Vitamins for pregnant women are supplements that pregnant women take to ensure their health and that of their baby during pregnancy, preventing anemia, reducing the risk of defects in the baby's neural tube, preventing bone loss, helping in the formation of DNA and fetal growth.
These vitamins should be taken according to the guidance of the obstetrician or dietician, because the amount depends on factors such as age and presence of diseases such as anemia, and not all women need this type of supplementation.
Most recommended vitamin supplements for pregnant women
Some pregnant women may be deficient in some nutrients because of a poor diet that is nutritionally or insufficiently adequate for feeding the baby and maintaining the body itself. Thus, 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 most recommended by the doctor or nutritionist because the vitamin is important in the development of the baby, preventing neural tube lesions and congenital diseases. Thus, the nutritionist may recommend a diet rich in foods containing folic acid, such as spinach and black beans, for example, and if necessary, do the supplementation. Learn how to take folic acid in pregnancy.
The type and amount of vitamins and minerals to be replenished depends on the results of the blood tests that pregnant women should do during pregnancy, the age, the number of babies they expect, and the presence of diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis. Some examples of supplements for pregnancy are Natalben Supra., Centrum Prenatal, Natele and Materna.
Why taking vitamins without guidance is dangerous?
Taking vitamins without the advice of your doctor or nutritionist is dangerous because too much of the nutrients can cause problems for the baby and the mother. Excess vitamin A, for example, can cause malformations of the fetus, while excess vitamin C increases the risk of kidney stones. Thus, it is important that supplementation be done according to the recommendation of the doctor or nutritionist according to the result of the woman's examinations.
See when the use of vitamin C and E supplements is advised against in pregnancy.
Is vitamin supplementation fattening?
Vitamin supplements for pregnant women do not get fat, serve to nourish and supplement a healthy diet that should be followed during pregnancy. In cases where weight gain is greater than desired for the gestational period, the doctor may advise the practice of physical exercises and a diet with a lower concentration of fat, but maintaining nutrient supplementation. Here's what to eat during pregnancy.
Vitamins for pregnant women with anemia
For pregnant women with anemia, the use of iron supplements is usually indicated in order to increase the ability of red blood cells to carry iron. Iron deficiency can be observed at any stage of pregnancy, especially if the pregnant woman is already prone to anemia, and should be treated so as not to be at risk of premature birth, miscarriage, or decreased growth of the baby.
Anemia in pregnancy is common because the body needs to produce more blood, so all pregnant women should be careful to consume an iron-rich diet throughout their pregnancy.
Natural Vitamin Replenishment
Although vitamin supplements are most commonly used during pregnancy because it is a fast source of vitamins, it is possible to have the same results through diet. Juice and vitamins for pregnant women can be made with fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, C, E, folic acid and iron. Vitamins and juices for pregnant women may include:
- Citrus fruits like orange, pineapple and acerola because they are rich in vitamin C, which increases the absorption of iron in the intestine when taken together at lunch and dinner;
- Yellow and orange vegetables, such as carrots and pumpkins, are rich in vitamin A;
- Dark green vegetables such as cabbage and watercress, as they are rich in folic acid, which helps to combat anemia and to develop the nervous system of the fetus;
- Meat and poultry, which 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 with the iron supplement or in the main meals as they may impair the total absorption of iron in the intestine.
