Vitamins, Minerals… To Take or Not During My Pregnancy ?

Nutrient supplementation, is it really useful when expecting a baby? What about food supplements and fortified foods?

A varied and balanced diet

Since the mother has a varied and balanced diet, it will draw all the nutrients she needs for her and for the proper development of her child. Nature is very well done, pregnancy is indeed profound metabolic changes that lead to greater absorption by the body of these nutrients. Nevertheless, some can be prescribed by your doctor, but for supplements and fortified foods, you do not need.

At the doctor, drug supplements

Four nutrients - vitamins B9 and D, iron, iodine - can be prescribed. No other supplementation (vitamin A, fluorine, polyvitamins, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, copper and selenium…) is justified.

Vitamin B9

What is it?
Also called folic acid, it plays a crucial role in the growth and multiplication of cells. A deficiency in vitamin B9 prevents cells from dividing properly, posing a risk of malformation - including that of neural tube, which is the outline of the nervous system of the embryo. The neural tube fails to close properly (this closure takes place between the 22nd and 28th day after conception), which can cause serious neurological damage for the baby.

For whom?
For all women during pregnancy, a month before the start of pregnancy and for two months after conception. Despite the recommendation, few doctors prescribe their patients vitamin B9… If your gynecologist does not ask you, ask yourself the question. And think about it when you have the chance to make a healthy baby!

Vitamin D

What is it?
She participates in the construction of the skeleton of the baby and the healthy bones of her mother because it promotes the establishment of calcium. It reduces the risk of Hypocalcaemia for newborn.

For whom?
For all pregnant women, a supplementation of vitamin D is recommended at the beginning of the seventh month of pregnancy (single dose).

The iron

What is it?
It comes in the composition of hemoglobin. A deficiency may cause the mother anemia. This translates into a great fatigue, which can lead to a slight increase in weight of the fetus and a premature birth.

For whom?
Only for expectant mothers. Anemia must be identified very early, to avoid any complication during your pregnancy.

Iodine

What is it?
It is essential for brain development of fetuses and ensures the proper functioning of the thyroid gland of the mother.

For whom?
Only for women living in areas at risk of deficiency.


As i always say: Keep things simple and natural, nature is very well done.