Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy

Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy

Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy; Even if they are not experiencing any complications, pregnant mothers should take certain vitamins during their pregnancy. These vitamins will aid in the healthy growth of pregnancy and the resistance of the expecting mother’s body. The vitamins and medications that should be taken during pregnancy differ from those for non-pregnant people. Special vitamins and medications are utilized throughout pregnancy. Otherwise, these products, which can travel through the placenta, can be harmful to the infant. As a result, vitamins or medications should not be utilized without a doctor’s approval.

Pregnancy increases the requirement for nutrition.

During pregnancy, the need for macronutrient intake rises dramatically. Proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates are examples of macronutrients. For instance, pregnant women should consume 0.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (1.1 grams per kilogram) instead of the recommended 0.36 grams (0.8 grams per kilogram) for non-pregnant women. To satisfy your needs, you should incorporate protein into each meal and snack. Compared to the requirement for macronutrients, the need for micronutrients—which include vitamins, minerals, and trace elements—increases more. With a carefully thought-out, nutrient-dense diet, some people can fulfill this additional need, but others may find it challenging.

A variety of vitamin and mineral supplement options are available, including:

• Nutrient deficiencies: Some people may require supplements if a blood test reveals a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Correcting deficiencies is crucial since nutritional deficiencies, such as folate, have been associated to birth abnormalities.
• Hyperemesis gravidarum is a pregnancy condition characterized by extreme nausea and vomiting. It might cause weight loss and nutritional deficits.
• Dietary restrictions: Women who follow specific diets, including vegans and those with food intolerances and allergies, may need to take vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent micronutrient deficits.
• Smoking: While mothers should avoid smoking throughout pregnancy, those who continue to smoke require a greater supply of specific nutrients, such as vitamin C and folate.
• Multiple pregnancies: Women carrying more than one baby have higher nutritional requirements than women carrying only one baby. Supplementation is frequently required to maintain proper nourishment for both the mother and her children.
• Mutations such as MTHFR: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a gene that transforms folate into an absorbable form for the body. Pregnant women with this gene mutation may need to supplement with a specific type of folate to avoid problems.
• Malnutrition: Women who eat infrequently or pick meals with little nutritional content may require vitamin and mineral supplements to avoid deficits.

In addition, when asked Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy, leading Obstetricians and Gynecologists around the world recommend that all pregnant women take prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements. This is recommended to fill nutritional gaps and prevent developmental abnormalities such as spina bifida at birth. Depending on your personal circumstances, be prepared to take on the task of adding supplements to your daily routine if directed by your healthcare professional.

Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy – Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy

Supplements considered safe during pregnancy

Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy; Just like with medications, your doctor should approve and monitor all micronutrient and herbal supplements to make sure they are needed and taken in safe amounts. This ensures that the vitamins meet certain standards and are generally safe to take. Not sure which brands are reputable? Your doctor can be very helpful.

