A woman in a position changes culinary preferences, lifestyle, attitude towards others. The mother-to-be consciously tries to limit herself from everything that can harm her child. This applies to diet, actions, bad habits. Knowing what is impossible for pregnant women at an early stage is necessary not only for newly-made parents, but also for relatives who also want to ensure a favorable pregnancy.
What not to do during pregnancy
There are many myths and facts about this period of a woman's life: some believe that she cannot cut her hair, paint her nails, move actively, etc. You should look into this more carefully. Due to the change in the hormonal background, it is better to refrain from perming and hair coloring procedures, as a result of which their condition may worsen. If you belong to the category of women who dye their hair all the time, opt for sparing options. The expectant mother is also forbidden to wear synthetic underwear. During pregnancy, you can not:
- take baths (hot);
- visit the sauna and solarium;
- take medication without consulting a doctor;
- vaccinate against rubella, tuberculosis, mumps;
- perform X-ray or fluorography;
- clean the cat's toilet (the cat is a carrier of a disease such as toxoplasmosis).
What not to eat when pregnant
A conscious woman during pregnancy reviews her diet with special care, some even hang a list of prohibited dishes in the kitchen. During this period, food addictions or aversion to certain foods are formed. It may turn out that you are not drawn to healthy food, but you want to eat more of what you can’t, so it’s important to study the list of foods that are dangerous to the health of the developing organism.
|
Action on the body |
Products |
|
|
Fatty, fried, peppery, spicy |
They affect the liver, kidneys and gallbladder, which are already displaced during pregnancy. |
French fries, salo, steak, chili, Korean salads, adjika |
|
They have a detrimental effect on the entire human body, for example, the carcinogenic additive E211 can contribute to the development of cancer. |
Chewing gum, sweets, confectionery, chips, croutons, seasoning, sauce |
|
|
canned food |
Influence the synthesis of proteins, which are the main building material of a developing organism |
Canned fish |
|
Some seafood |
Tuna, mackerel, shark, crab, shrimp, swordfish. |
|
|
raw eggs |
May cause salmonella infection |
In the early stages
The development and health of the baby depends on how the first trimester of pregnancy goes, so the expectant mother should scrupulously approach the issue of her nutrition. It is advisable to give preference only to natural products prepared in compliance with all sanitary standards. At this time, there are no significant changes in the woman's condition, but you still need to limit or exclude the following products:
- Sweets and flour products. They contribute to rapid weight gain, so in the early stages it is important to adjust your diet in order to feel good at the end of pregnancy and not suffer from edema. This category includes all kinds of confectionery and refined sugar, which do not contain vitamins, but are full of carbohydrates.
- Products that can cause allergies, which can result in improper development of the child or even miscarriage. These include red vegetables, fruits, citrus fruits, honey.
- Beans, beans, peas can cause increased gas formation, which will result in increased tone.
- Chocolate, being a powerful stimulant, has a detrimental effect on the mental and nervous system of the little man. The measure is important here, a couple of pieces will not hurt anyone, so you are allowed to allow yourself such a treat once a week.
What should not be eaten by pregnant women
The diet of the expectant mother should not harm the developing body. Some dishes can be limited during this important period of life, their single use will not lead to negative consequences. However, there are foods that need to be blacklisted for the period of bearing a child and breastfeeding. Pregnant women should not eat:
What is better not to drink
If a cup of morning coffee has become a daily ritual for you, you should give up this pleasure for the sake of the health of your unborn child. This drink has an adverse effect: it increases blood pressure, provokes a threat of miscarriage, causes insomnia, removes vitamins and trace elements from the body. You also need to remove caffeinated foods from your menu, do not drink energy drinks and cola.
It is permissible for black tea lovers to occasionally consume this drink, which should not be strong. The reason for this is all the same caffeine, which, penetrating the placenta, can harm the baby. Carbonated water must be discarded due to the content of chemicals and dyes.
Any drinks containing alcohol put a strain on the kidneys, which already work during pregnancy in an enhanced mode. Even if you decide to treat yourself to a glass of beer, this can negatively affect the intellectual abilities and the formation of the unborn baby, especially in the first trimester. Therefore, drinking alcohol is prohibited. Kvass is also better not to drink at this time. These tips for pregnant women in the early stages will help to avoid many unpleasant moments.
What not to do when pregnant
In this special period of life, new habits, rules appear and the perception of the world around us changes. Sometimes a woman thinks she can turn the world around, and sometimes she doesn't even have the strength to brush her teeth. It is important to treat this condescendingly and follow a set of measures that will ensure your safety. According to these rules, it is prohibited:
- Carry out general cleaning with household chemicals. In extreme cases, you need to protect yourself as much as possible by wearing gloves and ventilating the room.
- Sitting still at a computer or favorite job. When doing embroidery or other creative process, do not forget to do active physical 15 minutes.
- Walk in high heels (more than 4 cm). If you don't want varicose veins or flat feet, you can't do that.
- Sit with your legs crossed. In this position, the veins located in the popliteal fossa are clamped, and blood circulation in the pelvic organs slows down. The result may be fetal hypoxia.
- smoke. This leads to poor blood supply to the placenta due to its vasoconstrictive action. There is a chance that the baby will be born prematurely or with a small weight.
- Forget about parties and discos. The smell of cigarette smoke, alcohol and loud music do not contribute to the beneficial course of pregnancy.
- Hold off on extreme sports. Adrenaline negatively affects the mental activity of the baby, so you should avoid stress, worries and be less nervous. The expectant mother should provide herself with a calm and positive environment.
In the early stages
Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended during the first trimester. This position puts pressure on the uterus, which can damage the embryo. You can be in this position in rare cases, but by no means make it a habit. However, when the tummy has already noticeably increased, it is advisable to listen to the recommendations of doctors and exclude rest on the back. Blood circulation may be disturbed due to the fact that the grown belly will put a load on the deep veins.
