy, you’ll have to take prenatal vitamins every day. Your doctor may also advise that you take prenatal vitamins after birth, particularly if you plan to breastfeed.
The Prenatal Nutrients We Need
Folate (folic acid) is the most important nutrient you need during pregnancy as it helps prevent neural tube irregularities, like spina bifida
Iron is great for your baby as it helps prevent anemia
Calcium provides healthy bones to your baby
Vitamins D, C, A, and E
Zinc boosts your and your baby’s immune system
Copper
Iodine
vitamin B12 is the most essential as it prevents birth defects in the baby and supports healthy bone development
Magnesium
Because most pregnant women don’t receive enough choline, it’s critical to incorporate choline-rich foods like egg yolks in your diet or take a choline supplement. Choline is essential for foetal brain development, placental function, and overall health. DHA, which is vital for your baby’s brain tissue growth and function, is also included in several supplements, especially during the third trimester.
Why Do I Need To Take Supplements During Pregnancy?
It is essential for all pregnant women to take folic acid and iodine supplements. Supplements aren’t as effective as a balanced diet for getting the other nutrients you need. In most circumstances, consuming a range of nutritious meals will fulfill both your and your baby’s nutritional needs. Your doctor may recommend that you take a supplement if you have a deficit. Consider the following scenario:
1. If you are a vegetarian or vegan and don’t receive enough vitamin B12.
2. If you don’t eat enough dairy foods and don’t get enough calcium, which is important for bone health.
3. If you are iron deficient
4. Or if you have a vitamin D insufficiency.
Related: Iron – Health Benefits
Why Folic Acid Is the Most Important Supplement During Pregnancy?
Before you get pregnant and until you’re 12 weeks pregnant, you should take a 400 microgram folic acid pill every day. Folic acid is essential during pregnancy as it can help prevent neural tube problems, such as spina bifida, in children. It’s difficult to receive enough folate from diet alone to ensure a safe pregnancy, which is why a folic acid supplement is essential. If you have a higher risk of neural tube abnormalities throughout your pregnancy, you will be encouraged to take a larger amount of folic acid (5 milligrams). It is recommended that you take this every day until you are 12 weeks pregnant.
You must consume folic acid, if you –
or your partner have a neural tube defect and have a family history of NTD
have had your previous pregnancy affected by neural tube defects
are diabetic
take anti-epilepsy medicine
take anti-retroviral medicine for HIV
Don’t take a bunch of multivitamins or prenatal vitamins at the same time. Other nutrients can be consumed in excess, which can be damaging to your health. Your healthcare practitioner can assist you in determining the best and safest way to acquire the recommended quantity of folic acid. Folic acid is also found in fruits and vegetables. Folic acid is abundant in citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, and beans. Some foods, such as cereals, bread, rice, and pasta, are fortified with folic acid. Having a wholesome diet should be a staple during your pregnancy.
Other supplements in pregnancy
There is minimal evidence to support the use of supplements during pregnancy, with the exception of folic acid, iodine, and any supplement prescribed by your doctor. Omega-3 supplements during pregnancy may help minimize the risk of preterm delivery, and probiotics may help manage blood glucose levels throughout pregnancy, according to a new study. However, it’s unclear if the advantages of taking these supplements exceed the risks. It’s advisable to avoid them until further research is available, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. Nutritional supplements are not subject to the same scrutiny or regulation as other medicines since they are classified as “complementary medicines.”
