During pregnancy, significant changes occur in a woman's body - the metabolism is greatly rebuilt, the hormonal background fluctuates, and the composition of the blood changes. The growing fetus receives nutrients from the mother's body, so the woman's need for vitamins and minerals increases by one and a half to two times. Recently, the issue of vitamin deficiency in expectant mothers has been quite acute, so doctors are making every effort to prepare for pregnancy and take the necessary medications at the planning stage.
Vitamins are needed not only for the proper development of the fetus, but also for maintaining the health of the mother. Thus, a lack of any substance can lead to the manifestation of health problems in both the child and the pregnant woman. In the human body, vitamins play the role of enzymes, accelerating biochemical reactions. In addition, they take part in humoral regulation, performing the functions of some hormones. Despite popular belief, vitamins do not serve as a source of energy and are not structural components of tissues. These compounds are important only for ensuring the correct metabolism, on which the work of all internal organs and systems depends.
It has been found that pregnant women are deficient in at least three vitamins. This can lead to abnormal formation of internal organs in the fetus or health problems in the mother due to excessive extraction of substances from her body. The most common deficiencies are B vitamins, carotenoids and ascorbic acid.
Vitamins enter the human body with food, but it is believed that food cannot fully provide the required daily rate. This is especially true for women during pregnancy. This leads to the need to take additional vitamins, in particular in the form of medications.
Conditions in which there is a deficiency of vitamin D, B6, folic acid are especially dangerous during pregnancy, since they can lead to irreversible consequences of the formation of the nervous system or the skeleton of the child.
Deficiency of vitamins in the first trimester is dangerous by disorders in the formation of the nervous system, as well as the development of fetal defects and even intrauterine death. It is during this period that all organs and tissues are laid, as well as important cell differentiation. In the second and third trimester, vitamin deficiency is less dangerous, but it can lead to problems in the work of the cardiovascular, endocrine or digestive systems.
To prevent the deficiency of most of the most important vitamins, it is recommended to take complex vitamin preparations during pregnancy. They have adjusted not only the qualitative, but also the quantitative composition, taking into account the special position of women.
It is possible to maintain the health of a pregnant woman and the harmonious intrauterine development of the fetus with the help of proper nutrition. It should be varied and include the main food groups (meat, cereals, vegetables, dairy and others) so that a woman gets all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Foods that are sources of vitamins are shown in the table below:
The need for different vitamins varies depending on the duration of pregnancy and the processes that take place in the body.
In the first trimester, the focus should be on folate, vitamin E and ascorbic acid intake. During this period, the laying of the nervous system and the formation of internal organs occurs, and the woman's immunity decreases due to hormonal changes. These vitamins will ensure the full development of the embryo, prevent pathologies of the brain, vision and hearing. It is recommended to supplement vitamins during this period with microelements - iodine and zinc.
In the second trimester, there is more need for substances that will give the mother energy, and the child - the structural material for growth. It is recommended to take vitamins A, C, E, as well as vitamin D. Additionally, the need for vital microelements - iron, zinc, iodine - increases.
It is difficult to argue with the statement that pregnancy is a special period in the life of every woman. The emergence of a new life and its development, the expectation of a new person in the family and pleasant chores associated with preparing for childbirth - what could be better? And, of course, all expectant mothers want only the best for their baby. And for the correct development of the future person, a combination of a whole complex of vitamins is necessary, which, in general, help the formation of the baby's skeleton, his brain and other vital organs.
Unfortunately, in the modern world, women rarely have the opportunity to eat properly and regularly, and here various vitamin complexes come to the rescue, designed to compensate for the lack of one or another element in the body of the expectant mother, from which the baby draws its resources. Of course, every woman in this exciting period wants to know which ones are the most for pregnant women, what is the advantage of some over others and on which complex to ultimately choose.
Multivitamins that are used during pregnancy differ from conventional complexes, so it is important to drink only special preparations intended for a specific period of life. When the question arises which vitamins for pregnant women are the best, the reviews of friends are not the determining criterion. Remember that what works for one person will not necessarily help another. Only a doctor who observes the patient both during pregnancy and before her can most accurately prescribe drugs that are right for her. For this, special analyzes can be prescribed, because the excess of elements in the body is no better than their lack.