In the first trimester, the girl's hormonal background changes, which results in mood swings and emotional outbursts. During this period, for some, intimate relationships are a necessity, while for others they are undesirable. According to doctors, a pregnant woman is allowed to have sex, moreover, it also has a positive result, since endorphins are produced. A nice bonus is the training of the pelvic muscles.
However, there are contraindications in cases where the tone of the uterus is increased, there is a risk of miscarriage or an infection in the partner. It is better to refuse intimate relationships so that there is no abortion. In other cases, the expectant mother is allowed to have sex throughout the entire pregnancy, the main thing is to avoid deep penetration, pressure on the abdomen and too long intercourse.
What movements can not be done during pregnancy
While waiting for the baby, a woman should exclude work that involves lifting heavy objects (more than 3 kg). The permissible weight, in exceptional cases, is 5 kg. It is also contraindicated for pregnant women in the early stages to rearrange furniture in the apartment, make sharp and jerky movements. This can lead to premature birth. You can not do repairs and heavy physical work. Leave the painting of the walls, beating the carpets, washing the windows to someone else or postpone for a certain time.
Video
Agree that nutrition, while carrying a baby, plays almost the most important role. You carefully compose your diet in order to enrich it with a variety of valuable substances.
Now we are everywhere told that vitamins in early pregnancy are necessary, but is it really so?
Really, from the first day of pregnancy, it is necessary to treat it as a dangerous disease that requires additional pills?
Let's figure it out.
Nutrition during pregnancy
If you are planning a pregnancy or are already in a position, then the very first point that you need to reconsider is the quality and diet.
Make a diet based on the principle of the most healthy and natural products. A variety of meals during certain times of the year will allow you to stock up on all the necessary nutrients.
- Provide a balanced amount of fats, proteins and carbohydrates with the daily inclusion of meat, fish, cereals, dairy products, vegetables, fruits in the menu;
- Try to avoid junk food: soda, too spicy, salty and smoked foods, various convenience foods;
- Reduce the consumption of muffins, pastries, sweets (read the article on the topic: Sweet during pregnancy >>>);
- When gastronomic delights arise, do not ignore the signals, as the body declares a lack of some necessary elements.
Important! If examinations show a lack of any substances in the body, then it is quite possible to make up for them by adjusting your diet.
The best vitamins during early pregnancy are those that came with food, and were not made in an incomprehensible chemical production.
Pregnancy is not a disease, but a natural state of a woman. Your task is to help your own body to pass this stage with dignity, without serious losses and complications.
How to eat right during pregnancy, you will learn from our book The secrets of proper nutrition for the future mother >>>.
It does not contain abstruse words and terms, but there is a detailed daily diet and a convenient scheme for compiling a menu for a week.
Vitamins to take in early pregnancy
The best vitamins for the 1st trimester of pregnancy are folic acid. All other vitamins must be ingested with food. If there is a suspicion of a lack of a particular vitamin, then donate blood biochemistry and make sure of this.
Before drinking pharmacy vitamins, try adding to your diet those foods that contain the vitamin you need.
Folic acid (vitamin B9)
Folic acid refers to that component, without which the full formation of the baby is impossible. If you are just planning a pregnancy, then you will definitely be prescribed vitamin B9 2 to 3 months before the expected conception and at the first stages of fetal development.
Know! The truth is that your body cannot synthesize folic acid, but rather obtains it from food or a dosage form. Moreover, medicine assures that this element is better absorbed from tablets.
Since the required daily intake at the initial stage of pregnancy is from 400 mcg, it is quite difficult to extract it from the diet alone.
Vitamin B9 plays a critical role in:
- the formation of the nervous system of the baby;
- the processes of absorption of iron by the mother's body;
- cell division and the correct transfer of genetic data;
- maturation of the placenta, which prevents miscarriage and miscarriage.
Foods richest in folic acid:
- beef liver,
- Cod liver,
- spinach,
- walnuts,
- hazelnut
If the gynecologist prescribes vitamin B9 for you, in no case do not neglect its intake. Remember that a deficiency of this element is fraught with developmental disorders in your baby, such as:
- hydrocephalus (dropsy of the brain);
- anencephaly (lack of the brain);
- other disorders in the structure of the skull and brain;
- mental and mental underdevelopment;
- physical deformities and defects (cleft lip, cleft palate, etc.);
- premature birth;
- low body weight of born children.
Folic acid will also have a beneficial effect on your body. It will help strengthen the immune system, support the work of the heart and circulatory system. It also reduces the risk of postpartum stress.
Vitamin E (tocopherol)
What vitamins are needed in early pregnancy? Another vitamin that is often prescribed to the expectant mother at the beginning of pregnancy is vitamin E.
- This component is responsible for the production of female hormones, thereby normalizing the reproductive function of your body;
- Tocopherol is able to protect pregnancy from spontaneous termination;
- It regulates the functions of the endocrine system, helping to maintain efficiency;
- Vitamin E has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effect, prevents thrombosis;
- The element is involved in the production of the hormone prolactin, which is necessary for further lactation.
The daily requirement of your body at the stage of pregnancy ranges from 20 mg of tocopherol. Depending on the state of health and test results, the doctor may prescribe from 200 to 400 mg per day.
These are primarily vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, cereals, bran, some vegetables, berries and fruits. The component is also found in food of animal origin: meat, liver, eggs.
Vitamins according to indications
To determine which vitamins to drink in early pregnancy, in addition to the mandatory ones, take a biochemical blood test. It is quite possible that there will be a lack of iodine, iron, calcium, magnesium or other important elements.
