Having the right nutrients is very important at all stages of life. However, supplements during pregnancy are especially essential, as there are two people involved: the mother and the baby. Learn more in this article.
There is a lot of information about supplements during pregnancy. In fact, it is possible to read different opinions about which supplements are safe and which are not, which can make things even more complicated for moms.
Therefore, it is important to learn from reliable sources. In this article, we detail which supplements are considered safe during pregnancy and why some should be avoided, according to health experts. Check them out!
Supplements during pregnancy: what is safe?
During pregnancy, there is a need to maintain adequate doses of vitamins and minerals due to metabolic and nutritional changes. Ideally, nutrients should be obtained through a balanced diet, but this is not always possible. That’s because many pregnant women work too much and don’t have time to eat right, or because even a healthy menu doesn’t provide certain nutrients – such as folic acid.
As with medications, it is important that your doctor approves and supervises all supplements to ensure they are truly safe and taken in the right amount. Always try to buy vitamins from reputable brands, and that have their products approved by regulatory institutions.
Folic Acid
Even during a healthy pregnancy, folic acid intake is highly recommended because it reduces the risk of malformations in the baby’s central nervous system. The supplement prevents the fetal neural tube defects that develop during the first few months of pregnancy and involves the creation of primitive structures that forms the brain and spinal cord.
In addition, folic acid helps the formation of the placenta and the development of DNA, as well as reducing the risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy. In general, pregnant women are advised to take 600 mcg daily, which can be discontinued after the first 3 months of pregnancy, as folic acid is effective for up to a year.
Iron
When it comes to supplements during pregnancy, iron is an essential element. That is because, in addition to attending to the mother, it is necessary to ensure that the baby is being well formed. Yes, this is a necessary nutrient for infant and red blood cell formation, as well as transporting oxygen throughout the body. It is what supports energy metabolism and the immune system.
Iron deficiency causes anemia in the mother, which has been linked to premature birth, maternal depression, and anemia in the baby. According to the Ministry of Health, the recommended iron supplement for pregnant women is at least 30 mg per day throughout pregnancy, and up to 3 months after delivery.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is very important for immune function, bone health, and cell division. Deficiency of it during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of cesarean section, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes.
The current recommended intake of vitamin D during pregnancy is 600 IU or 15 mcg per day. However, some experts suggest that vitamin D needs during pregnancy are much higher. Therefore, it is best to check with your doctor about proper supplementation for your case.
Omega-3
Consuming omega-3s daily during pregnancy can provide a variety of benefits for both the baby and the mother, as this nutrient supports the baby’s brain and visual development and reduces the risk of depression and other complications during pregnancy.
This is because omega-3, in addition to its role in the blood clotting process, performs various functions in the body, such as transporting oxygen, regulating blood pressure, and the body’s inflammatory responses. Take this supplement the way your doctor has recommended, however, in general, you can use 1 or 2 omega-3 capsules during pregnancy and lactation.
Now you know how to ensure good supplements during pregnancy, it is important to always count on the evaluation of your obstetrician. Hence there are individual needs of each pregnant woman based on her diet and nutritional profile.
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Also read our article on baby development in the womb.
