Vitamins are your best ally for a trouble free pregnancy. Here is an overview of the indispensible pregnancy vitamins that you need to make sure they don’t lack from your diet.
The Vitamin B9 plays a major role in the prevention of the fetal malformations, yet most women of childbearing age do not consume enough. In addition, some factors may play against our reserves. This is the overconsumption of sugary, unhealthy diet of vegetables which lack it but also some contraceptives. The oral contraceptives (pills) contain estrogen and thus they can cause a slight deficiency of magnesium and vitamin B. The intrauterine devices (IUDs) are often associated with heavy menstrual losses and they generate additional iron.
Studies by various international working groups were unanimous: an increase intake of folic acid (vitamin B9) some months before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy protects against certain birth defects (spina bifida, cleft and palate, cardiac malformations) and spontaneous abortions. In effect, the folic acid is involved in the neural tube closure of the embryo, which is the future spinal cord. It could also reduce the risk of certain childhood cancers (neuroblastoma) and even according to recent preliminary studies, that of trisomy 21.
Vitamin D is also essential for te proper development of your unborn baby. In winter, it is virtually impossible to ensure optimal levels of vitamin D, even if you live in the south (because the vitamin D is usually synthesized in the sun). However, this vitamin is essential for the unborn child, to assure healthy bones. It could also prevent diabetes in children. Vitamin D supplements are strongly recommended particularly in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Vitamin C helps the mother to develop a placenta and fetal membranes of good quality. Women who lack vitamin C have a higher risk of preterm delivery. Vitamin C is found in fruits and vegetables, and it is important not to lack it during pregnancy. Sometimes supplements (50 to 250 mg per day) may be needed, particularly among former smokers.
Thiamin plays a crucial role in brain development of babies. However, many pregnant women have low thiamine levels. This is particularly true of those whose diet consists of refined carbohydrates (white bread, white rice, pastries, sweets and cakes) because their metabolism pumps literally on scarce reserves of vitamin B1 (which they are also devoid ). The B1 is to be found in whole foods, meats, fruits and vegetables. Again, a nutritional supplement containing the B1 represents an inexpensive and timely insurance.
The regulations now require manufacturers of infant formula to enhance choline because it has been demonstrated that this quasi-vitamin is necessary for child development, particularly for his brain. Choline gives birth to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which facilitates the memorization. Studies in animals have also shown that pregnant females who had received supplemental choline gavebirth to offspring with increased intellectual capacity. You can find choline in lecithin or by taking supplements of phosphatidylcholine, when prescribed by the doctor.