- Throughout Russia, iodine deficiency is experienced by the majority of the population. This component ensures the functioning of the thyroid gland, which, in turn, is responsible for the hormonal background of a woman;
Iodine is necessary for the normal mental and physical development of both the child and you. Include appropriate foods in your diet.
- Low hemoglobin will indicate a lack of iron, which is controlled throughout pregnancy by a routine blood test from a finger. In a state of anemia, the child suffers from hypoxia, lack of oxygen;
- Calcium deficiency is fraught with tooth decay, hair loss, damage to nails. And the baby is experiencing a lack of building material to build the skeleton (read about when and what develops in a baby growing in your tummy, in the article Development of a child in the womb >>>).
All these elements are, of course, necessary and important, but is it possible to assimilate them from the so-called "best vitamins for pregnant women in the 1st trimester", which include Vitrum, Materna, Alphabet - a big question.
- The problem with all chemically synthesized vitamins is that they are quickly integrated into the body and, thus, do not allow vitamins to be absorbed from food;
- The body relaxes, stops extracting vitamins from food, and you are put on pharmaceutical vitamins like drugs;
- This is very beneficial for their producers. And to inspire you that from the first weeks of pregnancy you need complex vitamins is also part of sales marketing.
BUT! Your task is to bear a healthy child, and they have to sell as much as possible.
Now a lot of children are born and suffer from allergies, of unknown origin. Mothers are on diets, they suffer, the hands and feet flake and itch in children, and no one can explain the reason.
But one of the likely reasons is just the constant intake of chemical vitamins by the mother during pregnancy.
The Smart Approach for You
When you are preparing to become a mother or already in a position, do not rush to think: what vitamins to take in early pregnancy. All you need is folic acid.
- If your body is weakened, hemoglobin is reduced or you are expecting a second or third baby, and the period between births is 2-3 years, then only in this case, taking multivitamins is possible;
- But it is better to choose the most natural vitamins and drink them in courses, separately:
They drank iron, then calcium with vitamin D3, then potassium, etc.
A relatively healthy body does not need additional substances.
- Some saturated complexes can cause blood clots, allergic reactions in you, which can pass to the child;
- Consider also the fact that synthetic vitamins are absorbed by half and can provoke threatening compounds;
- An excess of vitamins is more dangerous than a deficiency. To remove excess elements, the liver and kidneys will have to work in an enhanced mode.
Before deciding whether to drink vitamins in early pregnancy, think a hundred times and do not harm your body and your own child once again. In this matter, it is important to observe an individual approach.
Proper lifestyle during pregnancy is the key to the health of the unborn baby, so it is very important to follow the recommendations not only regarding rest, physical activity and work schedule, but also pay attention to nutrition during pregnancy. Most of the vitamins and minerals that are so necessary for the health of the mother and the proper development of the baby come from food. Often, doctors prescribe expectant mothers and vitamin complexes to make up for the lack of nutrients. Let's find out when and how prenatal vitamins should be taken and what are they actually needed for?
Multivitamins during pregnancy should not be accepted by everyone. If a woman has a normal diet, then she can get useful substances in the right doses from food. The main thing is to know what and in what quantities to eat, because at different stages of pregnancy, mother and child need a different set of nutrients and vitamins.
Video: Do pregnant women need vitamins?
Vitamins for pregnant women: 1 trimester
During this important period, expectant mothers should definitely take folic acid, calcium, vitamins C, A, E, iodine.
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You can not ignore vitamin B9. Preparations with a high content of folic acid should be drunk 2-3 months before conception and continue until the end of the 1st trimester of pregnancy.
The required dosage can be selected by your attending physician depending on the state of the body: it is 0.4-0.8 mg per day.
If a woman has been taking hormonal contraceptives for a long time, the dose may be higher.
Water-soluble folic acid prepares the body for conception, it promotes cell division, the formation of the placenta, and the correct transmission of information at the genetic level. Timely intake of folic acid will reduce the risk of miscarriage or miscarriage. It is very important to take the vitamin at 2-4 weeks of gestation, when the fetal neural tube is being formed, from which the brain is later formed.
If this vitamin is not enough in a woman's body, this can lead to malformations of the baby - nerve hernias and underdevelopment of the brain. Also, folic acid is involved in the production of hemoglobin, with its deficiency, folic acid deficiency anemia develops, which is characterized by symptoms such as pallor, constant fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness. A pregnant woman may be disturbed by recurrent abdominal pain, discomfort in the spleen area. Folate deficiency during pregnancy not only negatively affects the condition of the mother, but is also dangerous for the health of the baby. It is worth knowing that from the daily diet we get about 50% of the vitamin norm, so doctors often prescribe this drug additionally.
Where is folic acid found? – In legumes, spinach, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, chicken and beef liver, wholemeal products.
It is necessary to take such complexes before the expected pregnancy, and during the first trimester. Then they take a break and continue to drink only 2 months before the birth.
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The optimal dosage of vitamin A should not exceed 5000 IU, during pregnancy it drops to 2500 IU. An excess of the vitamin can lead to improper development of the nervous and cardiovascular systems of the fetus. Vitamin A is necessary for the development of the visual system, skeleton and nervous system of the child.
A good source of vitamin A is fish oil and liver. From plant sources, it is worth highlighting dried apricots, carrots, celery, sea buckthorn fruits, mountain ash, apricots, rose hips, peaches, tomatoes, bell peppers. Do not forget that vitamin A is absorbed only with fats, so it is advisable to season fruits and vegetables with cream or sour cream.
It is advisable to take it shortly before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy. Its daily intake is 15 mg.
Vitamin E during pregnancy contributes to the normalization of hormonal levels, 
stabilizes the menstrual cycle and promotes conception. In the first trimester, vitamin E is involved in the creation of the placenta, prevents abortion.
