When you are pregnant vitamins and supplements can do a lot for you and your unborn baby.
During pregnancy eating a different, healthy diet will help you get most of the vitamins and minerals you need. And trust us when we say there are some vitamins and minerals that are especially important. They are;
Folic Acid
Folic acid is a vitamin that helps in the early formation of your baby’s nervous system. In pregnancy, folic acid is very important, as it can help in the prevention of birth defects known as neural tube defects. Lack of folic acid can cause spina bifida, a condition where the baby’s spine and nerves do not form properly in the womb. Some food containing folic acid include; dried beans and peas; dark green vegetables such as spinach, okra, and asparagus; and citrus fruit and juice.
If you are trying to conceive or you are pregnant try to take a 400 microgram folic acid tablet every day until you are 12 weeks pregnant because food won’t give you enough folic acid to protect your baby.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are needed to keep bones and teeth healthy. It’s naturally found in some foods such as eggs and oily fish, and is sometimes added to breakfast cereals and margarine. The main source of vitamin D is produced in our skin after being in the sun, all pregnant women need to have a 10 micrograms (10mcg) supplement of vitamin D each day.
Iron
As a pregnant woman if your iron store is slow, when your blood is tested at your first appointment at the hospital, you will be advised to take iron supplements if you need them. If you are short of iron, it is possible you will be getting very tired and may suffer from anaemia. Food rich in iron include; Lean meat, green leafy vegetables, dried fruit,peas, and nuts contain iron.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C also known as ascorbic acid, is essential for protection of cells and helps to keep both mother and baby healthy. A balanced diet that contains fruit, tomatoes, and citrus fruits can provide you with vitamins.
Calcium
Calcium is vital for making your baby’s bones and teeth. The main sources of calcium are dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, also fish with edible bones such as sardines, titus are rich in calcium. Leafy greens such as lettuce,, seafood, legumes, and fruit are also rich sources of calcium.
Iodine
Iodine is a mineral found in some foods and the human body needs it to make thyroid hormones.The body also needs thyroid hormones for proper bone and brain development during pregnancy and childhood. pregnant women who eat balanced diet including sufficient milk, other dairy products and fish will meet their needs for iodine. Also milk and other dairy products, such as yoghurt and cheese, provide most of the iodine in our diets, though fish has more iodine per portion.
However it is advised that you do not take vitamin A supplements, or any supplements containing vitamin A (retinol), as too much of it can harm your baby.
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