• 1. Prenatal vitamins
  Prenatal vitamins are multivitamins specifically formulated to meet the increased demand for micronutrients during pregnancy. They are intended to be taken before conception, during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Observational studies have shown that prenatal vitamin supplementation reduces the risk of preterm labor and preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a potentially dangerous complication characterized by high blood pressure and possibly protein in the urine. Although prenatal vitamins are not designed to replace your healthy eating plan, they can help prevent nutritional gaps by providing extra micronutrients that are in high demand during pregnancy. Because prenatal vitamins contain the vitamins and minerals you need, it may not be necessary to take additional vitamin or mineral supplements unless recommended by your doctor.
• 2. Folate
  Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy; Folate is a B vitamin that plays an integral role in DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and fetal growth and development. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate found in many supplements. It is converted in the body to the active form of folate — L-methylfolate. It is recommended to take at least 600 micrograms (mcg) of folate or folic acid daily to reduce the risk of neural tube defects and congenital abnormalities such as cleft palate and heart defects. In a review of five randomized trials involving 6,105 women, daily folic acid supplementation was associated with a reduced risk of neural tube defects. No adverse side effects were noted. Although adequate folate can be obtained through diet, many women do not eat enough folate-rich foods, making supplementation necessary.
  In addition, it is recommended that all women of childbearing age consume at least 400 mcg of folate or folic acid daily. This is because many pregnancies are unplanned, and birth defects from folate deficiency can occur very early in pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant. Pregnant women with the MTHFR genetic mutation, in particular, may be wise to choose a supplement containing L-methylfolate to ensure maximum intake.
• 3. Iron
  Iron requirements increase significantly during pregnancy, as the mother’s blood volume increases by about 45 percent. Iron is critical for oxygen transport and for the healthy growth and development of your baby and the placenta. The overall prevalence of iron deficiency in pregnant women is around 18 percent, and 5 percent of these women have anemia. Anemia during pregnancy has been linked to premature birth, maternal depression, and infant anemia. The recommended daily intake of 27 milligrams (mg) of iron Trusted Source can be met through most prenatal vitamins. However, if you are iron deficient or anemia, you will need higher doses of iron as directed by your doctor. Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy / If you are not iron deficient, you should not take more than the recommended intake of iron to avoid negative side effects. These can include constipation, vomiting, and abnormally high hemoglobin levels.
• 4. Vitamin D
  This fat-soluble vitamin is important for immune function, bone health, and cell division. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of cesarean section, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes. The current recommended intake of vitamin D during pregnancy is 600 IU or 15 mcg per day. However, some expertsTrusted Source suggest that vitamin D needs are much higher during pregnancy. Consult your doctor about screening for vitamin D deficiency and appropriate supplementation.
• 5. Magnesium
  Magnesium is a mineral involved in hundreds of chemical reactions in your body. It plays critical roles in immune, muscle and nerve function. A deficiency in this mineral during pregnancy can increase the risk of chronic hypertension and premature birth. Some studies suggest that magnesium supplements may reduce the risk of complications such as fetal growth restriction and premature birth.
• 6. Ginger
  Ginger root is often used as a spice and herbal supplement. In supplement form, you may have heard of it being used to treat nausea caused by motion sickness, pregnancy, or chemotherapy. A review of four studies suggested that ginger is both safe and effective for treating nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting are common during pregnancy, with up to 80 percent of women experiencing them during the first trimester of pregnancy. While ginger may help reduce this unpleasant pregnancy complication, more research is needed to determine the maximum safe dose. Double-check with your doctor to see if you need it.
• 7. Fish Oil
  Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy: Fish oil contains two essential fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are important for baby’s brain development. Supplementing with DHA and EPA during pregnancy may improve brain development in your baby after pregnancy and reduce maternal depression, but research is inconclusive. While observational studies have shown improved cognitive function in children of women who supplemented with fish oil during pregnancy, several controlled studies have failed to show a consistent benefit. For example, a 2010 study of 2,399 women found no difference in cognitive function in infants whose mothers supplemented with fish oil capsules containing 800 mg of DHA per day during pregnancy compared to infants whose mothers did not.
  This study also found that fish oil supplementation did not affect maternal depression. However, the study found that fish oil supplementation protected against preterm birth, and some evidence suggests that fish oil may benefit fetal eye development. Maternal DHA levels are important for proper fetal development, and supplementation is considered safe. It is encouraged to consume two to three servings of low-mercury fish, such as salmon, sardines, or pollock, per week to help pass DHA and EPA through food. (Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy)
• 8. Probiotics
  Given the growing public interest in gut health, many pregnant parents are turning to probiotics. Probiotics are living microorganisms thought to improve gut health. Numerous studies have demonstrated that probiotics are safe to take throughout pregnancy.Trusted Source, and the danger of probiotic-related illnesses is extremely low, with no negative side effects found. Furthermore, some studies have found that taking probiotics may lower the incidence of gestational diabetes, postpartum depression, and baby eczema and dermatitis. Research into the use of probiotics during pregnancy is ongoing, and more information regarding their effect in mother and fetal health will undoubtedly be uncovered.

