Vitamins and supplements during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time when women’s health is a priority. There are many times when we have to monitor our health to overcome an illness or adopt a healthier lifestyle, pregnancy is the one phase where health, diet, and body balance must be tracked above everything else. Many women take supplements during their pregnancy. So if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you must make a careful decision about taking vitamins or any other type of supplements. Always consult your doctor regarding which supplement is essential for you.

Important vitamins and minerals during pregnancy

Proper nutrition during pregnancy is vital not only for the mother but also for the baby. During pregnancy, there are certain vitamins and minerals that are more important than others.

• Folic acid – Helps to prevent neural tube defects.
• Iodine – Helps in cognitive development.
• Iron – Helps prevent anemia in the mother and low birth weight in the baby.

What are important supplements during pregnancy?

• Vitamins: Multivitamins supplements are the most common supplements prescribed during pregnancy. Some can be continued during breastfeeding. Prenatal vitamins are often multivitamins that have a combination of various vitamins and minerals required by the women’s body.
• Iron and folic acid: These are often prescribed together since they are useful to all pregnant mothers. Folic acid boosts the production of red blood cells and strengthens DNA. It actively promotes the growth and development of the fetus. Iron is important to help boost red blood cell count and improve the health of the placenta. Iron helps to transport oxygen to the baby.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is an important nutrient required to help build bone health and promote cell division in the baby. The deficiency of vitamin D can cause serious complications, including premature birth, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.
• Magnesium: It helps to build immunity, the health of muscles, and nerve function in the baby. A deficiency of magnesium can cause complications like hypertension and premature labor
• Fish oil: It boosts brain health and development in the baby. It also helps prevent depression in the mother.
• Ginger: This is a commonly prescribed herbal supplement that is extremely helpful in morning sickness and nausea during pregnancy.

Why do you need to take supplements during pregnancy?

Eating a healthy diet is very much important during pregnancy. But sometimes our regular diet may lack the nutritional value that is essential in pregnancy. One must consider the following situation

• Vegans and vegetarians may not get enough vitamin B12
• If you may not get enough calcium from dairy or other foods.
• If you are anemic
• If you don’t eat seafood you may have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

Things to consider before using vitamins and supplements during the pregnancy

• Always consult your gynecologist for their advice. Take only what’s necessary for you and your baby. Importantly, stick to the dosage suggested by your doctor.
• Have a healthy, balanced diet that can provide nutrition as per the body’s needs. These nutrients are natural hence without any side effects.
• Be vigilant about marketing claims of different supplements.
• Sleep, rest, and exercise are also important along with dietary needs. 

Having a baby is a life changer it gives you a different perspective on why you wake up every day.