WHAT VITAMINS SHOULD I TAKE DURING PREGNANCY?
Are you expecting a baby? Congratulations!
Pregnancy is a special time for expectant mothers. Eating healthy, exercising, and taking supplements are important things to consider… Vitamins boost the body’s vital functions and help fight disease by maintaining a healthy immune system. Even if you eat right, you’re more prone to vitamin deficiencies. When you’re pregnant, your body has to work harder to keep your baby healthy, which can deplete your reserves over time…
Discover the vitamins to favor during this period:
Taking folic acid ( vitamin B9 ) can help prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) in your baby. These are birth defects of the brain and spinal cord that occur early in pregnancy. Neural tube defects include spina bifida and anencephaly.
However, most women don't know they're pregnant until the first few weeks of pregnancy, so start taking it as soon as possible. Ideally, you should take folic acid for at least 3 months before conception and during the first trimester of your pregnancy.
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in the manufacture of red blood cells and the maintenance of placental membranes.
Vitamin C deficiency increases the risk of premature birth. It is found in fruits: kiwi, strawberries, guava, black currant, as well as citrus fruits, oranges and lemons. Supplementation is not necessary, except for former smokers.
Vitamin D , or the sunshine vitamin, is an essential vitamin for the proper progress of pregnancy and the development of the child. It acts in synergy with calcium to facilitate its assimilation and fixation on the bones. Vitamin D supplementation combined with calcium can help reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy by half.
It is found in oily fish (such as herring, sardines, salmon and mackerel), dairy products, eggs, dark chocolate, oils and margarines.
TO REMEMBER:
- Ask your regular doctor for advice before taking supplements.
- Taking folic acid is strongly recommended for at least 3 months before conception and during the first 3 months of pregnancy
- Vitamin supplementation is recommended throughout pregnancy
- And of course, we try to eat a varied and balanced diet in order to have all the nutrients for you and baby!
