Which vitamins should I take during pregnancy ? Pregnancy Q & A
Posted on 19th June 2022 at 10:24
A healthy diet is the first step in good pregnancy nutrition.
Your midwife will usually recommend multivitamins.
A multivitamin is a tablet that contains several different vitamins and mineral in the required doses.
Your midwife or healthcare provider may recommend a particular multivitamin tablet for pregnancy or you can ask your local pharmacy for the best one to take during pregnancy.
Most pregnancy multivitamins will contain everything you need, but in pregnancy, there are two really important vitamins to make sure you take. These are Folic acid and Vitamin D.
What are the benefits of Folic acid in Pregnancy?
What is folic acid?
Folic acid is a B vitamin (B9). Folic acid has a role in building cells such red blood cells. It cannot be made in the body and has to be provided in the diet.
Why do I need to take folic acid in pregnancy?
Is important for the development of the fetal spine and prevents neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
How much folic acid do I need, and how long do I need to take it for?
The recommended amount of folic acid for pregnancy is a 400 micrograms folic acid tablet every day until you're 13 weeks pregnant or until the end of the first trimester. So if you are planning a pregnancy, start taking folic acid.
When do I need a higher dose of folic acid?
Some women will need a higher dose of folic acid. The GP, obstetrician or midwife will highlight this, and the doctors will prescribe a higher dose of folic acid. This will be if:
You or your partner have spina bifida or have had a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect such as spina bifida
You are taking medicine for epilepsy
You have diabetes
You have sickle cell disease
You have a BMI of 30 or more.
What are the benefits of vitamin D in Pregnancy?
What is vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a vitamin that is important for the absorption and regulation of calcium and phosphate in our bodies. Vitamin D is essential for the development of teeth, bones and muscles.
Why is vitamin D so important in pregnancy?
In pregnancy, vitamin D is important for the development of strong bones and teeth of the fetus.
How much vitamin D should I take in pregnancy?
Pregnant women will usually be advised to take 10 microgram (or 400 IU) of vitamin D daily and to continue after delivering if breastfeeding.
Is this always enough?
There are some pregnant women that need more vitamin D. The GP, obstetrician and midwife may ask you to take the higher dose of vitamin D, which is 1000iu vitamin D daily, if you have darker skin, tend to stay indoors or have a BMI above 30.
What vitamins should I avoid in pregnancy?
High doses of vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin C may cause harm and should be avoided.
Remember here at hte Aster Baby Scan Clinic, we’re on hand and ready to help in any way we can by supporting you with advice.
Reference
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