Proper nutrition and avoidance of bad habits, consumption of various vitamins that are found in fruits, vegetables, fish and other foods. However, it happens that some vitamins are simply not enough for optimal childbearing in different trimesters of pregnancy, so gynecologists recommend that their patients take some vitamin complexes that equip the body expectant mother and the baby with the necessary ingredients. In the article below we will look in detail the best drugs, let's analyze their qualities and characteristics.
What are the differences between prenatal vitamins?
There are certain standards for how much and what vitamins an adult should consume on average for the proper functioning of the body. Vitamin complexes contain the necessary beneficial components taking into account a person’s daily food intake. Vitamins for pregnant women include what a regular adult needs, and additionally individual elements, necessary for the proper development of pregnancy, and also help the proper development and health of the child. For example, during pregnancy, literally every woman experiences calcium deficiency, which is why it is necessarily included in the complex of vitamins in question. They are often divided into separate doses so that vitamins are properly absorbed and enter the baby’s body in a timely manner.
Speaking in simple words, a regular vitamin complex contains useful substances designed for one healthy person, and vitamins for pregnant women contain a complex of useful components that provide benefits to the body of both mother and child.
Rating TOP 7 best vitamins for pregnant women
Before purchasing this or that vitamin complex, we recommend that you study our article in more detail. Here we will look at the 7 best vitamins for expectant mothers, based on the characteristics, features and reviews of the drugs presented below. Today we will look at:
- FOLIC ACID.
- FEMIBION.
- VITRUM PRENATAL.
- ELEVIT PRONATAL.
- COMPLETE TRIMESTRUM 3.
- Just Once, Prenatal Multivitamin, Rainbow Light.
- Orthomol Natal.
Let's take a closer look at the range of products presented above.
FOLIC ACID
This drug is an important component that ensures the proper functioning of almost all systems and organs. Taking the presented drug is incredibly important even during conception planning, because this substance neutralizes and removes from the body birth control pills, increases the likelihood of conception and prevents a number of disorders in the fetus. The product in question is recommended during pregnancy planning, at the stages of conception and during complications of toxicosis, when the risk of developing iron deficiency anemia is high.
Price tag: from 40 to 78 rubles.
pros
- removes remnants of contraceptives from the body;
- increases the likelihood of conception;
- prepares the body expectant mother to pregnancy;
- eliminates toxicosis and its unpleasant consequences.
Minuses
- not found.
I started using this drug when I was planning a child; after conception, I also drank acid, since the health of the child came first. There were no side effects, the drug did not cause any allergies, although I am prone to itching and redness of the skin. The child was born healthy and his hemoglobin was above normal throughout the pregnancy.
FOLIC ACID
Prenatal vitamins
Almost all expectant mothers are interested in what vitamins to take during pregnancy. Pharmacies sell a whole range of vitamin supplements specifically for women in an interesting situation. But which one should you buy and is it necessary? There is no agreement among doctors on this issue. There is an opinion that during the period of bearing a child, especially if it falls on spring-winter period years, the mother’s immunity is weak, the products contain few vitamins, and therefore taking the supplement is mandatory. Proponents of evidence-based medicine claim that it is not necessary to take complex vitamins during pregnancy. And additionally, all expectant mothers only need to take 2 medications (microelements). These are folic acid and potassium iodide.
Folic acid. Necessary for the development of the child’s circulatory and immune systems. A lack of this vitamin can lead to pathologies of the neural tube in a child, that is, to the birth of a disabled child. Contains folic acid large quantities in citrus fruits, legumes, bread, yeast, herbs, etc. But even when consuming these products, many people are deficient in this microelement. From tablets, that is, synthetically created, vitamin B in this case absorbed much better. That is why women are recommended to start taking vitamins when planning pregnancy and continue taking them during the first two trimesters. It should also be taken into account that interfering with the absorption folic acid Can anticonvulsants and antimalarials. A woman is recommended to take 0.4 mg of the vitamin per day. If a woman has diabetes or epilepsy, the dosage should be increased by 2.5 times - that is, up to 1 g. If a woman has already carried/gave birth to children with neural tube defects, the recommended dose is 10 times higher - 4 grams per day.
Potassium iodide- this is the “iodomarin” familiar to our ears. Micronutrient essential for good performance thyroid gland. For preventive purposes, it should be taken by expectant mothers at a dosage of 200 mcg per day. It is recommended to take throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Another microelement that may be necessary during pregnancy is iron. It is prescribed for iron deficiency anemia, when hemoglobin in the blood is below normal precisely because of the lack of this microelement. This condition is dangerous for both the mother and the child, who in such a situation often suffers from hypoxia - lack of oxygen. Iron can be obtained from foods. Meat products, dried legumes, as well as any food cooked in cast iron cookware(if you don’t cook with it, it’s not too late to start, because it’s very useful).
These are the main vitamins for pregnant women, the deficiency of which can actually occur. Below we list all the vitamins and microelements necessary for women’s and children’s bodies, the approximate amount of them recommended during pregnancy, and what foods contain them.
