Essential Vitamins and Supplements for a Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a crucial period in a woman’s life that calls for special attention. It is important to ensure that you and your unborn child are receiving all the necessary nutrients to aid in healthy growth and development. While a healthy and balanced diet is essential, it may be challenging to get all the nutrients that you need from food alone. Therefore, taking vitamins and supplements may be recommended. In this blog post, we will highlight some essential vitamins and supplements that are crucial during pregnancy.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is essential during pregnancy as it helps in the development of the baby’s neural tube, which eventually forms the brain and spinal cord. It is recommended that women take folic acid daily, starting before conception, to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects. If you take epilepsy medication, it is important to speak to your doctor about planning ahead for pregnancy.

Iodine

Iodine is used in the body to produce thyroid hormones. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, thyroid activity and therefore iodine requirements, are increased. Thyroid hormones are important for the regulation of growth and the healthy development of the nervous system, coordination, alertness, and the five senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch.

Iron

Iron is crucial in the production of haemoglobin, a substance found in red blood cells that help transport oxygen to the body’s cells and tissues. During pregnancy, your blood volume increases; hence, the need for iron also increases. Iron is essential in preventing anaemia in both mother and child.

Calcium

Calcium helps in the formation of the baby’s bones and teeth. It is essential during pregnancy as the baby’s requirement for calcium increases as they grow. It is, therefore, recommended that pregnant women take calcium daily to aid in the baby’s bone development.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential during pregnancy as it helps in the absorption of calcium, promoting healthy bone and teeth development in both the mother and baby. It also aids in protecting against pre-eclampsia. Sun exposure and a balanced diet may not be sufficient to get the required amount of vitamin D; therefore, supplements may be recommended.

Vitamin B12

If you are vegan or vegetarian, you may not be getting enough of this vitamin. It works with folic acid to support neural tube formation in the growing foetus.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids help in the development of the baby’s eyes and brain. They also promote healthy brain function in the mother. If you eat little or no seafood, it is recommended that pregnant women take Omega 3 supplements, with types available for vegetarians.

Metagenics Pregnancy Care Advanced is our recommended product. This is a practitioner only supplement.

Metagenics can only be sold to those who have had a practitioner consultation. Call in and speak to one of our experienced practitioner pharmacists for a free mini consultation before dispensing. Alternatively, you can phone the pharmacy and we can then post your order.
If you have a prescription, bring it in to the pharmacy or you can email us the script.

Conclusion:

During pregnancy, it is important to prioritize your health and that of your unborn child. While a healthy and balanced diet is crucial, it may be essential to take vitamins and supplements to help meet the nutritional requirements of both you and your child. It is important to speak with your health care provider before starting any vitamin or supplement regimen. Following their advice and recommendations will help ensure that you and your unborn baby receive all the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy.