Vitamins for pregnant women: myths and reality

Vitamins for pregnant women: myths and reality

I. Pregnancy and increased need for nutrients

Pregnancy is a physiological condition characterized by an increased body need for nutrients. This is due to the need to provide not only the own needs of the mother, but also the needs of the growing fetus. Insufficient consumption of vitamins and minerals can negatively affect both the health of the mother and the development of the child, increasing the risk of various complications, such as congenital defects, premature birth, low birth weight and other problems.

IA Physiological changes during pregnancy affecting the need for nutrients

During pregnancy, significant physiological changes occur, which increase the need for nutrients.

1. Increased blood volume: The volume of blood increases by 30-50%, which requires increased iron consumption for the formation of hemoglobin, tolerating oxygen.
2. Uterus and placenta growth: The growth of the uterus and placenta requires additional resources for the synthesis of new tissues and cells.
3. Fetal development: The developing fruit actively absorbs nutrients from the mother’s body to build their own tissues and organs. Folic acid is especially important for the formation of a nervous tube, calcium for bones and teeth, iodine for thyroid gland and vitamin D for the absorption of calcium.
4. Changes in the digestive system: Changes in the digestive system, such as a decrease in intestinal motility, can affect the absorption of nutrients.

IB The role of vitamins and minerals in a healthy pregnancy

Vitamins and minerals play a key role in maintaining the health of the mother and the normal development of the fetus.

1. Folic acid (vitamin B9): Critically important for the formation of the fetal nervous tube in the first weeks of pregnancy. The disadvantage of folic acid can lead to defects in the nervous tube, such as Spina Bifida. It is recommended to start taking folic acid 1-3 months before the planned conception and continue during the first trimester.

2. Iron: It is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin, tolerating oxygen. During pregnancy, the need for iron increases significantly due to an increase in the volume of blood and the needs of the fetus. The lack of iron can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which is characterized by fatigue, weakness and increased susceptibility to infections.

3. Calcium: It is necessary for the formation of the bones and teeth of the fetus. If the mother does not consume enough calcium, the fetus will “take” it from the mother’s bones, which can lead to osteoporosis in the future.

4. Vitamin D: It is necessary for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, as well as for the development of the fetal immune system. The disadvantage of vitamin D can lead to rickets in the child and problems with the bones of the mother.

5. Iodine: It is necessary for the normal function of the thyroid gland of the mother and fetus. The thyroid gland plays an important role in the development of the brain and nervous system. The lack of iodine can lead to a delay in mental development in a child.

6. Omega-3 fatty acids: Important for the development of the brain and eye of the fetus. DHA (preshase acidic acid) is a type of omega-3 fatty acid, which is especially important for the development of the brain.

7. Vitamin C: Participates in the synthesis of collagen, strengthens the immune system and helps to absorb iron.

8. B vitamins B: They participate in various metabolic processes and are important for energy metabolism.

9. Zinc: It is necessary for the growth and development of cells, as well as for the immune function.

II. Vitamin’s myths for pregnant women

Around the vitamins for pregnant women there are many myths that can mislead future mothers.

II.A. Myth 1: If I eat right, I do not need vitamins for pregnant women.

• Reality: Although a balanced diet is of paramount importance, during pregnancy, the need for certain vitamins and minerals increases so much that it is difficult to satisfy only due to food. For example, the need for folic acid and gland increases significantly, and obtaining a sufficient amount only from the diet can be difficult. Moreover, modern foods do not always contain a sufficient amount of nutrients due to the impoverishment of the soil and other factors.

II.B. Myth 2: Vitamins for pregnant women are the same for everyone.

• Reality: Nutrient needs may vary depending on individual factors, such as health condition before pregnancy, age, the presence of multiple pregnancy and others. For example, women with iron deficiency anemia may need a higher dose of iron than women without anemia. Women at the risk of defects in the nerve tube in the fetus may require a higher dose of folic acid. It is important to consult a doctor to choose the optimal complex of vitamins and minerals, taking into account individual needs.

II.C. Myth 3: more – it means better, you can take vitamins in unlimited quantities.

• Reality: An overdose of vitamins and minerals can be harmful to both the mother and the fetus. For example, excess vitamin A can lead to congenital defects. Excess iron can cause constipation and other digestive problems. The recommended dosages indicated on the packaging of vitamins should always not exceed them without consulting a doctor.

II.D. Myth 4: Vitamins for pregnant women cause nausea.

