What Vitamins Do You Need While Pregnant

Amounts Of Prenatal Vitamins

Pregnancy Tips : Taking Prenatal Vitamins While Trying to Get Pregnant

The amount of vitamin in each prenatal pill or multi-vitamin supplement can vary depending on the product used, making it important to check your vitamins and not exceed the upper safe limits of daily intake.

The following is a list of the recommended dietary allowance and tolerable upper limits for pregnant women:

Side Effects Of Prenatal Vitamins

The most common side effects of prenatal vitamins are nausea, indigestion, and constipation. These side effects are mainly due to the iron in the prenatal vitamin. For this reason, early in pregnancy, when many women are struggling with nausea, I advise them to delay starting the prenatal vitamin but instead to substitute an over the counter vitamin without iron. This will provide the important vitamins you need such as B vitamins, vitamin D, and folate without the iron, which can upset the stomach.

Later on when the nausea has remitted the patient can start the prenatal vitamin with iron. The additional iron demands from pregnancy dont start until later in the pregnancy anyway.

As mentioned, iron causes constipation for many pregnant women. Increased fluids, prunes and prune juice and increased fiber in the diet such as from bran cereals and lots of fruits and vegetables can often alleviate these symptoms. If these things dont work ask your doctor about prescribing a mild laxative or switching to a slow-release form of iron.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. . Anemia in Pregnancy. Retrieved November 28, 2015, from ACOG Practice Bulletin Number 95:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. . Neural Tube Defects. Retrieved November 28, 2015, from ACOG Practice Bulletin No.44:
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What Do Prenatal Vitamins Do

If youre wondering, What do prenatal vitamins do? Do prenatal vitamins substitute a healthy diet? read on.

Prenatal vitamins are not substitutes for a healthy diet, as you still need to consume foods rich in nutrients and minerals. They help maintain the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to support your pregnancy.

Be sure to discuss with your doctor to determine when to start taking prenatal vitamins and which formulas they recommend. If you take more than the recommended dose, you can harm your baby. Some of their nutrients include:

  • Folic acid: It is a B vitamin that pregnant women need to help their baby grow and develop. It can also prevent birth defects. You can take between 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid every day.
  • Iron: Patients need to take 27 milligrams of iron a day, asit supplies oxygen to the fetus and supports the placentas development. It can also prevent anemia, a condition in which you dont have enough healthy red blood cells.
  • Calcium: We recommend taking 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. This helps the baby to develop its bones, muscles, and teeth.
  • Docosahexaenoic acid : This is an omega-3 fatty acid that can prevent pregnancy-related complications.
  • Zinc: It reduces preterm births.
  • Vitamin A: Helps with eye development. Patients can take e700mcg a day. If you take it in large doses it can cause birth defects.

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How Can I Get The Nutrients I Need

The NHS currently recommends taking folic acid and vitamin D supplements .

You only need an iron supplement if you are iron-deficient .

The rest you can easily get from food.

  • Choose foods that contain folate , especially leafy green veg.
  • Iron can be found in meat, poultry and seafood, as well as leafy green vegetables, beans, nuts, raisins and dried fruit.
  • Calcium is found in dairy products, but also in oranges, bell peppers, broccoli, kale and brussels sprouts.
  • Top up your Vitamin D by eating oily fish , eggs and red meat.
  • Iodine is found in fish, milk, cheese, and yoghurt. Its also in iodized salt.

Iron Has Many Benefits During Pregnancy:

Complete Multi
  • Allows your body to make extra blood for your baby. You need more iron during pregnancy because your body should be making about 50% more blood.
  • Helps oxygen flow through your body and your babys developing body.
  • Prevents iron deficiency anemia. Low iron can lead to anemia, which can make you even more tired during pregnancy. Worse, it makes your baby more likely to be born early or too small. In extreme cases, low iron can lead to infant mortality.
  • Baby growth. During the second and third trimesters, youll need the mineral for your placenta and baby growth.

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Help You Get The Nutrients You Both Need During Pregnancy

The food you eat during pregnancy is your babys primary source of nutrients, and those nutrients help them grow. So your nutritional needs skyrocket. And while you may be eating well, it can be hard enough to get all of the nutrients you need, let alone sufficient amounts for your baby too. This is where prenatal vitamins come into play: theyre designed to supplement your diet to make sure you and your baby are getting all the lovely vitamins and minerals you require .

Side note: prenatal vitamins are designed to supplement a healthy diet. Theyre not intended to replace it. So keep filling your plate with lots of meat , seafood, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and grains as these are all great sources of those nutrients you and your little one need.

Why Do I Need Folic Acid In Pregnancy

Folic acid , plus vitamin B12, is needed to form red blood cells .

“Folic acid is important for pregnancy because it can help to prevent neural tube defects, including spina bifida .”

The neural tube is a structure in the embryo that later develops into the babys brain and spinal cord. Taking folic acid before you conceive and while you’re pregnant might prevent up to seven out of 10 cases of neural tube defects .

