During pregnancy, it is important that women take some vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure both their health and that of the baby during this period, preventing the development of anemia and bone loss, as well as defects in the baby’s neural tube, helping in DNA formation and fetal growth.
These vitamins should be taken according to the guidance of an obstetrician or nutritionist, as the amount depends on factors such as age and the presence of diseases such as anemia, and not all women need this type of supplementation, however the doctor may recommend as a form of prevention.
Vitamin supplements for pregnant women
Some pregnant women may be deficient in some nutrients, which can happen as a result of a deficit in the intake of these vitamins or minerals in the diet or because the amount in the body is not sufficient for the growth of the fetus and its body. Therefore, pregnant women may need supplements of:
- Iron, calcium, zinc and copper;
- Vitamins C, D, B6, B12 and folic acid, mainly;
- Fatty acids;
- Omega 3.
Folic acid supplementation is the most recommended by doctors or nutritionists because this vitamin is important in the baby’s development, preventing neural tube injuries and congenital diseases. Therefore, the nutritionist can recommend a diet rich in foods that contain folic acid, such as spinach and black beans, for example, and, if necessary, provide supplementation. Find out how to take folic acid during pregnancy.
The type and quantity of vitamins and minerals to be replaced depends on the results of blood tests that pregnant women must take during pregnancy, their age, the number of babies they are expecting, and the presence of diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis. Some examples of pregnancy supplements are Natalben Supra, Centrum Prenatal, Natele and Materna.
Why is taking vitamins without guidance dangerous?
Taking vitamins without guidance from a doctor or nutritionist is dangerous because an excess of some nutrients can cause problems for the baby and the mother. Excess vitamin A, for example, can cause fetal malformations, while excess vitamin C increases the risk of kidney stones.
Therefore, it is important that supplementation is carried out according to the recommendation of the doctor or nutritionist and according to the results of the woman’s exams.
See when the use of vitamin C and E supplements is not recommended during pregnancy.
Does vitamin supplementation make you fat?
Vitamin supplements for pregnant women do not make you gain weight, they serve to nourish and complement a healthy diet that must be followed during pregnancy.
In cases where there is weight gain above that desired for the gestational period, the doctor may advise the practice of physical exercise and a diet with a lower concentration of fat, while maintaining nutrient supplementation. See what you should eat during pregnancy.
See the following video for some tips on what to eat to avoid gaining weight during pregnancy:
Vitamins for pregnant women with anemia
In the case of pregnant women with anemia, the use of iron supplements is normally recommended to increase the capacity of red blood cells to transport iron.
A decrease in iron levels in the blood can be observed at any stage of pregnancy, especially if the pregnant woman is already prone to anemia, and must be treated to avoid the risk of premature births, miscarriages or reduced growth of the baby.
Anemia during pregnancy is common because the body needs to produce more blood, which is why all pregnant women should be careful to consume a diet rich in iron throughout their pregnancy.
Natural vitamin replacement
Although vitamin supplements are most used during pregnancy, as they are a quick source of vitamins, it is possible to obtain the same results through diet. Juices and smoothies for pregnant women can be made with fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, C, E, folic acid and iron. Smoothies and juices for pregnant women may include:
- Citrus fruits such as orange, pineapple and acerola, as they are rich in vitamin C, which increases iron absorption in the intestine when taken with lunch and dinner;
- Yellow and orange vegetablessuch as carrots and pumpkin, as they are rich in vitamin A;
- Dark green vegetables such as kale and watercress, as they are rich in folic acid, which helps fight anemia and develop the fetal nervous system;
- Meats and poultrywhich are sources of iron, important against anemia.
It is important to remember that foods rich in calcium, such as milk and dairy products, should not be taken together with an iron supplement or with main meals, as they can impair the total absorption of iron in the intestine.