• Reality: Some women really experience nausea when taking vitamins for pregnant women, especially in the first trimester. However, this does not mean that all vitamins cause nausea. Nausea can cause iron contained in vitamins. In this case, you can try to take vitamins after eating or choose vitamins with a lower dose of iron. There are also chewing vitamins or vitamins in liquid form, which can be easier to tolerate.

II.E. Myth 5: Vitamins for pregnant women are a medicine, not just additives.

• Reality: Vitamins for pregnant women are not a medicine, but a complex of vitamins and minerals, designed to replenish the deficiency of nutrients and ensure the normal development of the fetus. They do not treat any diseases, but help maintain the health of the mother and child.

II.F. Myth 6: If I feel good, I don’t need vitamins.

• Reality: Even if a woman feels good, she may not receive a sufficient amount of certain nutrients from her diet. The deficiency of vitamins and minerals can occur asymptomatic, but at the same time negatively affect the development of the fetus.

II.G. Myth 7: Vitamins for pregnant women guarantee a healthy child.

• Reality: Vitamins for pregnant women play an important role in maintaining the health of the mother and the normal development of the fetus, but they are not a guarantee of the birth of an absolutely healthy child. The child’s health depends on many factors, including genetics, mother’s lifestyle during pregnancy, environmental condition and others.

II.H. Myth 8: Dear vitamins are better cheap.

• Reality: The price of vitamins is not always an indicator of their quality. It is important to pay attention to the composition of vitamins, dosage, availability of quality certificates and reviews of other consumers. You can find high -quality and effective vitamins at an affordable price.

III. Reality about vitamins for pregnant women

The reality is that vitamins for pregnant women play an important role in maintaining the health of the mother and ensuring the normal development of the fetus. However, it is important to understand what vitamins and minerals are really necessary, in what doses and how to take them correctly.

III.A. The main vitamins and minerals necessary during pregnancy

1. Folic acid: As already mentioned, it is critical to prevent defects in the nervous tube. It is recommended to take 400-800 μg per day, starting 1-3 months before conception and continuing during the first trimester. Women with the risk of nervous tube defects may require a higher dose, up to 4000 mcg per day.

2. Iron: It is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin and the prevention of iron deficiency anemia. It is recommended to take 27 mg per day. Women with anemia may need a higher dose that the doctor must prescribe.

3. Calcium: It is necessary for the formation of the bones and teeth of the fetus. It is recommended to take 1000 mg per day.

4. Vitamin D: It is necessary for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, as well as for the development of the fetal immune system. It is recommended to take 600-800 IU (international units) per day.

5. Iodine: It is necessary for the normal function of the thyroid gland of the mother and fetus. It is recommended to take 150 μg per day.

6. Omega-3 fatty acids: Important for the development of the brain and eye of the fetus. It is recommended to take 200-300 mg DHA per day.

7. Kholin: It is important for the development of the brain and the nervous system of the fetus. It is recommended to take 450 mg per day. Many vitamins for pregnant women do not contain choline, so it may be necessary to take it separately.

III.B. How to choose the right vitamins for pregnant women

1. Consult a doctor: Before you start taking vitamins for pregnant women, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor will evaluate your state of health, the history of the disease and individual needs and will help you choose the optimal complex of vitamins and minerals.
2. Pay attention to the composition: Carefully study the composition of vitamins and make sure that they contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals in sufficient doses.
3. Choose vitamins containing active forms of vitamins: For example, folic acid in the form of methylplate, which is better absorbed.
4. Pay attention to the availability of quality certificates: Choose vitamins from famous and reliable manufacturers with quality certificates.
5. Read the reviews of other consumers: Reviews of other pregnant women can help you choose high -quality and effective vitamins.
6. Consider your individual needs: If you have any health features, for example, an allergy or intolerance to certain substances, choose vitamins that do not contain these substances.

III.C. When to start taking vitamins for pregnant women

It is ideal to start taking vitamins for pregnant women 1-3 months before the planned conception. This allows you to prepare the body for pregnancy and provide a sufficient amount of necessary nutrients from the very beginning of the development of the fetus. If the pregnancy has occurred unexpectedly, it is necessary to start taking vitamins as soon as possible.