Do I Need to Take Multivitamins in Pregnancy?

Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy; A multivitamin is a mixture of different vitamins and minerals, usually taken in tablet form. Some multivitamins are designed specifically for pregnant women and will meet most of your vitamin needs. Formulations can vary, so check the label to make sure you are getting all you need. However, multivitamins are not a substitute for a regular diet. It is important to eat a healthy diet, even if you are taking a multivitamin before birth. If you are pregnant, use only multivitamins designed for use during pregnancy.

Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy – Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy

Vitamins used during pregnancy:

Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy: The most important vitamin to be used during pregnancy is folic acid. While it is recommended to take other vitamins through food, folic acid should also be used as a supplement. At this stage, the best thing to do is to start taking folic acid 3 months before pregnancy and continue until the pregnancy is over.

Therefore, it is recommended that expectant mothers who are planning a pregnancy start taking folic acid. However, if the pregnancy is discovered later, folic acid can be used at this stage as well. Folic acid helps prevent anomalies called neural tube defects in the baby.

The vitamins other than folic acid are not vitamins that should be used routinely during pregnancy. It is recommended that these vitamins be used regularly with a diet. If the mother does not have serious nutritional deficiencies or serious vitamin deficiencies, vitamins should not be taken as supplements, they should be provided from food. Vitamin supplements to be used should not be taken without consulting a doctor. Intensive use of some vitamins can harm the baby.

The most important of these vitamins is vitamin A. High levels of vitamin A can be harmful to both the mother and the baby. Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy – Vitamin A supplements that pregnant women should take are in low doses. The dosage of vitamin A produced for non-pregnant people is also quite high. For this reason, it is not safe to take any vitamins without a doctor’s recommendation.

Folic acid use during pregnancy:

Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy: Folic acid is a vitamin that should be used routinely for every expectant mother. Folic acid is a member of the B vitamin group. Vitamin B9, vitamin Bc, folic acid, folacin, folasin are other names for folic acid.

Folic acid can also be found in foods other than supplements. These foods include:

• Green leafy vegetables,
• Spinach
• Lentils
• Walnuts and hazelnuts,
• Liver
• Legumes
• Sunflower seeds
• It can be listed as the number of eggs.

However, it is not possible to meet the need for folic acid during pregnancy with food. For this reason, it should be taken as a supplement.

The importance of folic acid in pregnancy:

The reason why folic acid is recommended in every pregnancy is because there is a higher risk of anomalies in pregnancies where folic acid is not used. These anomalies are problems called neural tube defects.

Benefits of Folic Acid for Pregnant Women

Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy; It is recommended that all people who can get pregnant take 400 mcg of folic acid daily. There is usually a possibility of developing birth defects within the first 28 days of pregnancy. This is the main reason why women who are planning to get pregnant or are pregnant should take folic acid daily.

The benefits of taking folic acid include the formation of red blood cells and helping the development of your baby’s neural tube. This later becomes the brain and spinal cord. It also helps prevent the possibility of congenital abnormalities in babies and prevents low birth weight problems. It prevents the risk of preeclampsia for mothers and plays a vital role in the production, repair and proper functioning of DNA. If a pregnant woman has folate deficiency, the baby can be born with conditions such as Spina bifida and Anencephaly.

Babies with spina bifida may be permanently disabled, while those with anencephaly usually do not live long enough. In addition, folic acid deficiency in pregnant women can cause their babies to be born prematurely.

When should folic acid be used?

In order to see the greatest benefit from folic acid, it is recommended to start using it 3 months before pregnancy. Even if pregnancy does not start after 3 months, there is no harm in using folic acid for a long time.

