Which Vitamins Should I Take During Pregnancy?
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 you’re expecting. However, it’s natural for you to ask yourself, “Which vitamins should I take during pregnancy?”
In this article, you’ll learn which vitamins and minerals pregnant women should take and what they’re used for. So keep reading!
When is it necessary to take prenatal vitamins?
If you’re 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 you’re malnourished, you’ll need an extra dose of vitamins and minerals.
If you’re already pregnant, it’s especially important for you to take a daily multivitamin. Of course, this should always be done with your doctor’s permission.
How to take vitamins during pregnancy
You shouldn’t miss a day without taking vitamins, as this will affect your baby’s optimal development. It’s recommended that you take them in the morning with orange juice or another citrus fruit to aid their absorption. If you notice your stomach is upset after taking them, try to take them with food.
As we mentioned above, it’s essential that your doctor prescribes the correct amounts of vitamins for you to take. Avoid self-medication, because you could endanger not only your health, but your baby’s too.
Which vitamins should I take during pregnancy?
Knowing which vitamins you should take during pregnancy will help you avoid certain deficiencies. If you follow a vegan diet, are lactose intolerant, have a chronic disease or are carrying multiple fetuses, you should make sure you take the following vitamins:
Folic acid
This nutrient, also called vitamin B9, decreases the risk of malformations such as spinal cord defects. It also helps build your baby’s cells and prevent problems in the brain. In addition, it has the ability to protect pregnant women against cancer and to prevent a very debilitating type of anemia.
Vitamin A
This vitamin, essential for the baby’s development, helps tissues like the skin and mucous membranes to develop properly. It also strengthens bones and fulfills important functions for vision, and the immune and nervous systems. For better absorption, it’s recommended to take it with vitamins B and C.
Vitamin B
B vitamins, such as B2, B6 and B12, are excellent for the normal evolution of pregnancy. They also help reduce nausea and decrease inflammation in the body.
“If you have health disorders such as anemia or are in a state of malnutrition, you will need an extra dose of vitamins and minerals.”
Vitamin C
Ideal for mothers who have problems with the Rh factor, vitamin C acts as a natural antioxidant, increases your immunity and also prevents infections.
It also facilitates the absorption of iron in the body and aids in collagen production, thus helping prevent unpleasant stretch marks.
Vitamin D
This vitamin helps tooth enamel to form. At the same time, it helps the body absorb calcium and thus helps bones to stay strong.
Vitamin E
This vitamin is important because it promotes the pregnant woman’s muscle tone and aids in the formation of all tissues. In addition, it’s beneficial for the future mother’s immune system.
Iron
As the volume of blood during pregnancy increases, it’s necessary for you to take extra amounts of this mineral. Iron contributes to the production of red blood cells that the fetus requires, thus preventing anemia. It also reduces the risk of premature birth, and it strengthens muscles.
Calcium
Calcium is essential during pregnancy, as it’s used to strengthen the mother’s teeth and bones. It’s also used to form the baby’s bones and teeth, as well as muscles and nervous system.
Iodine
This mineral is required for cell metabolism and for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. It helps in the formation of the nervous system, organ development and the baby’s intellectual capacity.
Magnesium
If you suffer from muscle cramps, it’s recommended that you ingest magnesium. The reason for this is that it contributes greatly to muscle function, and its levels decrease during pregnancy.
Knowing which vitamins to take during pregnancy will help you before, during and after the gestation period. This way you won’t suffer from any deficiency of these essential vitamins.
Besides being essential for your body, these deficiencies can also cause you to feel irritable or fatigued. They can even increase your risk of vaginal infection.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Valentin M, Coste Mazeau P, Zerah M, Ceccaldi PF, Benachi A, Luton D. Acid folic and pregnancy: A mandatory supplementation. Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2018 Apr;79(2):91-94
- Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 3;9(11):1211.