This vitamin is found in sunflower, corn, olive and sea buckthorn oils. Of the plants, it is worth highlighting rose hips, tomatoes, lettuce, peas, parsley and spinach. A certain amount of vitamin E is found in eggs, liver, meat and dairy products.
Vitamins for pregnant women: 2nd trimester
In the second trimester, expectant mothers can breathe easy - the manifestations of toxicosis decrease, the body is completely rebuilt to the new rhythm of life, pregnancy becomes more noticeable. Of course, the expectant mother has an appetite, so the quality and quantity of food consumed must be monitored. At this time, the body of mother and baby really needs calcium, iodine and iron.
Most often, it is prescribed for 4-5 months, contraindications are violations of the thyroid gland. The daily norm of iodine is 250 mg.
This element is necessary for the production of hormones that are responsible for the formation of the baby's support system and substances responsible for mental development. Due to a lack of iodine, the expectant mother's metabolism is disturbed, chronic fatigue appears, nails and hair lose their natural beauty, the skin becomes dry.
The source of iodine can be sea salt, dried figs, kelp, seafood, sea fish.
Calcium.
Vitamins for pregnant women 2 trimesters also include calcium. Its daily norm should be 1500 mg.
Everyone knows that this element contributes to the formation of normal 
skeleton, is involved in the laying of the endocrine system and kidneys. If the expectant mother does not receive enough calcium from food, the doctor may prescribe vitamins.
As for natural sources of calcium, the palm belongs to fermented milk products. Calcium absorption is inhibited by animal fats, so it is advisable to opt for low-fat foods. It is also worth including cabbage, kohlrabi, broccoli in your diet.
Vitamins for pregnant women: 3rd trimester
The 28th week of pregnancy marked that the woman successfully overcame the 2nd trimester and entered the most crucial phase. During this period, the child’s organs are actively formed, and the load on the mother’s body increases significantly. Therefore, proper nutrition and daily routine is not a luxury, but a necessity. Pregnant women need vitamins A, C, D and iron.
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Iron.
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This element is the best prevention of anemia, it eliminates muscle weakness, keeps the uterus in good shape. Iron is especially relevant for women who are at risk of miscarriage. The normal level of iron in the blood is 15, if this figure is reduced to 12, then the pregnant woman has a hidden deficiency of this element.
The best source of iron is veal, followed by turkey, pork, and rabbit. From fish, the body absorbs 11% of iron, from eggs only 3%. From food of plant origin, this element is absorbed worse. Coffee and tea block the absorption of iron, so in the third trimester it is advisable to drink plain water and fresh juices.
Vitamin D.
The list would be incomplete without vitamin D. It is prescribed to almost all women in the 3rd trimester as a prevention of rickets in an unborn child.
The expectant mother should take 400 IU of vitamin D per day. It is necessary for the proper formation of the baby's skeleton and the development of the cardiovascular system.
Vitamin D is almost non-existent in plant foods. Its main sources are fish oil, fish, it is desirable to eat the liver of salmon, cod, and other varieties. Also, a certain amount of this element is found in egg yolks, milk, butter.
Video: Vitamins for pregnant women
Vitamin C is required to be taken in the 1st and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. If the expectant mother has a habit such as smoking, vitamin C should be taken before conception.
The daily norm of this vitamin is 90-100 mg. It is necessary for the formation of the placenta and the membranes of the fetal egg. It also supports the immune system of the mother, 
otherwise, the future mother and baby would be defenseless against infections and pathogens.
Vitamin C is found in potatoes, cabbage, sweet peppers, carrots, parsley and dill, various fruits of the citrus family. When exposed to air, vitamin C loses its properties.
Eat right and do not neglect vitamins, we wish health to you and your baby!
Thanks
The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!
The question of the need for vitamins at pregnancy is of great importance, and at the same time, so far the world has not found an unambiguous answer to it. This is due to the fact that pregnancy is a physiological state that proceeds according to some general, certain rules, but with indispensable features inherent in each expectant mother and determined by the individual qualities of both the woman and the father of the unborn child. In addition to the individual biological, psychological and physical characteristics of a pregnant woman and the father of a child, many factors influence the course and outcome of pregnancy, among which nutrition and drinking are the most significant. After all, it is nutrition that ensures the entry into the body of a woman of all the necessary vitamins, minerals, trace elements and energy substances. And, therefore, the answer to the question of the need for the use of vitamins during pregnancy largely depends on the type of nutrition of the woman carrying the child.In almost all cases, nutrition is determined by two main factors:
1.
The eating habits and traditions of a particular family, ethnic or social group.
2.
Opportunities of the family to provide a pregnant woman with various products.
This means that if there are certain traditions and eating habits adopted in a family or group, a pregnant woman will eat according to them, not paying attention to the recommendations and advice of doctors. Usually such traditional food options are inferior, but very tenacious, as myths and legends about their benefits are passed down from generation to generation, actively supported and inflated. Adhering to traditional eating habits, a pregnant woman does not eat many foods that are useful and necessary for her, since they are not on the accepted menu. If such traditions are strong in a family, then the accepted type of nutrition will be maintained even if it is able to afford the purchase of the products necessary for a pregnant woman, since it is this diet that is considered “correct” and “tested for centuries”.
In other cases, families may adhere to the rules and advice of doctors regarding the diet of a pregnant woman, but in the end her nutrition will be determined by material means, which will or will not allow her to purchase any products.