Vitamins
Vitamin A. 1.5 mg per day. Overdoses can occur when taking a synthetic analogue of this vitamin, and this is dangerous, as it can lead to developmental defects in the fetus. To avoid a deficiency of this vitamin in the body, you should introduce the following foods into your diet (part of them is possible): green and yellow vegetables and fruits (peas, carrots, herbs, pumpkin, apples, apricots, tomatoes, sea buckthorn, etc.), fish fat, caviar, beef liver, egg yolk, fermented milk products.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine). Daily dose - 1.5 mg. Its deficiency occurs extremely rarely, since our everyday foods are rich in thiamine. Only tea and coffee can interfere with the absorption of thiamine from habitual foods. With a deficiency of vitamin B1, in severe cases, paralysis of the limbs, muscle atrophy, and disorders of the digestive and cardiovascular systems can occur. In case of an overdose of the vitamin (it can only occur with numerous injections of the vitamin), anaphylactic shock is possible. Thiamine is found in white bread, beans, cabbage, potatoes, milk, spinach and many other foods. Thanks to thiamine, the digestive, nervous systems and heart work smoothly.
Vitamin B2 (riboflamin). The norm during pregnancy is 1.6 mg per day. This vitamin has a direct effect on the thyroid gland and beauty. Vitamin deficiency leads to hair loss and thinning, and splitting of nails. If you have a vitamin B2 deficiency, a woman may experience photophobia, severe pain in the legs. Seborrheic dermatitis, neurological diseases, cataracts, etc. are exacerbated. Animal livers, yeast, mushrooms, many varieties of cabbage, buckwheat, and milk contain this vitamin. An excess of vitamin B2 is not as dangerous as an overdose of vitamin A. The excess is quickly excreted in the urine.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). The recommended intake during pregnancy is 2.2 mg. Pyridoxine is a kind of accelerator of the metabolism of amino acids and fats, improves brain functions. Vitamin deficiency manifests itself in disorders of the central nervous system: convulsions, dizziness, fainting. Pyridoxine is contained in many foods, for example, walnuts, hazelnuts, carrots, strawberries, liver, fish, legumes, cereals, etc. The absorption of the vitamin decreases when smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.
Vitamin B12. During pregnancy, the body's daily need for it is 2.2 mcg per day. Deficiency of this vitamin (symptom - tingling and numbness of the fingers, neurological disorders) occurs extremely rarely, only in strict vegetarians (they need additional intake of the vitamin in tablets) who do not consume animal products at all. When B12 is deficient, certain types of anemia can occur. To avoid vitamin B12 deficiency, eat meat, liver and kidneys are especially recommended.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Take 60 mg daily. Ascorbic acid deficiency is rare. All vegetables and fruits contain ascorbic acid, but different concentrations. The highest concentration of vitamin C is in cherries, rose hips, bell red peppers, parsley, black currants, and sea buckthorn. Not so long ago, it was believed that vitamin C strengthens the immune system, and taking it additionally during a cold helps to heal quickly. However, this version has not been confirmed by research.
Vitamin D The recommended dosage for expectant mothers is 400 IU per day. If a person experiences a long-term deficiency of this vitamin, he is more susceptible to cancer and osteoporosis. Hypervitaminosis occurs rarely and is caused by the simultaneous intake of large doses of calcium along with a calcium-fortified diet. Vitamin D is produced under the influence of ultraviolet sun rays. Therefore, a deficiency of this vitamin rarely occurs in the warm season. Useful advice- visit fresh air, in the shade before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. It's enough. From food, fatty fish, butter, cheese, dairy and fermented milk products, and mushrooms should be consumed in small quantities. Vitamin D deficiency is a problem for all vegetarians. They need additional vitamin intake during pregnancy.
Vitamin E The norm during pregnancy is 10 mg per day. Previously, it was believed that its deficiency provokes miscarriage, premature birth and preeclampsia. But studies have not confirmed this. But there is information that if it is deficient, a newborn may have hemolytic anemia- premature destruction of red blood cells, a rare pathology. Vitamin E is found in animal proteins and fats.
Vitamin K The norm during pregnancy is 65 mg per day. Vitamin deficiency may cause bleeding. And an excess can lead to the formation of blood clots in the vessels. Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables: different types cabbage, spinach. And also in cereals, milk, eggs, olive oil, meat. And in some fruits such as banana, kiwi, avocado.
Vitamin PP. Niacin (nicotinic acid). The norm during pregnancy is 17 mcg per day. The vitamin helps fight bad cholesterol, has deintoxication properties. Deficiency occurs due to illness gastrointestinal tract, sudden weight loss, prolonged stress, cancer, thyroid dysfunction. This vitamin is found in fish, nuts, and poultry.
Microelements
Calcium. Its norm for a pregnant woman is 1000 mg per day. Deficiency rarely occurs with adequate nutrition, and supplemental vitamin intake is recommended only in extreme cases. Calcium plays a big role in the formation and strengthening of the child’s skeletal system, mainly in the third trimester of pregnancy. There is a connection between calcium and vitamin D. A lack of the latter negatively affects the absorption of calcium. Calcium, contrary to popular belief, is found not only in dairy and fermented milk products, but also in most vegetables and fruits; there is a lot of it in cheese (including feta cheese), sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds. But there is little in legumes, bread, beets, carrots. Calcium deficiency can manifest itself, for example, in the deterioration of teeth during pregnancy, if they are properly cared for.
Sodium. Its deficiency can only occur with strict diets, fasting, vomiting, and diarrhea. With prolonged sodium deficiency, a woman may experience seizures and other neurological disorders. Salt contains sodium. But despite this, you should not consume a lot of salt. Adding salt to food should be kept to a minimum, since salt is present in almost all foods on our table.
Phosphorus. The recommended norm for all categories of women is 1000 mg per day. It is well replenished with familiar foods. Much poisoning is more dangerous phosphorus. Phosphorus is found in vegetables, fruits, herbs, and animal products (part of their proteins).
