What to supplement during pregnancy?

Pregnancy supplementation is an element of concern for the health of both the future mother and the developing child. Mother's diet directly affects the course of pregnancy and fetal health, which is why proper nutrition is extremely important at every stage. However, even the best diet may not always provide all necessary nutrients in the right quantities. In such cases, dietary supplements come to the rescue, which are recommended by specialists to supplement any deficiencies.

Folic acid and pregnancy

The importance of folic acid

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is one of the components of a pregnant woman's diet. Its importance for fetal health cannot be overestimated, especially in the first weeks of pregnancy, when the nerve coil is formed. Taking the right amount of folic acid (400-800 mcg per day) before pregnancy and at its early stage significantly reduces the risk of nervous tube defects, such as spinal fingertips and anncephalles.

The effects of deficiency

Folic acid deficiency can lead to serious fetal malformations. This is particularly dangerous because the nerve coil closes between 18 and 28. The day after fertilization, often before a woman realizes that she is pregnant. That is why it is so important for women planning pregnancy to start supplementation with folic acid before conception.

Supplements for pregnant women - do they have special guidelines?

Vitamin D

Vitamin D supports the development of the fetal bone and immune system, and also prevents rickets in newborns. It is recommended that pregnant women take 600-800 IU vitamin D per day.

Iron

Iron is important for hemoglobin production, and its deficiency can lead to anemia, which is often found during pregnancy. The daily iron dose for pregnant women is about 27 mg. It is particularly important in the second and third trimesters, when the demand for this mineral increases significantly.

Calcium

Calcium is necessary for the construction of strong bones and teeth in a child and for the proper functioning of the heart, muscles and nerves. The recommended daily calcium dose for pregnant women is about 1000 mg.

Iodine

Iodine is important for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland in both the mother and the child. Iodine deficiency can lead to fetal brain developmental disorders and mental delay. The recommended daily dose of iodine in pregnancy is 220-250 MCG.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, especially docosahexaen acid (DHA), support the development of the cerebral and eye of the fetus. Pregnant women should strive to eat about 200-300 mg DHA daily, which often requires supplementation.

Supplements - pregnancy planning

The importance of body preparation before pregnancy

Appropriate preparation of the body for pregnancy can not only increase the chances of healthy conception, but also positively affect the course of pregnancy. That is why proper supplementation is so important before planned fertilization. Supplements recommended in the pregnancy planning phase In addition to folic acid, it is recommended to take:

• B group vitamins: They support metabolism and reduce the feeling of fatigue.
• Vitamin C: Supports the immune system.
• Vitamin E: It acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
• Zinc and selenium: They support the functioning of the immune system and skin health.

Supplementation in the third trimester

In the third trimester of pregnancy, the needs of the mother's body are changing. During this period, special attention should be paid to supplementation:

• Iron: Its deficiency can lead to anemia, which can be dangerous during delivery.
• Calcium: Supports the development of a child's bones that grow the fastest during this period.
• B vitamins: They help in the production of red blood cells and support the nervous system.

Summary

To sum up, supplementation during pregnancy is a key element of taking care of both mother and child's health. Appropriate intake of folic acid, vitamin D, iron, calcium, iodine and omega-3 fatty acids can prevent many health problems and support the proper development of the fetus. Women planning pregnancy should also pay attention to appropriate supplementation to prepare the body for future challenges.

Footnotes

Greenberg, J. A., Bell, S. J., & Guan, Y. (2011). Folic Acid Supplementation and Pregnancy: More than Just Neural Tube Defect Prevention. Reviews in Owstetrics and Gynecology, 4 (2), 52. Thorne-Lyman, A., & Fawzi, W. W. (2012). Vitamin D During Pregnancy and Maternal, Neonatal and Infant Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, 26, 255-272. Milman, N. (2011). Iron in pregnancy: How do we secure an appropriarate iron status in the mother and child?. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 59 (1), 50-54. Skeaff, S. A. (2011). Iodine deficiency in pregnancy: the effect on neurodevelopment in the child. Nutrients, 3 (2), 265-273. Koletzko, B., Cetin, I., & Brenna, J. T. (2007). Dietary Fats, Fatty Acid Intake, and Essential Fatty Acids in Pregnancy and Lactation: A Systematic Review. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 3 (2), 133-144.