The woman's need for vitamins is constantly growing as the baby grows. Thus, the peculiarity for pregnant women is the higher content of vital elements, compared to conventional drugs, which provide the ability to saturate the body's needs. That is why, when deciding which vitamins for pregnant women are the best, it is necessary to take into account the period of development of the baby. As a rule, the reception of the complex is prescribed after the 12th week of pregnancy, in the absence of other indications.
In addition to vitamin complexes, there are certain drugs designed to compensate for the deficiency in the body of certain elements. For example, folic acid, which is prescribed even before pregnancy, during the planning period, and "Iodomarin", which saturates the body with iodine. In addition to these two elements, calcium must be present in vitamins for pregnant women, which affects the correct formation of the baby's skeleton.
Thus, these three elements must be present in a multivitamin. In addition, it should be borne in mind that in the complexes, the iodine content, as a rule, does not exceed 150 μg. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish it in the body by using additional or by including in your diet seaweed, fish and any seafood.
The stage when the decision to conceive is ripe is crucial for ensuring the most comfortable conditions for bearing and giving birth to a healthy baby. How correct this period was, directly depends on how the pregnancy itself will proceed.
Planning a pregnancy means for both partners the need to undergo a complete examination for the presence of chronic diseases and infections, and for a woman also taking certain vitamins. The drug that must be taken immediately, after an informed decision about future motherhood is folic acid (vitamin B9). Its reception is considered the best prevention of defects in the formation of the nervous system of the unborn baby. If pregnancy occurs unexpectedly, the drug should be used immediately after confirmation of pregnancy. The fact that it can be drunk before a visit to the doctor is an important criterion by which it is included in the list of "the best vitamins for pregnant women." Reviews about him are only positive, both from medical workers and from expectant mothers who took him.
Another important element at this stage is vitamin E, which improves the reproductive functions of the body and provides optimal conditions for the development of the baby. In addition, it is a good prevention of pathologies such as miscarriage and missed pregnancies.
Thus, it is these two trace elements that are most essential during this period.
As in the planning period, after the onset of pregnancy, in the 1st trimester, the need for vitamins begins to slowly increase. However, many doctors agree that the best vitamins for early pregnancy are proper, balanced nutrition and positive emotions. As a rule, gynecologists prescribe multivitamins after 12 weeks, when the internal resources of the expectant mother cannot fully cope with the growing needs of the body. At this stage, it is believed that the use of folic acid, as well as vitamins A, E, C and iodine is sufficient. This choice is explained by the following:
It is this combination that the group called "the best vitamins for pregnant women in the 1st trimester" suggests.
After the 12th week, the rapid development of the future baby and the formation of his vital organs begins. To provide it with the necessary resources, you need to start taking vitamin complexes.
The best vitamins for pregnant women during this period are those that contain enough:
Iron is needed to reduce the risk of anemia during pregnancy. Hemoglobin, which it consists of, carries oxygen throughout the body and delivers it to the baby. In addition, it is iron that actively participates in the process of protein synthesis, due to which muscles are formed. Among other things, a lack of iron can lead to an increase in the tone of the uterus.
Iodine is prescribed already at an early stage of pregnancy, however, the need for it increases significantly during It is important in the process of forming the skeleton of the unborn child, as well as the development of his mental abilities. Lack of iodine significantly disrupts the metabolism of the expectant mother, causing general weakness and excess weight.
Calcium is actively involved in the formation of the skeleton, endocrine system and kidneys of the baby, so its correct use is extremely important in the second trimester. It is noteworthy that this trace element is poorly extracted from food, so it is advisable to use it ready-made.
It is this combination of trace elements in the 2nd trimester that answers the question: "What are the best vitamins for pregnant women?" Reviews of doctors and expectant mothers confirm this information.