Zinc. The norm for pregnant women is 15 mg per day. Zinc deficiency can occur with additional intake of copper and (or) iron supplements. Zinc is very important in the first trimester of pregnancy, as it is a direct participant in the metabolism of protein and nucleic acids. We get zinc from bread, fruits, vegetables, honey, beef liver, some types of fish and many other products. The highest zinc content is recorded in oysters.
Carrying a child– this is not only joy and excitement for every woman, her body experiences a lot of stress during this period. The expectant mother has to supply the necessary nutrients not only to her body, but also to the child’s body. Therefore, these supplements require additional vitamins and minerals. Doctors often offer a woman several vitamin complexes to choose from. I hope this article will help you choose the right drug based on its effect and cost. Below are the most popular and effective multivitamin complexes for expectant mothers.
Before describing individual preparations, it is necessary to understand how they differ from ordinary vitamin complexes. The first difference is the composition carefully developed by scientists; it has long been known how many and what nutrients the body of a pregnant woman and the unborn child may lack.
One of the most important microelements is calcium, which maintains the normal condition of the bones of the expectant mother and is responsible for the formation of the baby’s skeleton, therefore, vitamins for pregnant women contain much more calcium, they also contain 2 times more folic acid and. Manufacturers add other useful substances in accordance with research by scientists in each specific country.
It is no secret that in the diet of people in different countries In the world, certain foods predominate; as a result, some nutrients may be in excess, while others may be deficient. Therefore, Russian women should not immediately dismiss domestically produced drugs; they take into account the peculiarities of our diet better.
The best vitamins for pregnant women
Of course, in general, the composition of various vitamin and mineral complexes does not differ much, because manufacturers in such a responsible matter are guided not by their preferences, but by the general needs of mother and baby. The main difference between vitamins for pregnant women– this is the price and the presence or absence of controversial components.
Some manufacturers do not add calcium, some do not add iodine, although doctors are more often inclined to believe that these substances are necessary for both the mother and the unborn child. But it is not necessary to compensate for the lack of iodine and calcium with chemical vitamins; it is enough to slightly adjust the diet - add additional fish, seaweed, apples, cottage cheese and other foods rich in these substances. However, recently scientists have begun to argue that calcium is poorly absorbed from foods and it is best for pregnant women to take it additionally, preferably in combination with vitamin D3.
Therefore, the expectant mother herself, together with the attending physician, decides which brand of vitamins for pregnant women to choose. Below is a rating of the best vitamins for pregnant women, based on the recommendations of doctors and reviews of expectant mothers.
Elevit Pronatal
The most popular vitamins for pregnant women, they are often prescribed by gynecologists and recommended to each other by expectant mothers. The complex is manufactured in France by Roche. The biggest advantage of this drug is a good balance of micro- and macroelements. Elevit Pronatal also contains almost all the nutrients and vitamins necessary for pregnant women. The only thing that won’t be found there is iodine; if the expectant mother needs it, she will have to take it separately or choose another drug. You can start taking Elevit when planning a pregnancy and stop taking it at the same time as you stop breastfeeding.
Reviews from mothers about the drug are mostly positive. Elevit prevents hair loss, brittle nails, increases stress resistance and makes the expectant mother more active, and practically does not cause taxicosis.
The disadvantages of the drug are its high price, the course will cost 6-7 thousand rubles and large, rough tablets that are quite difficult to swallow. The drug also contains magnesium, which relaxes the uterus, so taking it is not advisable for women at risk of miscarriage. Sometimes Elevit causes a side effect - constipation, and the female body can also develop an allergy to any of the components of the drug. Dark stool color when taking these vitamins is normal and goes away over time.
Vitrum Prenatal
The manufacturer of this complex is the American company Unifarm Inc. Vitamins are produced specifically for pregnant and nursing mothers. The content of iron and iron in Vitrum Prenatal is increased. An increased dose of calcium in tandem with vitamin D3 promotes the development of a strong skeleton in the baby and prevents the destruction of bones and teeth in a pregnant woman.
This drug also does not contain iodine; if iodine is still needed, you can take Vitrum Prenatal Forte; in addition to iodine, it also contains B vitamins, betacorotene, magnesium, copper, chromium and selenium. Both vitamins can be taken long-term. Therefore, Vitrum Prenatal and Vitrum Prenatal Forte can be taken throughout the entire period of bearing a child and breastfeeding.
The disadvantages of Vitrum include the same high cost of vitamins and the large size of the tablets.
Vitamin and mineral complex for pregnant women Femibion
Vitamins made in Austria, manufactured by Merck KGaA&Co. This manufacturer divided the vitamin complex depending on the stage of pregnancy.
Femibion I– prescribed during pregnancy planning and in early pregnancy
Femibion II– prescribed from the 3rd month of pregnancy.
The drug is interesting because it has a different composition depending on what nutrients women need for different dates pregnancy. The uniqueness of its composition is that folic acid is added in its active form, metafolin, which is the one that is absorbed best by the body. Folic acid plays a very important role during pregnancy; it is responsible for correct formation immunity and circulatory system of the unborn child also normalizes the function of the mother’s ovaries.
Femibion does not contain vitamin A, which in large quantities is extremely dangerous for pregnant women, because it can lead to malformations of the fetus.
Femibion I is available in tablets, and Femibion II is available in tablets and capsules; you need to take both a capsule and a tablet daily, with meals.
Femibion is well tolerated by pregnant women due to the differences in composition, side effects kept to a minimum. But still, in some women, Femibion can cause allergies, headaches and asthenic syndrome.
This drug is also quite expensive, and the second phase vitamins cost 2 times more.