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Which Vitamins Should I Take During Pregnancy

16 August, 2018

The vitamin supplements that you consume during pregnancy are also known as prenatal vitamins. They come in different forms and should be taken daily, starting on the day you find out youre expecting. However, its natural for you to ask yourself, Which vitamins should I take during pregnancy?

In this article, youll learn which vitamins and minerals pregnant women should take and what theyre used for. So keep reading!

Calcium Has Many Benefits During Pregnancy:

Do I need to take an iron supplement while pregnant? If so, how much?
  • Baby bones. Just like you, babies need calcium to grow strong bones and teeth.
  • Helps development. Calcium is also essential for your baby to develop nerves, muscles and a healthy heart rhythm.
  • Prevents loss in bone density. As your baby grows and uses your calcium to grow his or her own bones, you may lose some of yours unless you get the recommended calcium intake.

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Nutrition Needs After Pregnancy

Your physical, mental, and nutritional needs change before and after pregnancy. Your body takes on new functions once baby is born and needs time to recover after pregnancy. Some experts say that it can take up to 18 months for your body to fully recover from childbirth. Your body needs extra nutrients in the postpartum months, both so you can support your baby and to rebuild after pregnancy. Postnatal vitamins like Perfect Postnatal multivitamin can help replenish the nutrients your body needs. Its so important to maintain your health and wellness after pregnancy, and postnatal vitamins are there to help.

Extra wellness tip: Physical activity can also be helpful for postpartum recovery! According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, postnatal workouts can help to relieve stress, build strength, support sleep, and may even help avoid postpartum depression. Be sure to talk with your healthcare professional before starting any postpartum exercise program. Gentle exercises like stretching, walking, and yoga can be great once youre cleared to start physical activity after giving birth.

Which Vitamins Do I Need In Pregnancy

Anna Magee

Journalist & Founder

When youre pregnant, it seems everyone has advice about what to eat, what to wear, which supplements to take. Leading nutritionist, Raihane Palagi has advice in the latest of our Truth about series

A new study has revealed that women who develop diabetes in pregnancy but are not diagnosed are far more likely to experience a stillbirth than women without the condition.

Research led by the University of Leeds and the University of Manchester, found that the risk of stillbirth was over four-times higher in women who developed signs of diabetes but were not diagnosed.

The study compared the symptoms and care of 291 women who experienced a stillbirth to 733 similar women who did not experience a stillbirth across 41 maternity units in England and found that all the women included in the study with high blood sugar, had twice the risk of stillbirth than women without the condition.

This increased risk was likely to be caused by a missed diagnoses and a lack of subsequent care experienced by many of the women. Results show an association only, and cannot provide certainty about cause and effect.

Women who develop diabetes in pregnancy but are not diagnosed are far more likely to experience a stillbirth.

Making sense from all the conflicting, if well-meaning advice for pregnant women can feel like yet another chore on the to-do list for your new pregnancy brain.

The NHS warns against taking any supplements containing vitamin A during pregnancy.

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What Type Of Prenatal Vitamins Is Best

Vitamins come in multiple forms: pill, soft-gel capsule and gummies. For some, swallowing and holding down a pill can be difficult especially when youre queasy due to morning sickness. If thats your situation, try a soft-gel capsule or a gummy vitamin. Just remember that gummy vitamins do not contain iron, so you may want an extra iron supplement for that.

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Folic Acid Has Many Benefits During Pregnancy:

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  • Lowers risk of ovulatory failure. According to a 2006 study, women who took multivitamins, including a folic acid supplement, had a 40% lower risk
  • Lowers risk of neural tube defects . Since neural tube defects occur within the first 28 days of conception, even if youre not pregnant yet, you should still get 400 mcg a day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , women who get their daily value of folic acid reduce the risk of a neural tube defect by up to 70%.
  • May lower risk of other defects. Some studies also show that folic acid may lower the risk of cleft lip, cleft palate and some heart defects.
  • May lower risk of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious blood pressure disorder.

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Vegetarian Vegan And Special Diets In Pregnancy

A varied and balanced vegetarian diet should provide enough nutrients for you and your baby during pregnancy.

But you might find it more difficult to get enough iron and vitamin B12.

Talk to a midwife or doctor about how to make sure you’re getting enough of these important nutrients.

If you’re vegan or you follow a restricted diet because of a food intolerance or for religious reasons, talk to a midwife or GP.

Ask to be referred to a dietitian for advice on how to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need for you and your baby.

Find out more about healthy eating if you’re pregnant and vegetarian or vegan.

If I Want To Get Pregnant When Should I Start Taking A Prenatal

Women who are family planning should consider starting a prenatal vitamin, or at least an additional supplement of folic acid while trying to conceive. The first four weeks of pregnancy, the time when the neural tube is forming, is the most critical for folate needs in preventing related birth defects. Six hundred mcg of folic acid is recommended before conception and through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you find out you are pregnant but havent been taking a prenatal or folic acid, the best thing to do is to start it as soon as you learn of your pregnancy.