The last three months of pregnancy are the most difficult. The future baby is already strong enough, the tremors and movements are becoming more noticeable, the stomach is enlarging, which leads to some physical discomfort. In the last months of pregnancy, it is difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position, and housework becomes quite burdensome. At the same time, the baby continues to actively develop, he still needs resources for formation. The main micronutrients that are needed at this stage of pregnancy are:
Vitamin C improves the work of the expectant mother, which is especially important in the 3rd trimester. Any illness at this stage can lead to sad results. That is why it is extremely important to have good immunity, especially if the last months of pregnancy were during a flu epidemic.
Vitamin D prevents rickets in the unborn baby and helps to properly form the skeleton in late pregnancy. This vitamin can be obtained from sunlight, therefore, if the 3rd trimester fell on the summer months, you need to be in the sun more, not forgetting about the means of skin protection.
Magnesium is a preventive component for preterm labor, which is especially important at this stage of pregnancy.
Today there are many vitamin complexes designed to replenish the body of the expectant mother with the necessary microelements. Given the large selection of drugs, it is difficult to determine which vitamins for pregnant women are the best.
However, now there are complexes that are most widely used in practice. They are considered the optimal multivitamins that provide the body of the expectant mother with all the necessary micronutrients in sufficient quantities.
Also good vitamins for pregnant women are:
According to experts, these drugs are the most suitable vitamins during pregnancy in the absence of contraindications. Despite the fact that they contain all the necessary trace elements, their amount is different for each drug. That is why only a doctor can prescribe the most suitable vitamin complex for a particular woman. Independent choice in this case is not advisable.
The best prenatal vitamins mentioned above should be taken once a day, in the morning after breakfast. Unless otherwise indicated by the doctor, the drugs should be taken in courses in accordance with the instructions. Usually one course is a month, after which it is necessary to pass tests and determine whether to take the drug further. As a rule, if the expectant mother lives in a favorable climatic region, the need for taking vitamin complexes is not constant. They should not be overused, even if they are the best prenatal vitamins.
As a rule, any gynecologist at one stage or another of pregnancy prescribes the intake of vitamins for the expectant mother. However, all experts agree that the most correct way is to get the necessary trace elements naturally, through food and sunlight. It must be remembered that even the best vitamins for pregnant women are medicine, and there is no reason to take medicines without an urgent need. In addition, the intake of trace elements should be preceded by a thorough examination of the body with blood donation. This is necessary in order to prevent hypervitaminosis, which is possible if the balance of drug intake is not observed. Each expectant mother should be aware of the degree of her responsibility for the correct intake of complexes, which in any case affects the health of the baby.
If you get the necessary trace elements naturally, then the risk of hypervitaminosis is completely absent. That is why the best vitamins for pregnant women, according to doctors, are proper, balanced nutrition, walking and absorbing positive emotions. In addition, medical professionals warn that excessive use of vitamins during pregnancy and lactation can lead to allergic reactions in the baby in the future.
Despite skepticism from doctors, it is difficult to find a woman who, being pregnant, would not take vitamins. This is due to the fact that not all expectant mothers can eat properly and in a balanced way for various reasons. This may be a lack of funds, lack of time for full and frequent cooking, hard work, and other factors. In such a situation, taking vitamins solves the problem of saturating the body, and therefore the future baby, with the necessary trace elements. That is why in recent years, taking vitamins during pregnancy has gained such popularity. If you want to highlight the very best vitamins for pregnant women, testimonials from women who have taken them may be helpful. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of multivitamins included in the list of the best.
Thus, judging by the reviews, the best vitamin complex for pregnant women is Femibion. This is the only drug that combines all the trace elements necessary during pregnancy. Therefore, you do not need to take additional pills in combination with it.
Nevertheless, do not forget that any complex of vitamins, regardless of its quality, has its own contraindications. That is why choosing the best vitamins for pregnant women and the method of application should only be a doctor who observes a woman throughout pregnancy.
The body of a woman during pregnancy, working in an enhanced mode, should receive an increased complex of vitamins.