Vitamins Alphabet for pregnant women
Vitamins Alphabet "Mom's Health", are produced by a domestic pharmaceutical company. The complex is intended for pregnant and lactating women. The difference between these vitamins and previous complexes is that for daily use you need 3 tablets; for convenience, they differ in color - white, blue and pink. Similar "splitting up" vitamins are made for better absorption and improved tolerability; each tablet contains only vitamins and microelements that are compatible with each other. Also, if you are allergic to certain vitamins, such as E, this tablet can be excluded from your daily intake.
Multi-colored tablets can be taken in any order, but it is advisable to take them with meals.
The advantages of the drug include its good composition and low cost, the optimal combination of vitamins B12 and B6 minimizes the likelihood of allergies. Among the disadvantages, some expectant mothers note that the 3-time dose form is not very convenient; women often forget to take them.
Complivit "Trimester"
An inexpensive domestic complex of drugs, produced separately for each trimester of pregnancy. Titles "Trimester 1", "Trimester 2", "Trimester 3", speak for themselves. First-stage vitamins can be taken already during pregnancy planning. The tablets of each complex contain exactly the amount of vitamins and minerals that a woman needs at this stage of bearing a child. The Trimester 1 complex contains a lot of folic acid, which is necessary at the stage of fetal formation; in the second and third trimesters there is no such need, therefore the content of folic acid in Trimester 2 and 3 is within daily norm, but the content of other nutrients is higher. Due to the lack of iodine in the composition, these vitamins can be taken by pregnant women with increased thyroid function.
This domestic manufacturer There is another drug for pregnant women, Complivit Mama, there is no division into trimesters.
Vitamins for pregnant women Complivit have several important advantages - good quality at an affordable price, small size tablets that are easy to take. Plus, the daily dose of vitamins is contained in just one tablet; you don’t need to take pills several times a day.
True, reviews from expectant mothers about the drug are not clear; some note an increase in toxicosis, digestive problems and allergies.
A budget drug made in Germany, it contains the main vitamins of groups A, B, C and D, plus calcium and iron. The order of administration depends on the stage of pregnancy. The number of tablets is equal to the trimester of pregnancy, in the first trimester - one, in the second - two, in the third - 3. The gynecologist can change the daily dose, depending on the nutritional balance of the expectant mother. Take vitamins with meals, drinking plenty of water.
The undeniable advantages of Pregnavit vitamins include its balanced composition, low price, convenient administration in capsule form, the drug can be purchased at almost any pharmacy. Vitamins have positive influence on the condition of the skin, nails and hair.
Among the disadvantages, the most often mentioned is the lack of iodine in Pregnavit and the presence of dyes in the shell, which can occasionally lead to allergies. The need to take strictly after meals may also cause inconvenience.
Multi-Tabs for pregnant women
For the domestic market, Multi-Tabs is produced mainly in Russia using Danish technology. This is also true, the complex contains all the necessary substances, including iodine, selenium and calcium. Iodine stimulates the thyroid gland and regulates the hormonal levels of the expectant mother. The Multi-Tabs assortment includes another drug for pregnant women - Multi-Tabs Perintal, saturated with Omega 3 acids. This drug is universal and suitable for almost any expectant mother, but you still need to consult a doctor.
Advantages of the drug: low price, small daily dosage, to provide the expectant mother’s body with all nutrients, one tablet per day is enough, taken with food.
The disadvantages of the drug are its side effects, which really do not occur often; sometimes they manifest themselves in increased toxicosis or an allergic reaction; sometimes taking Multi-Tabs can cause an exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Vitamins for pregnant women Solgar
The complex is produced in the USA, contains more than twenty useful elements, and is characterized by a high content of vitamins C and E. Solgar is also famous for its good antioxidant properties, removes toxins and prevents the development of cataracts. Vitamins are made from natural ingredients and are contained in tablets in an easily digestible form. Due to the expensive components, the drug itself is not cheap.
Numerous reviews from women say that Solgar eliminates toxicosis at the beginning of pregnancy, improves metabolism and increases appetite. In addition to the high cost, many women also speak negatively about the large size of the tablets and the volume of their daily intake. In the first 3 months of pregnancy you need to take 2 tablets, for more later- 4, many people forget and get confused.
Another noteworthy vitamins for pregnant women Russian made, Lonopan contains everything essential vitamins and minerals that are better absorbed due to separate intake. The pack contains blisters with green and white tablets, green tablets with iron and iodine, white tablets containing calcium. The most commonly prescribed dosage regimen is 2 green tablets in the morning and 4 white tablets in the evening. The attending physician can change the dosage based on the needs of each woman’s body individually.
Expectant mothers celebrate pleasant taste tablets, which is achieved by adding fructose and natural flavors to the composition of the drug. Even women who are physically unable to swallow pills can take these vitamins; the pills can be chewed rather than drunk whole.
The packaging of vitamins is not quite ordinary - cardboard box which contains 2 bags with a zip fastener, the pills are sold not by quantity, but by weight, so how many tablets you need for a course have to be calculated empirically, there are often extra pills left in one of the bags, this is not very economical, especially since the drug is sufficient expensive
Complex for pregnant women Pregnakea
The rating of vitamins for pregnant women is completed by a vitamin complex developed in the UK; it will be useful not only for pregnant women, but also for nursing mothers. Its composition is not very diverse - only 11 vitamins and 5 minerals, but these substances are enough to meet the needs of a woman at different stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Manufacturers have not added calcium to the drug, which interferes with the absorption of iron, therefore, as prescribed by a doctor, it is necessary to take calcium supplements separately, at different times of the day. Pregnakea improves immunity, stimulates proper functioning internal organs. The dosage of Pregnakea should be determined by a gynecologist, otherwise improper use can lead to hypervitaminosis and deterioration in the well-being of the expectant mother, and it is also dangerous for the fetus.