Until when should folic acid be used? When should it be stopped?

Folic acid should be used strictly until the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy. Apart from this, it may be necessary to use it until the end of pregnancy with the recommendation of a doctor. Since folic acid is a vitamin that should be used every day, not taking it for a few days does not cause serious problems for the baby. However, in cases such as overdose, it is necessary to inform the doctor without delay.

How much folic acid (how many mg and how many times per day) should be used?

Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy; It is recommended to take 0.4 mg (milligram) of folic acid every day, i.e. 400 mcg (micrograms). However, the dosage of folic acid can be increased in women who have previously given birth to anomalous babies, who use insulin medications, or who are at risk of miscarriage. The number of times the medication is to be taken per day may vary depending on the brand and content of the medication. At this stage, the doctor will provide correct information.

Other medications:

· Iron

It is also recommended to use iron pills throughout pregnancy. There is a risk of the mother becoming anaemic during pregnancy. In addition, blood is lost during birth. For this reason, the use of iron preparations is quite essential.

· Calcium

These preparations do not need to be used routinely during pregnancy. However, they can be recommended for use in various situations. They can be recommended for expectant mothers whose pregnancy continues with contractions and cramps.

Calcium is very important for every period of women. In particular, adequate calcium consumption should be provided starting from childhood to prevent osteoporosis, which may occur in women after menopause. Meeting the daily calcium needs of the expectant mother during pregnancy reduces the risk of osteoporosis and helps the baby’s teeth and bone development to be smooth. Otherwise, if the mother’s body does not have sufficient calcium stores, the baby will benefit from the mother’s own bone stores for teeth and bone development. In this case, the mother may be at risk of osteoporosis. Apart from this, calcium has various functions in the body. (Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy)

How much calcium is needed during pregnancy?

The calcium requirement of expectant mothers during pregnancy is generally 1000 milligrams. If the woman is under the age of 18, the daily calcium requirement is 1300 mg.

Is it necessary to use calcium supplements during pregnancy?

Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy: Expecting mothers can easily meet their daily calcium needs from food. For this reason, it is not necessary to use calcium supplements during pregnancy. However, expecting mothers whose diet does not meet their calcium needs may need to start taking medication supplements. Vitamins used during pregnancy contain calcium. However, since these supplements are not just calcium supplements, the need must be met with daily foods. For this reason, every expecting mother should include milk and dairy products in her daily diet.

Foods containing calcium:

• Milk,
• Yoghurt,
• Cheese,
• Dried apricots,
• Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds,
• Trout,
• Green leafy vegetables and legumes are rich in calcium.
• 100 ml of milk contains 125 mg of calcium.
• 1 glass of cow’s milk contains 250 mg of calcium.
• 1 glass of yogurt contains 250 mg of calcium.
• 1 handful of hazelnuts or almonds contains 50 mg of calcium.
• 1 handful of raisins contains 30 mg of calcium.

· Progesterone

It is not recommended to use progesterone hormone drugs routinely in every pregnancy. However, in various cases, if the expectant mother has bleeding, miscarriage risk or other conditions, it may be recommended by the doctor.

· Painkillers

Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy; Even the simplest painkillers should not be used during pregnancy without the doctor’s knowledge. Paracetamol, which is a group of drugs that are not recommended, should not be used during pregnancy. These drugs can cause serious harm to the fetus. No painkillers should be used without consulting a doctor.

Apart from these drugs, if symptoms such as nausea and vomiting are experienced very frequently during pregnancy, the doctor may also prescribe drugs suitable for pregnancy. Drugs may need to be used for urinary tract infections, which are common during pregnancy. Again, in this case, the doctor will determine a treatment suitable for the condition and course of pregnancy. Apart from this; drugs recommended by the doctor and not harmful to pregnancy should be used for complaints such as goiter, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and migraine.

Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy

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Vitamins and Supplements During Pregnancy