Giving the child all the most useful substances from her own body, a woman must reimburse them in a timely manner. What vitamins to drink during pregnancy? Currently, there are many vitamin complexes that include everything needed for mothers and children.
During this period, it is very important to receive proper nutrition, the well-being of the pregnant woman and the successful development of the child depend on it. But even if such products are received daily, the pregnant woman needs vitamin preparations. The thing is that the expectant mother should receive these substances in a double dose, since not only she, but also her child needs them.
It is necessary to take vitamins for pregnant women, which are best decided by the doctor. After a thorough examination of the pregnant woman, the specialist will prescribe those vitamins that are needed from the very first weeks of pregnancy.
The drugs of the first weeks differ from the drugs prescribed later, since at different periods there are certain changes in the development of the baby. The formation of its nervous system requires certain substances that differ from the elements necessary for the development of bone and muscular systems without pathologies. These processes take place in different trimesters of pregnancy, so the doctor should pay attention to the need to take those drugs that are most needed in a particular period.
During this period, the body of the expectant mother, trying to rebuild for the most favorable stay in the womb, may weaken. Often in this trimester, pregnancy is difficult, the woman suffers from toxicosis, there is a threat of miscarriage, and it is at this stage that internal organs begin to form in the child.
Therefore, vitamins during early pregnancy are prescribed to strengthen the woman's body and keep the child in the most favorable conditions.
The following vitamins are usually prescribed in the first trimester of pregnancy:
There is a need for this vitamin during this period. It improves the well-being of a woman with toxicosis, in addition, relieves spasms and soothes.
To replenish this vitamin, a pregnant woman is often prescribed Magne B6. This preparation contains vitamin B and magnesium, which has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and normalizes the tone of the uterus.
Taking this vitamin is necessary from the very first days of pregnancy, and even better before it. The lack of vitamin B9 in the body of the expectant mother is dangerous because of hypovitaminosis for her, and for the baby it can cause spinal defects and other malformations.
Vitamin B9 contributes to the full development of the central nervous system of the fetus.
It is important for the development of the child. It normalizes the process of cell division, its reception is necessary for the growth and weight gain of the baby. This vitamin is taken as prescribed by a doctor, in the case when a deficiency of this component is recorded by him.
Overdose leads to intoxication. May lead to undesirable consequences in the development of the baby, heart disease.
Vitamin A is found in large quantities in the liver, vegetables and fruits, as well as in fish oil. Its absorption by the body is higher if it is consumed with food rich in fats.
In the early stages of pregnancy, a woman needs to take care of a set of foods rich in these substances.
In addition to the transferred vitamins, iron supplements are prescribed at the first stage of pregnancy. It is not part of a multivitamin for pregnant women, so it is taken separately from other products.
Iron is essential for maintaining normal hemoglobin levels for both the mother and the baby. The lack of this element threatens anemia.
During this period, some others are added to the vitamins taken earlier.
These vitamins during pregnancy prevent the development of rickets in the child. In the second trimester, the child begins to actively grow. Growth is accompanied by the development of bones, which so need vitamin D. It is often prescribed in conjunction with calcium, since their joint absorption is much higher.
Calcium is found in large quantities in cottage cheese, kefir, cheese. Often, women during pregnancy, lacking this element, gobble up chalk with great pleasure.
Vitamin D enters the human body along with the sun's rays. In winter, it is necessary to take preparations of this vitamin, since the activity of the sun is lower.
Vitamin E is just as important for pregnant women.
For a woman in a position, this vitamin is necessary starting from the second trimester of pregnancy. With the growth of the child, the woman's belly grows, which leads to the appearance of stretch marks. Vitami E helps to improve skin elasticity.
In addition, it is necessary for the normal condition of the placenta. Lack of vitamin E can negatively affect its functioning and cause a threat of miscarriage.
This vitamin is an excellent antioxidant, protects against infectious diseases, improves blood circulation and helps the normal movement of oxygen from mother to baby.
A woman's body is capable of producing vitamin E on its own, so it should be taken only if there is a deficiency. It is worth remembering that an overdose of this vitamin can be dangerous.