These vitamins for pregnant women are much more expensive than domestic ones, and given the need to additionally purchase calcium supplements, some women consider taking it not advisable. Others report nausea and allergies after taking Pregnacare.
Is it always necessary to take prenatal vitamins?
Not always. During pregnancy, the female body primarily provides all the necessary substances to the child. Therefore, if a mother does not receive enough substances in her diet, this will have less of an impact on the child than on the mother’s body, which will experience an acute deficiency of these elements, which will inevitably lead to negative consequences for her health. But the likelihood of pathology in a child due to a lack of vitamins is quite small; healthy children are born even in times of famine. But a mother, whose body has given everything to the child, may often get sick, age dramatically, and it will be very difficult to regain strength. To prevent this from happening, it is better to take prenatal vitamins while carrying a child; you do not have to buy expensive imported ones; this article contains a number of cheap but decent medications.
Based on this information, you can consult your doctor and decide which prenatal vitamins to buy. Perhaps you will choose something better or more suitable for yourself, for example, our rating did not include Israeli vitamins, which are of good quality and are also very popular with expectant mothers.
Health to you and your children!
Agree that nutrition plays almost the most important role during pregnancy. You carefully compose your diet in order to enrich it with a variety of valuable substances.
Nowadays we are told everywhere that vitamins are necessary in the early stages of pregnancy, but is this really so?
Is it really necessary, from the first day of pregnancy, to treat it as a dangerous disease that requires additional pills?
Let's figure it out.
Nutrition during pregnancy
If you are planning a pregnancy or are already pregnant, then the very first point that needs to be reviewed is the quality and diet.
Create a diet based on the principle of the most healthy and natural products possible. Eating a variety of dishes during certain times of the year will allow you to stock up on all the necessary nutrients.
- Provide a balanced amount of fats, proteins and carbohydrates by including meat, fish, cereals, dairy products, vegetables, fruits in the menu every day;
- Try to avoid unhealthy foods: soda, too spicy, salty and smoked foods, various processed foods;
- Reduce your consumption of baked goods, pastries, and sweets (read the article on the topic: Sweets during pregnancy >>>);
- When gastronomic delights arise, do not ignore the signals, this is how the body declares a lack of some necessary elements.
Important! If examinations show a lack of any substances in the body, then they can be replenished by adjusting your diet.
The best vitamins for early pregnancy are those that came with food, and were not produced in an incomprehensible chemical production.
Pregnancy is not a disease, but a natural state of a woman. Your task is to help your own body go through this stage with dignity, without serious losses and complications.
You will learn how to eat properly during pregnancy from our book Secrets of Proper Nutrition for an Expectant Mother >>>.
There are no abstruse words and terms in it, but there is a detailed daily diet and a convenient diagram for creating a menu for the week.
Vitamins that must be taken at the beginning of pregnancy
The best vitamins for the 1st trimester of pregnancy are folic acid. All other vitamins must be supplied to the body through diet. If there is a suspicion of a lack of a specific vitamin, then donate blood biochemistry and make sure of this.
Before drinking pharmacy vitamins, try adding to your diet those foods that contain the vitamin you need.
Folic acid (vitamin B9)
Folic acid is one of the components without which the full development of a baby is impossible. If you are just planning a pregnancy, then you will definitely be prescribed vitamin B9 2 - 3 months before the expected conception and during the early stages of fetal development.
Know! The truth is that your body is not able to synthesize folic acid, but rather obtains it from food or medication. Moreover, medicine assures that this element is better absorbed from tablets.
Since the required daily intake at the initial stage of pregnancy is 400 mcg, it is quite difficult to extract it from the diet alone.
Vitamin B9 plays a critical role in:
- formation of the baby’s nervous system;
- processes of iron absorption by the mother’s body;
- cell division and correct transmission of genetic data;
- maturation of the placenta, which prevents frozen pregnancy and miscarriage.
The foods richest in folic acid are:
- beef liver,
- Cod liver,
- spinach,
- walnuts,
- hazelnut
If your gynecologist prescribes you vitamin B9, do not under any circumstances neglect taking it. Remember that scarcity of this element is fraught with disturbances in the development of your baby, such as:
- hydrocephalus (water on the brain);
- anencephaly (lack of a brain);
- other disorders in the structure of the skull and brain;
- mental and mental underdevelopment;
- physical deformities and defects (cleft lip, cleft palate, etc.);
- premature birth;
- low birth weight of children.
Folic acid will also have a beneficial effect on your body. It will help strengthen the immune system and support the functioning of the heart and circulatory system. It will also reduce the risk of developing postpartum stress.
Vitamin E (tocopherol)
What vitamins are needed in early pregnancy? Another vitamin that is often prescribed to the expectant mother at the beginning of pregnancy is vitamin E.
- This component is responsible for the production of female hormones, thereby normalizing reproductive function your body;
- Tocopherol can protect pregnancy from spontaneous abortion;
- It regulates functions endocrine system, helping to maintain performance;
- Vitamin E has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effect, prevents blood clots;
- The element is involved in the production of the hormone prolactin, which is necessary for further lactation.
The daily requirement of your body during pregnancy fluctuates within 20 mg of tocopherol. Depending on the state of health and test results, the doctor may prescribe from 200 to 400 mg per day.
