The Importance of Vitamins During Pregnancy

Both you and your baby need plenty of vitamins during pregnancy (especially nutrient-deficient mothers). Taking special prenatal multi-vitamin supplements allows you to get all the nutrients you need. For example, folic acid is recommended for at least one month before conception and the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Women that smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol regularly, have eating disorders (such as anorexia) or have an inadequate or restrictive diet are most likely to be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals and supplements are recommended.

Find out the importance of each vitamins for the development of a healthy baby.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays a vital role in cell development and differentiation, ensuring that the changes which occur in the cells and tissues during fetal development take place normally. An overdose of vitamin A have been proven to cause birth defects.

Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 needs increase in pregnancy, and low levels are associated with reduced growth and development of a baby’s nervous system. Vitamin B6 supplements may be useful in treating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Folic Acid
Folate is essential for the processes of DNA synthesis, increased blood volume, cell division and the development of healthy tissues; all of which occur very rapidly during pregnancy. Adequate folate is essential for normal birth weight and nerve development in newborn babies.

Thiamin
Thiamin helps develop your baby’s organs and central nervous system.

Riboflavin
Riboflavin helps the body produce the energy it needs to develop your baby’s bones, muscles and nervous system.

Niacin
Niacin is responsible for providing energy for your baby to develop as well as building the placenta.

Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for baby cell growth, and is essential to the normal development of the baby. Deficiency may lead to infertility and stillbirth.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C has a vital role to play in tissue development, and also helps in the absorption of iron and the utilization of other essential minerals.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential assisting in bone and tooth development plays a vital role in calcium absorption.

Vitamin E
Lower vitamin E levels may contribute to high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia.

Vitamin K
Vitamin K injections are commonly used to reduce the risk of internal bleeding in newborn babies.

N.B Excess levels of certain vitamins (especially during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy) have been shown to cause birth defects. They may also pose health concerns for newborn babies while breastfeeding. An overdose of vitamin A have been proven to cause birth defects.

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