And therefore, the answer to the question about the use of vitamins during pregnancy, in fact, is determined by the nutritional characteristics and the current physical condition of each particular pregnant woman. If a woman did not eat very well before pregnancy, then she is recommended to take vitamins during the entire period of bearing a child. If she ate well and fully before and during pregnancy, then she does not need to take additional vitamins. This is the general conclusion reached by experts from the World Health Organization on the use of synthetic vitamins during pregnancy. Let us consider in more detail all aspects of the use of vitamins during pregnancy in the countries of the former USSR.
Vitamins for pregnant women - the results of studies conducted under the auspices of WHO
Over the past decade, three major studies have been conducted on the effects of multivitamin supplementation in women during pregnancy. The very first such study was conducted in 2005-2006 in European countries, and 73,000 pregnant women from various social strata and income levels participated in it on a voluntary basis. Then, in 2007, a study was again made of the effect of taking multivitamins (vitamin complexes) on the course and outcomes of pregnancies. However, women from different regions of the world were included in this study because it was conducted by the World Health Organization.
Finally, the latest study on the effects of taking multivitamins was carried out in 2009, also under the auspices of the World Health Organization, exclusively in countries with limited resources, where the nutrition of pregnant women in most cases is not complete and of high quality.
All three studies allowed experts to draw the following conclusions:
1.
Regardless of the type of nutrition a woman has, during pregnancy, everyone must take iron supplements and folic acid, which reduces the risk of malformations of the central nervous system. It is this vitamin (folic acid) and trace element (iron) that have proven positive effects on the course and outcome of pregnancy.
2.
If a woman eats normally and fully, then taking any multivitamins, with the exception of folic acid and iron, does not affect the course and outcomes of pregnancies, without reducing the risk of congenital malformations, premature birth, etc.
3.
If a woman does not eat fully, then taking, in addition to folic acid and iron, also multivitamins can reduce the risk of having a small child and developing severe anemia in a pregnant woman.
Thus, with a normal diet, a pregnant woman needs to take only folic acid and iron supplements, which really prevent congenital malformations in the fetus and anemia in the mother. The intake of other vitamins does not significantly affect the course and outcomes of pregnancy, as well as the health of the mother. Therefore, WHO recommends that women who eat normally and fully, without fail, take only folic acid and iron supplements. And all other vitamins can be taken at the request of the woman herself, or on the recommendation of a gynecologist observing her.
For women who are malnourished during pregnancy, WHO recommends the mandatory intake of folic acid and iron supplements, as well as any multivitamins if possible. Moreover, multivitamins must be taken in courses throughout pregnancy.
Do pregnant women need vitamins?
As can be seen from the reports and recommendations of the World Health Organization, made on the basis of the results of the studies, vitamins are both needed and not needed by pregnant women, depending on the type of their diet. The only vitamins and minerals really necessary for all pregnant women, without exception, are folic acid (vitamin B c) and iron. Folic acid must be taken by all pregnant women until at least the 12th week of gestation at 400 mcg per day. Moreover, vitamin B c can be taken even before pregnancy, at the stage of its planning. All other vitamins are not needed for a pregnant woman who eats fully. If a woman does not eat fully, then in addition to folic acid, she needs all the other vitamins that must be taken throughout the pregnancy in courses.
To answer the question of whether pregnant women need vitamins, it is recommended to remember a number of factors. Firstly, regardless of the nutrition of a pregnant woman, the fetus will take everything that it needs for its development, literally "sucking" from all tissues and organs of the body. Moreover, the fetus will take the vitamins, microelements and nutrients it needs only from the tissues of the pregnant woman, and not from the incoming food, since this was provided by Nature.
That is, during pregnancy, the fetus receives the substances it needs indirectly - from the tissues of the mother's body, where they, in turn, come from food. This means that the child will in any case take everything that he needs, even if this causes a literal exhaustion of the mother's body. Therefore, with insufficient intake of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, the health of a pregnant woman deteriorates significantly, which is manifested by tooth decay, hair loss, foliation of nails, the development of chronic pathologies (for example, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, etc.) .
Therefore, in order to prevent a deficiency of vitamins, microelements and nutrients taken by the growing fetus in the tissues of the mother's body, they must be constantly introduced from the outside in the form of a complete, healthy and balanced food. Exactly the same purpose - to replenish the reserves of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, is the intake of various multivitamins, mineral salts, dietary supplements, dry food and other drugs during pregnancy. Therefore, it is clear that the need to take vitamins during pregnancy is due to the woman's diet and its ability to provide her body with all the necessary substances.
This means that good nutrition will fully ensure the replenishment of the reserves of necessary substances in the tissues of the mother's body without additional intake of vitamins, and she will come out of pregnancy still healthy and beautiful. But if a woman's nutrition is inadequate, then in order to replenish the reserves of necessary substances in tissues, she needs to take vitamins, microelements, dietary supplements and special dry food.
By good and nutritious nutrition, WHO means the following:
1.
A woman eats fresh or fresh-frozen red meat at least (beef, veal, lamb, etc.) twice a week;
2.
A woman eats fresh or frozen fish at least twice a week;
3.
A woman eats any dairy products daily;
4.
A woman eats eggs at least twice a week;
5.
A woman consumes poultry meat at least 2-3 times a week;
6.
A woman eats at least five types of fruits and vegetables every day;
7.
A woman consumes butter and vegetable oils every day;
8.
The volume of carbohydrate foods (buns, pastries, bread, pasta, potatoes, etc.) makes up no more than half of a woman's total daily diet.
That is, if the diet of a pregnant woman approximately corresponds to the above signs, then her nutrition is considered complete. If such a diet is maintained throughout pregnancy, then such a woman needs only an additional intake of folic acid and iron supplements, and she does not need multivitamins.
