What Vitamins Are Used During Pregnancy? Which Vitamins Are Harmful?

We know that nutrition is very important during pregnancy. There is something more important than nutrition. It will also be used to supplement vitamins and minerals. It is your doctor who will give the best information about which vitamins to use during pregnancy. Your doctor will determine which vitamin and how much you will need in line with your needs and will guide you in this regard. 

This period is a critical period in a woman's life. She should know and apply what is best for her and her baby's health. Now let's tell you what you need to know about which vitamins to use during pregnancy.  

Why Do You Need Vitamin Supplements During Pregnancy?

Consuming the right foods is important at every stage of life, but nutrition during pregnancy as it needs to nourish both themselves and their growing babies. It is especially critical during.

In this process, the nutritional needs of expectant mothers increase. For example, the recommended protein intake of 0.8 grams per kg for non-pregnant women should be increased to 1.1 grams per kg for pregnant women. In the same direction, the need for vitamins and minerals increases. Vitamins and minerals support the growth of the baby in the womb at every stage of pregnancy.

What Vitamins Are Used During Pregnancy?

Just like medications, the vitamin supplement you will receive must be approved and supervised by your doctor. It is he who will best determine their necessity and safe amount.

1) Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated to meet the increased nutritional needs during pregnancy. multivitaminsis It is taken before pregnancy, during pregnancy and lactation. It has been determined that taking these vitamins reduces the risk of preterm birth and preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a potentially dangerous complication characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

Prenatal vitamins are usually prescribed by a doctor and sold in pharmacies.

2) Folate

folateIt is a B vitamin that plays a role in DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, growth and development of the baby. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate found in many supplements. In the body, folate is converted to its active form, L-methylfolate.

It is recommended that pregnant women take 600 ug of folate or folic acid per day to reduce the risk of neural tube defects and abnormalities such as cleft palate and heart defects. Adequate folate can be obtained from food during pregnancy. However, many women do not get enough folate and take a folate supplement with the advice of a doctor.

3)Iron

Iron requirement also increases significantly during pregnancy, as the mother's blood volume increases by almost 50%. Iron is critical for the healthy growth and development of the unborn baby.

Anemia during pregnancy; early birth, maternal depression and can cause infant anemia. The recommended 27 mg iron intake per day can be met with most prenatal vitamins. However, iron deficiency Pregnant women or those with anemia need higher iron as determined by their doctor.

4) Vitamin D

Fat-soluble vitamin D; important for immune function, bone health and cell division. occurring during pregnancy Vitamin D deficiency cesarean section increases the risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth and gestational diabetes.

The recommended intake of vitamin D during pregnancy is 600 IU per day. However, some experts state that vitamin D needs increase even more during pregnancy. Ask your doctor about vitamin D deficiency.

5) Magnesium

MagnesiumIt is a mineral involved in hundreds of chemical reactions in the body. It plays a critical role in immunity, muscle and nerve function. Deficiency of this mineral, which may occur during pregnancy, increases the risk of preeclampsia, chronic hypertension and premature birth. Some studies state that magnesium supplementation may reduce the risk of complications such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and preterm delivery.

6) Fish oil

Fish oil It contains two essential fatty acids, namely DHA and EPA, which are important for the brain development of the unborn baby. Taking DHA and EPA during pregnancy improves the brain function of babies.

Maternal DHA levels are important for the proper development of the fetus. However, there is still no consensus on whether it is necessary to use fish oil during pregnancy. During this period, it is recommended that pregnant women consume two or three servings of low-mercury-containing fish such as salmon and sardines per week to obtain DHA and EPA through diet.

Which Vitamins Are Harmful During Pregnancy?

Which vitamins are used during pregnancy? Although taking the vitamins mentioned in the section is safe for pregnant women, some vitamins should be avoided during this period. Which vitamins are harmful during pregnancy?

• Vitamin A

This vitamin; It is important and necessary for the baby's vision development and immune function. However, too much Vitamin A it is harmful. Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, it is found in excess in the liver. This accumulation has toxic effects that can cause liver damage. It can even cause birth defects in babies.

For example, studies have shown that excessive amounts of vitamin A during pregnancy cause birth defects. Pregnant women should get enough vitamin A through prenatal vitamins and nutrition during pregnancy. It is not recommended to take them as a vitamin supplement.

• Vitamin E

This fat-soluble vitamin plays a very important role in the body. It participates in gene expression and immune function. Vitamin E Although it is very important for our health, pregnant women should not take extra vitamin E. Vitamin E increases mothers' risk of abdominal pain.

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