Vitamins and Supplements during Pregnancy

Wondering about the right multivitamin tablets to take during pregnancy? Getting proper nutrition and keeping deficiencies at bay are vital at almost every life stage. However, this assumes even more importance whenever you are pregnant since you will have to keep not just yourself but the growing baby nourished as well. Supplements are mostly needed during pregnancy since the intake requirements for macronutrients increases considerably and these comprise of proteins, carbohydrates and fats alike.

Protein consumption is required to hit 0.5 grams for every pound or 1.1 grams for every kg of body weight for pregnant women. This is substantially higher than the 0.36 grams for each pound or 0.8 grams per kg of body weight needed for women who are not pregnant. Pregnancy increases the need for specific multivitamins including Vitamin B complex tablets and others. The body requires higher minerals, vitamins and trace elements at this time.

Major reasons for consuming multivitamins during pregnancy

Here’s taking a look at some of the key reasons behind the consumption of multivitamins during pregnancy.

Deficiencies in nutrients

Some individuals may require a supplement post getting a blood test done and if there is a subsequent deficiency in any particular vitamin or mineral.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

This is a complication during pregnancy where people experience vomiting, weight loss, nausea and nutritional deficiencies.

Restrictions on Diet

Women who adhere to particular diets including those who have allergies, intolerance to specific foods or are vegans, may require supplements accordingly.

Multiple Pregnancy

Those carrying in excess of one baby may require micronutrients in higher amounts than those who are carrying one baby.

MTHFR or genetic mutation

This is a gene that enables conversion of folate into a form that can be easily used by the body.

In fact, along with Vitamin B complex tablets which may be recommended in certain cases, all pregnant women are anyway advised to take folic acid or vitamin supplements.

Suitable multivitamin tablets for pregnant women

There are several multivitamin tablets that can be safely consumed during pregnancy depending upon the advice of your medical practitioner or doctor. These include the following:

Prenatal Vitamins

These are multivitamins which are formulated for meeting higher micronutrient demand throughout pregnancy. They are tailored for consumption prior to conception and throughout the pregnancy period and also during breastfeeding. These vitamins may lower risks of preeclampsia and preterm birth according to studies. Often consuming any additional vitamins or minerals may be unnecessary since these vitamins basically contain all essential micronutrients that you need.

Folate

Folate is basically available in the Vitamin B complex tablet form which has a vital function in synthesis of DNA along with formation of red blood cells and overall fetal growth. Folic acid is found in several types of supplements and approximately 600 mcg is recommended for daily consumption. This may lower risks arising from defects of neural tubes and other abnormalities such as heart defects or cleft palate. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that women consume a minimum of 400 mcg each day.

Iron

Iron requirements go up considerably in the pregnancy period since blood volumes increase by approximately 45%. Iron is necessary for transporting oxygen and overall growth and development of the placenta and baby. It also helps in combating anemia in pregnant women. The intake that is recommended is 27 mg each day.

Vitamin D

It is a fat soluble vitamin which is vital for immune system functions and cell division along with improved bone health. Deficiencies in this vitamin may lead to higher cesarean section risks along with gestational diabetes, preterm birth and preeclampsia. Recommend consumption during pregnancy is approximately 600 IU or roughly 15 mcg each day. Check with your doctor in this regard.

Magnesium

This is a helpful mineral that enables multifarious chemical reactions in the body. It has a major role to play with regard to nerve, muscle and immune system functioning. Mineral deficiencies in the pregnancy period may lead to higher risks of premature labor and chronic hypertension. Magnesium supplements may lower risks of preterm birth or restrictions on fetal growth.

Ginger

One of the best multivitamin tablets that are often recommended for pregnant women, ginger root extracts are used as herbal supplements. It may help in treatment of nausea arising from pregnancy or motion sickness.

Fish Oil

This has EPA and DHA which are vital fatty acids enabling brain development of the baby. Supplements with fish oils may boost brain development of the baby while lowering maternal depression levels. Consult your doctor to learn whether you need the same.

Probiotics

Probiotics are basically microorganisms which are living and are regarded as beneficial for digestive functioning. Supplements with probiotics may help in lowering gestational diabetes risks along with helping combat postpartum depression, dermatitis and infant eczema.

Choline

It has a major role to play in the brain development of the baby while helping combat any spine or brain abnormalities. The recommended allowance for choline in the pregnancy period is 450 mg each day. Sometimes doctors may recommend 930 mg per day as per reports. Prenatal vitamins do not always have choline and a separate supplement may often be recommended by medical practitioners.

Summing Up- The efficacy of multivitamin tablets during pregnancy

Multivitamins help in meeting diverse nutritional needs along with filling up gaps that may otherwise lead to a variety of issues for the expecting mother and growing baby alike. Along with taking multivitamins for filling up specific deficiencies, it is important to consume a healthy diet and take your doctor’s advice at all times. Remember that your body will require smaller amounts for every individual nutrient and refrain from excessive amounts.

Overtly high doses of Vitamins D, A, B6, E or C may have unwanted side effects. Always consult your doctor regarding the recommended dosage and the multivitamins that you actually need during the pregnancy period. Medical practitioners often advise pregnant women to steer clear of food items with high Vitamin A content like liver.