This is first of all vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, cereals, bran, some vegetables, berries and fruits. The component is also found in food of animal origin: meat, liver, eggs.
Vitamins according to indications
To determine which vitamins to take in the early stages of pregnancy, in addition to the required ones, take a biochemical blood test. It is quite possible that a deficiency of iodine, iron, calcium, magnesium or other important elements will be detected.
- Throughout Russia, the majority of the population experiences iodine deficiency. This component ensures the functioning of the thyroid gland, which, in turn, is responsible for a woman’s hormonal levels;
Iodine is necessary for normal mental and physical development of both the child and you. Include appropriate foods in your diet.
- Low hemoglobin will indicate iron deficiency, which is monitored throughout pregnancy with a routine finger prick blood test. In a state of anemia, the child suffers from hypoxia, lack of oxygen;
- Calcium deficiency is fraught with tooth decay, hair loss, and damage to nails. And the baby is experiencing a shortage building material to build a skeleton (read about when and what develops in a baby growing in your tummy in the article Development of a child in the womb >>>).
All these elements are, of course, necessary and important, but whether it is possible to absorb them from the so-called “best vitamins for pregnant women in the 1st trimester,” which include Vitrum, Materna, and Alphabet, is a big question.
- The problem with all chemically synthesized vitamins is that they are quickly incorporated into the body and, thus, do not allow vitamins from food to be absorbed;
- The body relaxes, stops extracting vitamins from food and you are hooked on pharmacy vitamins as if on drugs;
- This is very beneficial for their manufacturers. And convincing you that from the first weeks of pregnancy you need complex vitamins is also part of sales marketing.
BUT! Your task is to endure healthy child, and they have to sell as much as possible.
Nowadays, many children are born and suffer from allergies of unknown origin. Mothers go on diets, suffer, children's arms and legs peel and itch, and no one can explain the reason.
But one of probable causes- this is precisely the constant intake of chemical vitamins by the mother during pregnancy.
The smart approach for you
When you are preparing to become a mother or are already pregnant, do not rush to think about what vitamins to take in the early stages of pregnancy. You only need folic acid.
- If your body is weakened, hemoglobin is reduced, or you are expecting a second or third baby, and the period between births is 2–3 years, then only in this case is it possible to take multivitamins;
- But it’s better to choose the most natural vitamins and drink them in courses, separately:
We drank iron, then calcium with vitamin D3, then potassium, etc.
A relatively healthy body does not need additional substances.
- Some saturated complexes can cause blood thickening and allergic reactions in you, which can pass on to the child;
- Take into account the fact that synthetic vitamins are only half absorbed and can provoke dangerous compounds;
- An excess of vitamins is more dangerous than a deficiency. To remove excess elements, the liver and kidneys will have to work in enhanced mode.
Before deciding whether to take vitamins in the early stages of pregnancy, think a hundred times and do not once again harm your body and your own child. In this matter, it is important to take an individual approach.
Vitamins are biologically active compounds that have a diverse structure. They are coenzymes biochemical reactions occurring in the body. During pregnancy, the need for vitamins increases due to the growth and development of the fetus and increased stress on many systems of the mother. But whether it is necessary to take vitamins during pregnancy remains controversial to this day.
Beneficial features
Research shows that most women become pregnant due to a deficiency of many vitamins and microelements. This deficiency has to be replenished during gestation. At this time, the need for group B, C, and folic acid increases significantly. At the same time, the need for microelements increases.
The shortage may not be felt, but it will affect the developing child. It has been proven that a lack of folic acid in the early stages leads to the development of neural tube defects. Therefore, even before conception, doctors recommend including vitamin complexes containing folic acid, as well as tocopherol, in the preconception plan. It improves egg maturation and promotes fertilization.
The expectant mother must prepare the body for pregnancy and create reserves of biologically active substances. This will improve the functioning of various enzyme systems and metabolism. The level of hemoglobin is associated with a sufficient amount of vitamins B₆ and B₁₂. With a deficiency, aplastic anemia develops, which will complicate the course of pregnancy.
1st trimester
Doctors recommend taking vitamins during the trimesters of pregnancy. The 1st trimester is associated with the formation of all organs and the beginning of the formation of the nervous system. The continued viability of the fetus and the preservation of pregnancy depend on how correctly this process proceeds.
It must be remembered that the development of the embryo does not depend solely on the content of vitamins in the diet, and in the presence of genetic abnormalities or chromosomal rearrangements, the situation cannot be corrected by increasing the active substances in the diet.
Vitamins are prescribed by the gynecologist depending on the trimester and individual characteristics, taking into account risk factors. The main drugs in the initial period are:
- folic acid – B₉;
- tocopherol acetate – E;
- retinol – A;
Is it necessary to take vitamins in the 1st trimester of pregnancy if a woman eats well? The need for them during pregnancy increases several times, so it is impossible to cover it with food alone.
Folic acid
Contained in any vegetables with natural green in ripe form, as well as leafy greens (parsley, spinach, dill). It has even been found in animal products, which is why folate is now said to be ubiquitous. But its peculiarity is its tendency to decay quickly. If lettuce or cabbage is just picked from the garden, then we can talk about good saturation with useful substances. But in vegetables that are stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature, the breakdown of folates accelerates; after just a few hours, their content is reduced by half. When heated to 60 degrees, after a few minutes only traces of folic acid remain.
Folacin is necessary for the division of all cells of the body, both in the expectant mother and in the developing fetus. It is involved in the process of DNA replication (doubling), which occurs during cell division. Red bone marrow, as the most actively dividing structure, suffers most from a lack of folate. For a woman, this is manifested by the development of megaloblastic anemia.