The need to take vitamin E, the dosage should be prescribed by a doctor, in cases where the body is not able to produce it in sufficient quantities. The daily dose for pregnancy is 200 to 400 mg.
In addition to preparations containing this vitamin, it can be obtained in large quantities by eating seafood, cereals, nuts, sorrel and prunes.
Supplements to the intake of vitamins during pregnancy are vitamin K, vitamin C.
The need for this vitamin is due to the final formation of the unborn baby. This component is involved in the formation of the skeletal system, protein synthesis.
Lack of vitamin K during pregnancy can lead to spinal problems.
Foods rich in this vitamin are greens, nuts, legumes, cabbage, dried fruits.
The benefits of this vitamin are known, it must be obtained in sufficient quantities for all people, and especially during pregnancy. It is able to strengthen the body, increase its resistance to viruses, which is especially necessary for a pregnant woman.
Vitamin C can be obtained by eating citrus fruits, herbs, rose hips.
A woman needs to take vitamins during pregnancy, as her body must receive more of them due to the growth of the fetus. With the course of pregnancy, the development of the fetus entails depletion of the body of the expectant mother. She gives all the substances the baby needs, thereby experiencing a shortage. Lack of vitamins leads to anemia, toxicosis, general weakness.
The best vitamins for pregnant women are found in foods. It is important during this period to correctly formulate the diet. Food should be varied and healthy. The regime of the day is very important, where great importance is attached to walking and being in the fresh air.
However, it is not always possible to get everything from food, even with a carefully balanced diet. Therefore, a woman should take a complex of vitamins during pregnancy in the form of medications.
You need to know what vitamins to drink during pregnancy, because not all drugs found in a pharmacy are suitable for a pregnant woman.
You should beware of the inscription "is not a drug." Dietary supplements (dietary supplements) rarely contain the required dose of vitamins. Therefore, it is better to use proven drugs.
Vitamins for pregnant women 1 trimester:
Vitamins - 2nd trimester:
vitamins - 3 trimester:
Currently, there are many drugs specially designed for use by pregnant women; they have a complex of essential vitamins and minerals for each stage of pregnancy. Among these drugs.
About these vitamins for pregnant women, reviews talk about both the pros and some cons of the drugs.
This is what the women who received them write.
Pregnancy is an important stage in a woman's life. She must take care not only of her own health, but also of the health of the unborn baby. Therefore, it is important that both receive all the necessary substances in sufficient quantities. The best way to do this is a balanced diet with vitamins and hiking in the fresh air.
Absolutely every person needs vitamins and minerals, and a pregnant woman is no exception, rather, it is even she who needs it doubly. The reason for this state of affairs is the growth and active development of the fetus.
Deficiency of vitamins and minerals, including in the first trimester, can adversely affect the formation of vital organs and the health of the child as a whole. Therefore, it is so important to saturate your body with these useful substances every day. Special vitamins, developed taking into account the needs of a pregnant woman, will help to solve this problem. What vitamins should pregnant women drink?
Alas, it is not always possible to monitor your diet and get all the necessary substances from products. It is for this reason that very often pregnant women need taking vitamin complexes... Let's consider the main questions on this topic.
No physician can give a universal answer to this question. On the one hand, the lack of nutrients will have a bad effect on the health of the unborn baby. But it should be remembered that their overabundance will also not be beneficial. The vitamin complex has a standard composition and is not individually adjusted to the needs of each woman, but the need depends on the region of residence, nutritional conditions and even the season.
As with many health issues, the truth lies somewhere in between. If, before the onset of pregnancy, a woman had a deficiency of some vitamins or trace elements, especially B12 and iron, and the situation was also aggravated by the cold season, then taking a special complex is quite justified. In addition, due to allergies to certain foods from which we obtain useful substances, it is also recommended to drink vitamins. In the case when a pregnant woman eats fully and correctly, and on top of that, it's summer outside and it means that you can eat fresh fruits and vegetables every day, there is no point in taking artificial vitamins.
