If you came across this article, probably, you are planning or preparing to become a mother. We are glad you get serious about this process and are interested in vitamins during pregnancy. But we would like to draw your attention to the fact that everything you read in the open public information sources is more informative than advisory. Therefore, in this article, you will find a list of vitamins that are USUALLY prescribed during a STANDARD pregnancy. But, as you know, each person has a different health state, weight, lifestyle, and, accordingly, a different need for vitamins.
After reading this article, we advise you to consult your gynecologist before buying vitamins. Remember! Only a doctor can prescribe the nutrients and their necessary quantity based on the symptoms you describe and the tests you have passed.
So, what vitamins are usually recommended for pregnant women?
1. Prenatal vitamins are multivitamins designed to meet the increased need for trace elements during pregnancy. But in some cases, in addition to pregnancy, they may be recommended to be taken even before conception or during breastfeeding.
IMPORTANT! Vitamins for pregnant women will not replace a healthy and balanced diet and can only help prevent nutritional deficiencies with additional micronutrients.
2. Folic acid plays an essential role in the growth and development of the fetus, as well as in the synthesis of DNA and the production of red blood cells. It is prescribed to reduce the risk of congenital anomalies of the future baby.
3. Iron. The need for Iron increases during pregnancy (because the blood volume of the expectant mother increases by about 45%). Iron is necessary for oxygen transport, healthy growth, and development of the future baby and placenta.
It is essential to prevent anemia during pregnancy, as it can provoke premature birth, postpartum depression, and anemia in the newborn.
4. Vitamin D is of great importance for immunity and bone health. Deficiency of this vitamin during pregnancy can increase the risk of cesarean section, preeclampsia, premature birth, and gestational diabetes.
5. Magnesium is a mineral involved in hundreds of chemical reactions in the body. It has a significant role in the functioning of the nervous, immune, and muscular systems.
Deficiency of this mineral during pregnancy can increase the risk of chronic hypertension and premature birth.
6. Fish oil contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (components for the healthy development of the child's brain).
These essential fatty acids are vital for proper fetal development, reduce the risk of preterm birth, and may reduce postpartum depression.
7. Choline is an organic water-soluble substance. It plays a vital role in the child's brain development and helps prevent brain and spine abnormalities.
The second part of this article will provide some information that may be useful to you in situations when your relatives or friends advise you to take herbs and other nutrients during pregnancy.
Supplements and herbs should be used with caution during pregnancy.
1. Vitamin A (a usual component of prenatal vitamin complexes) is necessary for the development of vision and immune function of the fetus. But its excess can be very harmful! Since this vitamin is fat-soluble, its overmuch is deposited in the liver, which can have a toxic effect on the body, lead to liver damage, and even cause abnormal growth changes in the fetus (birth defects).
2. Vitamin E plays an influential role in the body and is involved in gene expression and immune function, but it is not recommended for pregnant women to take it as supplements. An excess of vitamin E can cause abdominal pain and premature rupture of the amniotic sac.
3. Ginger. You may have heard that ginger root is used to reduce nausea and vomiting. And although ginger can help reduce these unpleasant pregnancy symptoms, double-check with your doctor, as the effect of ginger specifically on the fetus has not been studied much.
4. Black cohosh (black cohosh) is a dangerous plant for pregnant women: it can cause contraction of the uterus and provoke premature birth.
5. Yellowroot - can cause a rare type of brain damage that can later be fatal. If you are pregnant, do not use yellow root under any circumstances.
6. Dong Quai is a popular root in traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for over 1,000 years. But if you do not want to stimulate uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage, avoid this plant.
7. Yohimbe is a supplement made from the bark of an African tree. Many people talk about its favorable properties. But it is not valid for pregnant women because this plant can cause high blood pressure, heart attacks, and seizures in the expectant mother.
So, pregnancy is a marvelous time, and your goal is to take care of yourself and the future child as best as possible. Therefore, we remind you that herbal and vitamin supplements should be taken only according to your doctor's prescription!