But a state of severe deficiency and severe consequences of B₉ deficiency are rarely observed. Normal intestinal microflora is involved in the synthesis of this substance, as well as several others. With dysbiosis, when the content of beneficial bacteria in the intestines is disrupted, the amount of folate in the body may decrease, which, together with insufficient intake from food, will lead to the development of anemia. It cannot be cured with iron supplements alone.
The dose of folic acid for those planning a pregnancy is 400-800 mcg. But doctors recommend sticking to the maximum dosage: this will saturate the body before conception. If conception is successful, the dosage is not reduced. Those who have not had children with neural tube pathology or spontaneous early miscarriages in previous pregnancies are allowed to take 800-1000 mcg per day. For women with a history of the listed pathologies, the dose is increased several times.
You can read more about why you need to take folic acid when planning a pregnancy, as well as about prescribed medications and options for taking them.
Pregnant women with diagnosed epilepsy who must take anticonvulsants should take an increased dose of folate. Carbamazepine and valproic acid significantly reduce the amount of B₉ in the body.
Folic acid is safe. It is water-soluble, and if there is excess in the body, it is easily excreted by the kidneys. No signs of overdose were reported.
Tocopherol
The second most important substance for pregnant women is tocopherol (E). This is a fat-soluble compound whose name translates as “progeny-bearing.” Its function in the body is:
- protection cell membranes from the damaging effects of oxygen;
- preservation of vitamins A and C in unoxidized form;
- inclusion of selenium in coenzymes;
- immune protection;
- reducing the need of cells for oxygen and protection from hypoxia;
- protein synthesis and tissue regeneration;
- stimulation of hormone production.
Lack of tocopherol affects the appearance and condition of the skin, nails and hair. They become dull, lifeless, hair splits, and nails break easily. Therefore, if you have dry skin, it is necessary to additionally include tocopherol in your diet.
During the gestational period, additional amounts of tocopherol are needed. It has the following effect:
- improves hormonal levels;
- promotes egg maturation;
- reduces risk;
- increases the chance of conception;
- eliminates symptoms;
- promotes the formation of the placenta;
- reduces risk.
The dosage of vitamin E in capsules is 100-200 mg per day. It is recommended that two spouses start taking it at the planning stage, 2 months before conception. The woman continues to take tocopherol after confirmation of pregnancy for 2-3 months.
Tocopherol (vitamin E) is the second most important vitamin (after folic acid) for pregnant women.
Tocopherol acetate is a fat-soluble substance. Therefore, there is a danger of its accumulation. But the toxic effect appears when the daily norm is exceeded by 10-20 times. There may be a cumulative effect if the dosage is exceeded for a long time. Then the medicine is discontinued and Vikasol is prescribed to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Retinol
Vitamin A (retinol) is involved in many metabolic processes:
- enzyme synthesis;
- muscle tissue formation;
- synthesis of sex hormones;
- maintaining immunity due to the metabolism of interferons, lysozyme, immunoglobulin A;
- activation of receptors for calcitriol (vitamin D₃);
- production of retinal rhodopsin for twilight vision.
Experiments have shown that the most complete exclusion of retinol from the diet of animals of both sexes leads to the development of infertility. It is also needed for the normal development of the unborn child. But the need for vitamin A in women before and during pregnancy is not much different. In the 1st trimester, a sufficient amount comes from food. Large doses of retinoids are toxic to the fetus and can cause the development of heart defects and nervous system defects. Only in the second half of gestation and lactation does the need increase.
2nd trimester
After the formation of all organs of the fetus and placenta, the need for active substances changes. The 2nd trimester is a time of active child growth and skeletal development. Therefore, the need for calcium and substances involved in its metabolism increases.
After 20 weeks, it is recommended to take additional retinol. It is responsible for activating calciferol receptors, so a lack of the first will affect its action. Doctors prescribe 1-2 tablets of retinol, which corresponds to 3300-6600 IU.
Lack of vitamin D during pregnancy is manifested by impaired absorption of calcium. If this microelement is not supplied through food, the body begins to remove it from its own structures in order to provide for the growing fetus. Therefore, a pregnant woman may experience:
- aching bones;
- joint pain;
- muscle cramps.
Calcium deficiency will also affect after pregnancy. For some, even during the gestation period, their teeth begin to actively deteriorate and crumble, and caries appears. Hair and nails also suffer from calcium deficiency.
It should be remembered that calcium is a component of the blood coagulation system; without it, complete clot formation is impossible. Therefore, a deficiency can lead to increased bleeding, which is especially dangerous during gestation.
A child with intrauterine D₃ deficiency may be predisposed to the development of rickets.
But not all pregnant women have obvious signs of calciferol deficiency. They are successfully synthesized in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. In some cases, this process may be disrupted:
- among black people who for a long time lived in equatorial zones, but now live in temperate climates;
- with a strict vegetarian diet;
- in those who rarely see the sun or from regions located beyond the Arctic Circle.
Rules for taking vitamin D for pregnant women - 400-600 IU, or 10-15 mcg, is enough to cover the daily requirement.
3rd trimester
By the end of gestation, an increased need for A, E, D remains. Ascorbic acid is also recommended in the 3rd trimester. It is part of a complex of antioxidants that protect cells from the action of various endogenous oxidants. Vitamin C has the following effects:
- strengthens the walls of blood vessels, reduces their fragility;
- reduces bleeding;
- strengthens the immune system;
- promotes iron absorption.