Need additional vitamins women over 30 years old and women whose previous pregnancy ended unsuccessfully or the child was born with abnormalities.
As well as before using any medicines, before taking vitamins also you need to read the side effects.
If speak about contraindications, then first of all it is urolithiasis and an excess of vitamins A and D, as well as iron and calcium. Taking them uncontrolled can provoke health problems.
Before you start taking a special vitamin complex for pregnant women, you need to consult a doctor... Only he, having assessed the state of your health, can make the right decision about the advisability of prescribing vitamins. I would also like to note that it is still better if a pregnant woman will adjust her diet and thus receive all vitamins and other useful substances in their natural form from food.
Folic acid or B9... One of the important vitamins that are recommended for those planning a pregnancy. The role in the emergence of a new life can hardly be overestimated: it is responsible for the growth and development of cells, the correct formation of the neural tube, brain and soft tissues of the body.
A deficiency of this vitamin can lead to the occurrence of serious fetal malformations even in the early stages of pregnancy, and even when the woman is not yet aware of her situation. That is why gynecologists prescribe folic acid at the time of planning. As a rule, it is recommended to take this vitamin separately, since its share in the composition of multivitamin complexes is small. The norm of folic acid entering the body is 400 mcg.
B vitamins. We are talking about vitamins B1, B2, B6 before pregnancy. They are necessary already at the initial stage in order to ensure the normal development of the brain and the nervous system as a whole. Also, these vitamins contribute to the growth and proper formation of the skeleton and muscles of the unborn child.
During early pregnancy, a few more vitamins are added to the required folic acid.
Vitamin E. This is a vitamin that affects the ability to both give birth to it without pathologies. He is responsible for cell renewal. Also, vitamin E provides the correct balance of hormonal levels necessary for conceiving a child. Normally, vitamin E should be ingested in an amount of 100-300 IU per day.
Vitamin A. Provides resistance of the mother's body to infections, participates in the growth and strengthening of bones, hair and teeth. However, you need to be extremely careful with this vitamin, because its overdose can lead to the appearance of pathologies. It is best obtained from natural foods. Its dose ranges from 250 IU per day.
With the beginning of the second trimester, the leading role begins to play iodine, iron and calcium.
Iodine is necessary to maintain the correct functioning of the endocrine system and the mother's metabolism and its formation in the unborn child. He also participates in the mental development of the fetus. Ideally, a pregnant woman should receive at least 250 IU daily.
Calcium... Takes a direct part in the formation of the skeleton, endocrine system and kidney function. It is best taken in the form of vitamins, as it is not absorbed very well from regular food. 1500 mg is the daily intake of calcium.
Iron... It is necessary for the prevention of uterine tone. Also, iron prevents development and is involved in protein synthesis. Its amount per day is 30-60 mg per day.
In late pregnancy, a woman's body especially needs iron, vitamins A, C, D... We have already mentioned the properties of the first two, but we will consider the other two in detail.
Vitamin C... It has a direct effect on strengthening the immune system and increasing the body's resistance to various kinds of infections, which is so important at this stage of pregnancy. Its norm per day is 90-100 mg.
Vitamin D... It is prescribed for the prevention of rickets in an unborn child. Its dose is 400 IU per day. However, if pregnancy occurs in the summer season, you can simply be in the sun more often.
What vitamins to drink during pregnancy? In practice, there is no such thing as "the best" prenatal vitamins. You can look at the reviews, ask the opinions of friends, but this should not become a determining factor when choosing.
Choosing a vitamin complex also depends on the time of year, gestational age, health conditions and even the woman's weight.
Here are the key points need to pay attention first of all:
To select vitamins, it will be more correct if you consult a specialist... Already taking into account your health, the characteristics of the course of pregnancy, the time of year, place of residence and nutritional conditions, he will select which vitamins to take during pregnancy for you.
To make it easier for you to navigate the variety of vitamin complexes available on the market today, we have highlighted the most popular ones.
We present to your attention a short video in which a specialist answers popular questions about vitamins for pregnant women... What are they for? What and how much do they contain? Do I need to use them?