If the diet does not correspond to the above criteria formulated by WHO, then the nutrition of the pregnant woman is considered inadequate. This means that during pregnancy, such a woman should take not only iron supplements and folic acid, but also multivitamins. In such situations, multivitamins prevent the birth of children with low body weight and allow you to maintain the health of the expectant mother, preventing hair loss, deterioration of teeth, nails, etc. With malnutrition, vitamins are necessary not so much for the fetus, which will take everything that it needs from the tissues and organs of the mother, but for the pregnant woman herself, so that she comes out of pregnancy in a normal, and not exhausted state with fallen hair, crumbled teeth and nails, dull, flabby, saggy skin, etc. It is also necessary to take vitamins for all pregnant women who have bad habits, such as drinking alcohol, drugs, smoking, etc.
Thus, WHO recommends that you take vitamins during pregnancy with restraint and individuality. So, with a normal diet, vitamins will not benefit the woman and the child, but, on the contrary, they can harm, provoking too much weight gain by the fetus, as a result of which childbirth will be difficult.
In addition, WHO emphasizes that, regardless of the diet, all pregnant women need to take folic acid and iron supplements. It is recommended to start taking folic acid even at the stage of pregnancy planning and up to the 12th week of gestation continuously at 400 mcg per day.
Thus, the need to take multivitamins, in addition to folic acid, is determined by the individual characteristics of the nutrition and condition of the woman. This means that in each case it is necessary to make an individual balanced decision on the appointment of multivitamins for a pregnant woman.
Can pregnant women take vitamins?
Yes, pregnant women can drink vitamins, and in some cases even need to. In order not to harm your own health, as well as the growth and development of the fetus, you must choose only certified and standardized vitamins or dietary supplements. In addition, pregnant women should carefully study the composition and dosage of each vitamin in a multivitamin preparation. The content of water-soluble vitamins (C, group B, PP, F and N) is of little importance, since their overdose is impossible due to the ability to quickly remove the excess that has entered the body. And the content of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) should not exceed the established optimal consumption rates, since their intake in excess can provoke an overdose. So, the safe amount of fat-soluble vitamins in the composition of multivitamin preparations is the following:
- Vitamin A - 3000 IU;
- Vitamin E - 200 IU;
- Vitamin D - 400 - 2000 IU;
- Vitamin K - 65 mg.
The norm of vitamins for pregnant women
A pregnant woman should receive the following amount of vitamins per day:- Vitamin A - 800 mcg;
- Vitamin D - 10 mcg;
- Vitamin E - 10 mg;
- Vitamin K - 65 mcg;
- Vitamin C - 70 mg;
- Vitamin B 1 - 1.5 mg;
- Vitamin B 2 - 1.6 mg;
- Vitamin B 6 - 2.2 mg;
- Vitamin B 12 - 2.2 mcg;
- Vitamin PP - 17 mg;
- Folic acid (vitamin B c) - 400 mcg.
What vitamin for pregnant women is necessary?
In principle, it is unnecessary to repeat that a pregnant woman needs all the existing vitamins, minerals and nutrients, since not only the growth and development of the fetus, but also the preservation of the health of the mother depends on their adequate intake. However, among all existing, the most important and necessary vitamins for a pregnant woman are the following: - Vitamin A- ensures normal growth of the fetus. With a lack of vitamin A, a woman's immunity worsens, vaginal dryness, acne and boils on the skin appear, hair becomes dull and lifeless, and may begin to fall out.
- Vitamin C- increases resistance to infections, improves the absorption of iron and participates in the formation of the placenta. With a deficiency of vitamin C, a woman feels constant fatigue.
- Vitamin D- ensures normal growth and bone formation in the fetus, and also prevents rickets and osteoporosis in a pregnant woman. With a deficiency of vitamin D, a woman's teeth begin to break down, excitability develops, and calf cramps appear.
- Vitamin E- ensures normal growth and stretching of the uterus, prevents anemia, muscle weakness and the negative effects of stress. With a deficiency of vitamin E, miscarriage or premature birth can occur.
- Vitamin K- Ensures normal blood clotting. With its deficiency, a woman can develop severe bleeding, and the fetus can develop hemorrhagic disease.
- Vitamin B 1- provides energy to the nervous system and muscles of the fetus, and also supports good sleep in a pregnant woman. With a deficiency of vitamin B 1, muscle weakness, irritability and fatigue can develop.
- Vitamin B 2- ensures normal growth and development of the fetus. With a deficiency of vitamin B 2, a woman may experience dermatitis, and the fetus may have malformations or premature birth.
- Vitamin B 6- ensures the normal formation and functioning of the central nervous system in the fetus and pregnant woman. With a deficiency of vitamin B 6, a woman develops preeclampsia, and in newborns, convulsions and irritability.
- Vitamin B 12- ensures the normal development of the nervous system and the processes of hematopoiesis in the fetus. With a deficiency of vitamin B 12, anemia develops, tachycardia, general weakness and dizziness in a woman.
- Vitamin PP- provides the formation of the nervous system and muscle tissue of the fetus. With a deficiency of vitamin PP, a woman loses her appetite, she develops constipation and pallor of the skin.
- Folic acid (B s, B 9) - ensures the normal rate of growth and development of the fetus, as well as the formation of the central nervous system. Folic acid deficiency can cause CNS pathology in the fetus.
- Pantothenic acid (B 5) - provides a balanced synthesis of sex hormones. With a deficiency of vitamin B 5, a woman may lose and turn gray hair, as well as peeling skin.
- Vitamin H- ensures the normal metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. With a deficiency of vitamin H, a woman is worried about persistent nausea, poor appetite, drowsiness and lethargy.