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Supplements To Avoid While Pregnant Or Breastfeeding

While the vitamins and supplements above are generally considered safe for pregnant and nursing mothers, others should be avoided.

Certain vitamins, plants, and herbs can potentially be harmful while pregnant or breastfeeding. Thats why you must always let your doctor know about any supplements you take.

When Is It Necessary To Take Prenatal Vitamins

Fertility Supplements: What Supplements Should You Take if You Are Trying To Get Pregnant?

If youre planning to conceive, ingesting iodine and folic acid before pregnancy will guarantee that you have the correct balance of these nutrients. Also, if you have health disorders like anemia or youre malnourished, youll need an extra dose of vitamins and minerals.

If youre already pregnant, its especially important for you to take a daily multivitamin. Of course, this should always be done with your doctors permission.

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Do Prenatals Help You Get Pregnant

If youre wondering when to start taking prenatals and whether they can boost your fertility, read on. Youll find answers to questions like: Do prenatals help you get pregnant? Do prenatal vitamins make you fertile?

Prenate pills do not increase fertility, but they can help you experience a healthy pregnancy and prevent complications.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advice women on when to start taking prenatals. Women who are planning to get pregnant should take their vitamin three months before conception.

Here are the benefits of taking prenatal vitamins before pregnancy:

So, do prenatal vitamins make you fertile? A recent study does mention that vitamin B, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids and healthy diets may increase fertility, and you can find some of these ingredients in the Conception Fertility Prenatal Vitamins Product.

The Conception Fertility Prenatal Vitamins can help regulate your cycle and prepare your body for pregnancy.

Suppose youre already pregnant and havent been taking prenatals. You can work closely with your doctor so they can advise on when to start taking prenatal vitamins and whether the Conception Fertility Prenatal Vitamins product is right for your body.

What Pregnancy Vitamins Do You Need

During your pregnancy, you will need many vitamins and minerals to stay strong and healthy. We strongly recommend you to always check and consult with your OB/GYN to know what vitamins you need the most, and how to take them.

Here is a list of every pregnancy vitamin you will need:

1| Folic Acid

Your body must have a steady and average level of it especially in the first 3-4 weeks of pregnancy to help your baby develop and grow. Consult your doctor on whether you need to add it to your list or not.

You can increase your folic acid levels by eating dark leafy greens or green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.

2| Calcium

It is mostly known that calcium makes bones stronger, but it also has other benefits. Every pregnant mum needs her intake of calcium because it helps in absorbing other nutrients and aids the body in functioning well. It also reduces high blood pressure which is very important during pregnancy.

Dairy foods and seafood can help you in maintaining your calcium levels as needed.

3| Iron

Your body needs iron to make extra hemoglobin for you and your baby. Keeping up your iron intake helps you stay stronger and avoid tiredness or fainting during pregnancy.

Eat spinach and meats to maintain your iron levels.

4| Vitamin A

Not only does it fight infections, but it helps in protecting and maintaining the embryo growth as well. It also supports your skin during pregnancy to stay soft and moisturized.

5| Vitamin B12

6| Vitamin C

7| Vitamin K

8| Omega 3

9| Vitamin D

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Vitamin D And Pregnancy

Vitamin D is essential for your babys growth and development and your own health during pregnancy.

We get most of our vitamin D from the sun. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun produces vitamin D in the skin and is the best natural source of vitamin D. Only a small amount of our vitamin D intake comes from our diet from foods such as eggs, oily fish, margarine and milks fortified with vitamin D.

Women at most risk of vitamin D deficiency are women who:

  • have dark coloured skin
  • wear covering or concealing clothing for religious or other reasons
  • spend much time indoors.

You may need a blood test at the beginning of your pregnancy to assess your vitamin D levels. If so, your doctor will arrange this. Depending on your results, you might need to take vitamin D supplements. Your GP will discuss this with you. If you are considering taking vitamin D or any other supplements during pregnancy, always discuss it with your GP first.

The Importance Of Prenatal Nutrition

Is Prenatal Vitamins Necessary During Pregnancy?

Meeting your daily nutrient needs during pregnancy is necessary to keep up with your rapidly changing maternal metabolism.

Of course, maternal nutrition is essential for healthy fetal growth and development. In fact, theres growing research that suggests the effects of prenatal nutrition can trickle into adulthood.

For that reason, its important to learn about necessary vitamins for pregnant women, as well as additional supplement and macronutrient needs.

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What Supplements Do I Need In Pregnancy

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A healthy, balanced diet will give you most of the vitamins and minerals you need during pregnancy. Folic acid and vitamin D are so important for your baby, that you should take supplements to make sure you are getting enough.

If your blood tests show that you are anaemic in pregnancy, then your doctor or midwife will give you an iron supplement. Otherwise, you do not have to take an iron supplement in pregnancy.

There is no need to take any other vitamin and mineral supplements unless your GP prescribes them. Some women chose to take a pregnancy multivitamin, which is fine if you choose to do so.

Do not take vitamin A supplements, or any supplements containing vitamin A, as too much could harm your baby.

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