III.D. How to take vitamins for pregnant women correctly

1. Take vitamins in accordance with the instructions: Follow the recommended dosages and the method of application specified on the packaging of vitamins.
2. Take vitamins during meals: This will help reduce the risk of nausea and improve the absorption of nutrients.
3. Do not take vitamins simultaneously with other drugs: Some drugs can interact with vitamins, so you need to consult a doctor in order to avoid undesirable consequences.
4. Keep vitamins in no way for children: Vitamins can be dangerous for children in large doses.

III.E. Possible side effects and how to deal with them

1. Nausea: As already mentioned, nausea is a common side effect of taking vitamins for pregnant women, especially in the first trimester. To reduce nausea, you can take vitamins after eating, choose vitamins with a lower iron dose or take chewing vitamins or vitamins in liquid form.
2. Constipation: The iron contained in vitamins can cause constipation. To prevent constipation, you need to drink enough water, use foods rich in fiber, and regularly engage in physical exercises.
3. Diarrhea: In rare cases, taking vitamins for pregnant women can cause diarrhea. If you have diarrhea, you need to consult a doctor.
4. Change of urine color: Some vitamins can change the color of urine to darker or bright. This is normal and is not a cause for concern.

III.F. Vitamins for pregnant women and multiple pregnancy

Women with multiple pregnancy may need a higher dose of certain vitamins and minerals than women with a single pregnancy. For example, the need for folic acid and gland may be higher. It is necessary to consult a doctor to choose the optimal complex of vitamins and minerals, taking into account the features of multiple pregnancy.

III.G. Vitamins for pregnant women and special health conditions

Women with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid diseases or kidney disease, may need a special approach to taking vitamins for pregnant women. It is necessary to consult a doctor in order to choose the optimal complex of vitamins and minerals, taking into account the features of the state of health.

III.H. Power value during pregnancy

Reception of vitamins for pregnant women should not replace full and balanced diet. Vitamins and minerals are only an addition to a healthy diet. During pregnancy, it is important to consume foods rich in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, low -fat meat, fish and dairy products.

IV. Alternative sources of vitamins and minerals

In addition to pregnant vitamins, there are alternative sources of vitamins and minerals that can be included in your diet.

IV.A. Products rich in folic acid:

• Dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, Romen salad, broccoli)
• Legumes (beans, lentils, peas)
• Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits)
• Avocado
• Enriched cereals

IV.B. Ground products:

• Red meat
• Bird
• Fish
• Legumes (lentils, beans)
• Dark green leafy vegetables (spinach)
• Enriched cereals

IV.C. Calcium products:

• Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
• Dark green leafy vegetables (cabbage, broccoli)
• Enriched products (tofu, orange juice)
• Fish (sardins, salmon)

IV.D. Products rich in vitamin D:

• Fat fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel)
• Egg yolks
• Enriched products (milk, cereals, orange juice)

IV.E. Products rich in iodine:

• Iodized salt
• Seafood (seaweed, fish)
• Dairy products

IV.F. Products rich in omega-3 fatty acids:

• Fat fish (salmon, tuna, sardins)
• Walnuts
• Flax seeds
• Seeds chia

V. Conclusion

Vitamins for pregnant women play an important role in maintaining the health of the mother and ensuring the normal development of the fetus. However, it is important to understand what vitamins and minerals are really necessary, in what doses and how to take them correctly. It is necessary to consult a doctor to choose the optimal complex of vitamins and minerals, taking into account individual needs and health status. Reception of vitamins for pregnant women should not replace full and balanced diet. Vitamins and minerals are only an addition to a healthy diet. It is important to use foods rich in nutrients and lead a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.

VI. SEO Keywords:

Pregnancy, vitamins for pregnant women, folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, iodine, omega-3, nourishing during pregnancy, healthy lifestyle, fetal development, myths about vitamins, vitamin reality, pregnancy and vitamins for pregnant women, vitamins for pregnant women, the best vitamins for pregnant women, vitamins for pregnant women, vitamins for pregnant women Instructions, preparation for pregnancy, pregnancy planning, pregnancy health, child’s development, vitamin deficiency, balanced nutrition, products for pregnant women, alternative sources of vitamins, side effects of vitamins, multiple pregnancy, special health states, choline, methylphulatory, iron defects, nervous tube, spina bifida, rickets, mental delay development, dha, overdose of vitamins, nausea during pregnancy, constipation during pregnancy, diarrhea during pregnancy, closing urine, certificates of quality of vitamins, active forms of vitamins, consulting a doctor, dosage of vitamins, method of using vitamins, storage of vitamins.