Vitamins for pregnant women 1 trimester
During the entire first trimester of pregnancy (up to and including the 12th week of gestation), it is necessary to take folic acid (vitamin B 9 or B c) at 400 mcg per day, regardless of the diet. Moreover, doctors recommend starting folic acid intake at the stage of pregnancy planning, since a small supply of this vitamin will only be useful for both the expectant mother and the fetus. Thus, it is necessary to take folic acid from the moment a woman decides to become pregnant. If the pregnancy has come unplanned, then folic acid must be taken as soon as the woman finds out about her "position".Folic acid is necessary for the normal fusion of the spinal canal in the fetus, as well as for the subsequent normal formation of its mental functions. That is, this vitamin is necessary to ensure the normal structure of the fetal brain and the subsequent formation of normal intelligence.
The second vitamin necessary in the first trimester of pregnancy is B 6 (pyridoxine). This vitamin relieves manifestations of toxicosis, reduces nervousness and prevents calf cramps. For normal growth and development of the fetus, vitamin B 6 is especially necessary starting from the 8th week of pregnancy, since it is during this period that the formation and laying of the central nervous system takes place. And pyridoxine is necessary precisely for the proper formation and development of the fetal central nervous system. To ensure optimal intake of pyridoxine in a woman's body, it is recommended to take the complex preparation Magne-B 6 during the first trimester of pregnancy, which, in addition to the vitamin, also contains the trace element magnesium.
The third vitamin that is very important for the normal course of the first trimester of pregnancy is retinol (vitamin A). The fact is that vitamin A is necessary for the normal growth of the fetus. And at the end of the first trimester, the fetus begins to grow very intensively and increase in size, and in order for this to happen normally with all proportions of the body, it needs vitamin A. Therefore, at the end of the first and beginning of the second trimester, a pregnant woman is recommended to ensure adequate intake of vitamin A. However, it should remember that an excess of vitamin A can be harmful to the fetus, so it can only be taken in safe dosages (2000 - 4500 IU per day).
Vitamins for pregnant women 2 trimester
In the second trimester of pregnancy, it is necessary to take 1-2 courses of vitamins that the woman used during the first trimester, and add the following to them:- Vitamin D necessary to ensure the active and rapid growth of the fetus. If vitamin D is not enough in the second trimester of pregnancy, then the bones in the fetus will not be able to grow and harden normally, as a result of which intrauterine rickets may form;
- Vitamin E provides elasticity, rapid growth and good extensibility of various soft tissues, which is absolutely necessary when the fetus begins to grow strongly and rather quickly in size. Vitamin E provides an increase in the uterus, adequate to the size of the fetus, its good stretching without the risk of rupture and severe thinning of the wall. Also, vitamin E provides good extensibility of the skin on the abdomen, which prevents the appearance of stretch marks (stretch marks). In addition, this vitamin is involved in ensuring the formation and normal functioning of the placenta, which is necessary for the further growth and development of the fetus. With a deficiency of vitamin E, there may be a lag in the development of the fetus, as well as premature birth.
Vitamins for pregnant women 3rd trimester
In the third trimester, folic acid can be canceled, since the fetal nervous system is already formed, and the need for this vitamin is minimal. In this period of pregnancy, the child is gaining weight, so he needs plastic substances and vitamins that ensure growth and active metabolism. This means that a woman needs vitamins B 6 and E until the end of pregnancy. Also, until the very birth, it is necessary to continue taking calcium and iron.Vitamins for pregnant women - typical composition
Various complex preparations for pregnant women include vitamins A, B 1, B 2, B 3, B 5, B 6, B 12, C, D, E, K, H and folic acid in various dosages and combinations. Most often, vitamins for pregnant women contain vitamins of groups B, C, E, D and A. Vitamins K and H are less often included in complex multivitamin preparations intended for pregnant women.Some complex preparations for pregnant women include not only vitamins, but also trace elements. Most often, the preparations contain zinc, iron, calcium, selenium, magnesium and iodine.
Free prenatal vitamins
Currently, in Russia, pregnant women are indeed given free vitamins. Free provision of vitamins to pregnant women is carried out on the basis of the following laws and regulations: - Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of December 29, 2007;
- Order of October 06, 2008 No. 748 "On drug provision for pregnant women";
- Order of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 50 dated January 19, 2007;
- Order of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation No. 72 dated February 01, 2011.
The acquisition and distribution of free vitamins to pregnant women is carried out by territorial medical associations (TMOs). And since each TMO receives different funding, depending on the number of people attached to it, the situation with the issuance of free vitamins to pregnant women may be different. In some well-funded antenatal clinics, vitamins are given free of charge to all pregnant women in the amount they need. And in other consultations, due to the lack of necessary funding, free vitamins are given out only to certain pregnant women, for example, the unemployed, those with many children, etc.
The procedure for obtaining free vitamins is simple - the gynecologist writes out a special prescription that can be used for 10 days at the state pharmacy of the area where the antenatal clinic is located. For example, if a antenatal clinic is located in the Sovietsky district of the city, then a prescription for free vitamins must also be presented at the municipal pharmacy of the same district.
Currently, the following vitamins and other drugs can be given free of charge to pregnant women:
- folic acid tablets;
- Alpha tocopherol acetate capsules;
- Vitamin E and Vitamin E Zentiva;
- Vitrum vitamin E;
- Zytrum vitamin E;
- Doppelherz vitamin E;
- Tocopherocaps;
- Tocopherol acetate 5%, 10% and 30% solution;
- Maltofer solution and tablets for oral administration;
- Fenyuls Complex;
- Ferretab complex;
- Potassium iodide;
- Iodbalance;
- Iodomarin;
- Microiodide;
- Multivitamin dragee;
- Hexavit dragee;
- Revit and Revit-UVI dragee;
- Undevit and Undevit-UVI dragee;
- Gendevit dragee;
- Beviplex dragee;
- Bio-Max tablets;
- Vitaspectrum tablets;
- Vitaress tablets;
- Vitrum tablets;
- Vitrum Prenatal, Vitrum Prenatal forte and Vitrum Superstress tablets;
- Zytrum Centuri tablets;
- Glutamevit tablets;
- Complivit, Complivit Mom, Complivit Active tablets;
- Megadin and Megadin Pronatal tablets;
- Multimax tablets;
- Multi-Tabs Active, Multi-Tabs Intensive, Multi-Tabs Classic and Multi-Tabs Perinatal tablets;
- Selmevit tablets;
- Supradin tablets;
- Teravit, Teravit Antistress, Teravit Pregna tablets;
- Tri-Vee Plus tablets;
- Ferrovit and Ferrovit forte tablets;
- Elevit Prenatal tablets.