For pregnant women who have to bear a child during a seasonal increase in the incidence of respiratory infections, it would not be amiss to include ascorbic acid in the diet. It is not possible to completely cover the body's expenses with food. Ascorbic acid, like folates, does not withstand exposure to air and heat; it begins to disintegrate at temperatures above 60 degrees, and after boiling it is completely absent.
Iron deficiency anemia may be caused by a violation of the supply of ferrum to the body. Its absorption is accelerated by simultaneous intake of ascorbic acid and inhibited by the presence of calcium. Therefore, in some complex vitamin preparations, these substances are combined depending on competition for absorption.
For pregnant women, regardless of trimester, vitamin B₁₂ (cyanocobolamine) is important. It is beneficial for the body with the following properties:
- participation in the synthesis of DNA and RNA cells;
- fatty acid metabolism;
- protein synthesis;
- red blood cell formation;
- melatonin synthesis and regulation of sleep cycles;
- maintaining the health of the reproductive system.
In pregnant women, a lack of cyanocobalamin leads to the development of diarrhea, which cannot be treated with iron supplements, sleep problems, nervousness, and memory impairment. The need increases in the following cases:
- vegetarian diet;
- diabetes;
- alcohol consumption;
- The age of the expectant mother is over 45 years.
The requirement during gestation and breastfeeding is the same and is 3.5 mg per day.
Vitamin B₆ is also often prescribed to pregnant women, but in combination with magnesium. These substances enhance each other's effects. They begin to be used in the 2-3 trimester to prevent pathology of the placenta, and also if there is a threat, magnesium in combination with B₆ reduces the tone of the uterus and helps prolong gestation.
Ways to fill the deficit
The doctor decides which vitamins are best to take during pregnancy, focusing on the individual characteristics of the woman. If the expectant mother has no complications, she has been identified with minimal or no risk in the development of fetal pathologies, then prophylactic doses of drugs are necessary. In case of detection of abnormalities, severe condition of the fetus, risk of premature birth and various diseases, increased doses of drugs may be required.
The regimen for taking vitamins during pregnancy may change. It should be remembered that you cannot combine B₆ and B₁₂, they enhance the allergenic effect of each other and can lead to the appearance of urticaria. A, E, C are complementary and have an antioxidant effect. Therefore, they are often used as a single drug.
Nutrition
Most doctors insist on the need for vitamin complexes, despite a balanced diet. The explanation for this is as follows:
- The amount of nutrients in food cannot cover the daily needs of even a non-pregnant woman. Not only the content of active substances matters, but also their absorption, which may be limited due to metabolic characteristics or certain diseases.
- IN winter time in vegetables and fruits, the amount of useful components is at a minimum level: folates and ascorbic acid have already oxidized by this point.
- Processing products before consumption leads to a significant loss of their beneficial properties.
There are also conditions that reduce the intake of nutrients from food or speed up their metabolism:
- gastritis;
- duodenitis;
- diabetes;
- acute or chronic infections;
- liver pathologies;
- colitis.
The use of vitamin complexes does not cancel proper nutrition. Food contains essential peptides, fatty acids, carbohydrates, without which life and development are impossible, as well as ballast substances necessary for normal digestion.
Medications
With the help of pharmaceutical preparations, you can achieve the required concentration of vitamins in the diet and cover the daily requirement. Some doubt the necessity and effectiveness of synthetic drugs, but data from various studies indicate that without them it is impossible to provide a pregnant woman with the necessary substances.
There are many different brands available in pharmacies, some of which are designed for the feeding period. They differ from each other in composition and dosage.
Elevit
One of the popular complexes for pregnant women is Elevit. Its feature is a sufficient amount of folic acid: a woman does not need to take it as a separate drug. Elevit will also be useful in case of premature birth; it contains an increased amount of magnesium. Useful property is also a high iron content, which is equivalent to a preventive dosage. But the complex does not contain iodine, which is necessary for the formation of the nervous system and thyroid gland of the fetus. Therefore, those to whom the doctor prescribed Elevit will have to take additional iodine from 22 weeks.
Alphabet
Separately, we can highlight the Alphabet vitamins. Their peculiarity is the division of active substances into different doses. For example, iron is supported by the action of ascorbic acid, magnesium - B₆, calcium - D₃, B₆ and B₁₂ are not taken in one tablet, which reduces the risk of developing allergies. The convenience is that if you are intolerant to a certain substance in the tablet, you can refuse to take it. But taking “Alphabet” is recommended for practically healthy women, without pregnancy complications or obstetric-gynecological history. The dosages in it are at the minimum for pregnant women.
Vitrum Prenatal Forte
The drug contains all essential microelements and vitamins, iodine is no exception. Its content is close to the daily requirement and no additional intake is required. The amount of folic acid is optimal for early date gestation, and retinol is contained in a dose that is non-toxic to the fetus. The dosage of tocopherol has been increased. This combination of useful substances allows us to recommend this drug as a preconception preparation.
Pregnavite
The complex contains all the necessary substances in sufficient quantities, but among the microelements it contains only calcium and a small amount of gland. On the one hand, this can be considered a disadvantage, but on the other hand, if it is necessary to introduce iron into the diet, add iodine, magnesium, dosage adjustment will not be required taking into account the medications taken.
Materna
Contains full list necessary substances, a sufficient amount of iodine. This drug should only be used after consulting a doctor. It contains increased content of retinol, tocopherol, and ascorbic acid. This is an antioxidant complex that will be useful for women with various chronic diseases. But at the same time, the risk of an allergic reaction increases.