Vitamin complexes for pregnant women - a brief description
Consider the brief characteristics of the main multivitamin complexes for pregnant women.Vitamins Elevit for pregnant women
Elevit vitamins for pregnant women contain 12 types of vitamins and 7 minerals. The drug contains the necessary dose of folic acid and iron, so when using the Elevit complex, you do not need to take additional folic acid or iron. However, the drug does not contain iodine, so it will have to be taken separately. Elevit can be taken throughout pregnancy, breastfeeding and at the planning stage. Vitamins Vitrum
For pregnant women, there is a special complex - Vitrum Prenatal and Vitrum Prenatal forte. The preparation contains 9 vitamins and 3 trace elements, including the necessary daily doses of folic acid and iron. Therefore, when using Vitrum, you do not need to additionally take iron and folic acid preparations. However, the drug does not contain iodine, so it will have to be taken separately. Vitrum can be taken throughout pregnancy, breastfeeding and at the planning stage.Vitamins Femibion and Femibion 2
Femibion 1, often referred to simply as Femibion, is intended to be taken during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The drug Femibion 2 is intended for use from the 12th to the 40th week of pregnancy.Femibion 1 contains 10 vitamins, including the daily dosage of folic acid, as well as iodine. This means that against the background of the use of Femibion 1, a woman does not need to additionally take folic acid and iodine preparations. Femibion 2 contains the same 10 vitamins and iodine as Femibion 1, but in different dosages that meet the needs of a pregnant woman at 13-40 weeks of gestation. This means that when using Femibion 1 or 2, a woman will have to take additional iron and calcium supplements.
Alphabet - prenatal vitamins
In the Alphabet series of preparations for pregnant women, Mother's Health is intended. The packages of this drug contain tablets of various colors, in which different complexes of vitamins and minerals are necessary for a pregnant woman. Every day you need to take any one tablet. If a woman is allergic to any vitamin, then you can not take a pill that contains it. Three types of tablets contain vitamins, iron, calcium and iodine. Moreover, only the dosage of iodine completely covers the daily requirement of a pregnant woman for vitamins.Vitamins Pregnacare
Vitamins Pregnacare contains 11 types of vitamins and 5 minerals, including folic acid and iron. Pregnacare contains a daily dose of folic acid, so it does not need to be taken additionally. But this drug contains a small amount of iron, so it will have to be taken additionally. Also, Pregnacare does not contain iodine at all, so this microelement will need to be taken separately.Vitamins Materna
The drug contains 10 vitamins (all groups B, as well as E, A and C) and iodine, necessary for a pregnant woman. Materna contains folic acid and iodine in the required daily dosage, so they do not need to be taken additionally. But iron preparations when using Materna, a pregnant woman will have to be taken separately.
Minisan Multivitamin Mom
A complex of 11 vitamins and 6 minerals, contains the right dose of folic acid, iron and iodine. Additional intake of other drugs is not required. A nice bonus is the good magnesium content and the favorable price.The best prenatal vitamins
In medical science and practice, in principle, the concept of “best” is not used, since in each specific situation, even for the same person, different drugs of a certain pharmacological group can become the best and most effective. Usually, the best drug in a particular situation is considered and is called optimal. Therefore, in medicine there is a concept not of the best, but of the optimal drug. Moreover, in each case, even for the same person, the optimal drug may be different, and it will be the best one in this particular situation. The same goes for prenatal vitamins.This means that it is impossible to single out 1, 2 or 3 best vitamin complexes for all pregnant women, since different preparations will be optimal for each woman. And it is the optimal vitamin preparation in this particular case that will be the best for this pregnant woman. Moreover, in the first pregnancy, one vitamin preparation may be the best for a woman, in the second - another, in the third - again the first or even the third.
Vitamins for pregnant women - reviews
At present, the overall tone of reviews of various prenatal vitamins is positive. That is, women note the positive effect of vitamins on their condition, on the basis of which they conclude that these drugs are undoubtedly beneficial. However, reviews about each specific vitamin preparation vary. So, the greatest number of positive reviews is available for the drugs Pregnacare, Elevit, Vitrum and Materna. However, each woman will have to select the drug individually, based on her own well-being and the tolerance of a particular vitamin complex. So, women note that Vitrum, Elevit and Materna can cause nausea and poor health, which completely disappear after their cancellation.
Alphabet and Femibion have slightly more negative reviews, which is associated with the peculiarities of the application and the pharmacological characteristics of the drugs. So, Femibion is not a medicine, but a dietary supplement (BAA), to which many women are distrustful, believing that they undergo insufficient control before they hit the shelves of pharmacies. As soon as women find out that Femibion is a dietary supplement, they immediately begin to treat the vitamin negatively, even if they have taken it up to this point and were quite pleased with the result. As you can see, in the case of Femibion, negative reviews are not due to the properties of the drug itself, but to its belonging to a certain group.
Women do not like the alphabet, because it often causes nausea, and also because in one package there are tablets with various vitamins and minerals that cannot be mixed and must be taken in turn. According to women, this arrangement of the drug is confusing.
