Prenatal Vitamins During All Trimesters of Pregnancy

Introduction

Proper nutrition is essential for a healthy and safe pregnancy. Taking prenatal vitamins is one of the first things to begin when planning for pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins are easily available, safe, and significantly benefit the mother's health and the baby.

What Are Prenatal Vitamins?

During pregnancy, having a good diet and intake of vitamins and minerals are important for a healthy pregnancy. The body needs more nutrients, which the diet cannot meet alone. Women planning for pregnancy are advised to take prenatal vitamins and get all the nutrients they need for a healthy pregnancy.

Commonly prescribed prenatal vitamins are folic acid and iron. Other prenatal vitamins are calcium and vitamin D, which help develop the bones and teeth of the baby. It also includes vitamins A, C, E, B, zinc, and iodine. In pregnancy, the requirement for folic acid and iron is higher. Iron helps in the development of the placenta and fetus. The need for blood and oxygen also increased their transport. Iron delivers oxygen to the developing fetus and helps prevent anemia. Folic acid prevents neural tube defects, causing abnormalities in the brain and spine.

When Should One Start the Prenatal Vitamin?

When planning to conceive, prenatal vitamins should be started right away. It is preferable to take it at least one month before pregnancy. The most important development in a child's growth occurs during the first two weeks of pregnancy, and the intake of prenatal vitamins is a must.

Which Prenatal Vitamin Is Best?

It is available in OTC (over-the-counter) pharmacies. Use iron and folic acid; search for a prenatal vitamin that includes calcium and vitamin D. They support the baby's bone and tooth growth. Seeking a prenatal vitamin that includes zinc, iodine, and vitamins A, B, C, and E may also be helpful.

Avoid taking more multivitamins or prenatal vitamins than you require regularly. Certain vitamin dosages may be dangerous for the developing baby. For instance, taking too much vitamin A when pregnant may be harmful to the unborn child.

What Is the Importance of Prenatal Vitamins During Pregnancy?

Prenatal Vitamins for the First Trimester:

Rapid cell division and internal organ formation occur during the first trimester. It is a crucial time of pregnancy and requires proper nutrition for the baby's development.

The important developmental milestones in the first trimester are

• Closure of the neural tube.

• Spine formation.

• Formation of organs and face.

• Formation of muscles and blood cells.

• The heartbeat starts to be heard.

• Formation of upper and lower limbs.

The important prenatal vitamins for the first trimester are:

• Folic Acid: The daily requirement of 900 mcg of folate is recommended during pregnancy. The neural tube closure occurs around 14 to 28 days after implantation. Doctors advise starting folic acid as early as possible when planning for pregnancy.

• Iron: The recommended dose of iron for a pregnant woman is 18 milligrams per day. Iron helps deliver oxygen to the growing fetus and develop strong internal organs and muscles. It also helps in the healthy functioning of the mother's body organs.

• Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): The recommended dose of DHA during the first trimester is 300 mg. DHA helps in the growth and development of the brain and helps maintain the child's weight.

• Vitamin B6: The recommended dose of vitamin B6 is 2.5mg daily during pregnancy. Vitamin B6 also helps to ease the symptoms of morning sickness.

Prenatal Vitamins During the Second Trimester:

During the second trimester, major physical changes occur in the woman as the uterus and abdomen expand to provide more room for the developing baby. Also, increased levels of hormones in the body help the baby's growth.

The important developments and milestones in the second trimester

• Development of organ systems.

• Development of reproductive organs and genitalia.

• Hardening of bond structure.

• Formation of eyebrows, eyelids, nails, and hair.

• Movement of the child.

• Senses improved.

• About a 50 percent increase in the mother's blood volume.

The important prenatal vitamins for the second trimester are:

• Vitamin D: A daily dose of 400 IU is recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers. Vitamin D helps in bone mineralization, calcium absorption, and building a strong skeletal system. Vitamin D also reduces the risk of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.

• Calcium: The daily recommended dose of calcium for pregnant and lactating mothers is 1300mg. The developing child draws calcium from the mother's bone and helps to maintain bone strength and healthy teeth. Calcium helps maintain proper body functioning. It is beneficial for women at risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.

• Iron: A pregnant woman should get 18 mg of iron daily. The blood volume of the pregnant women doubled during the second trimester, and the need for hemoglobin also increased. The formation of hemoglobin and the transportation of oxygen to various tissues are done by iron. A sufficient iron level helps to develop a strong heart, lungs, and muscles. Iron also develops a good immune system and prevents anemia.

• Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): It is advised to consume 300 mg of DHA during the first trimester. In the second trimester, the baby increases in size, and DHA helps develop a healthy birth weight and gestation length.

Prenatal Vitamins During the Third Trimester:

The third trimester is the last month of pregnancy, and the baby's development is completed.

• Important developments and milestones.

• Increased brain development.

• Development of the central nervous system.

• Hearing developed.

• Growth of fingers and toenails.

• Babies can control their body temperature.

The important prenatal vitamins for the third trimester are:

• Iron: In the third trimester, the mother's blood volume increases, and needs more iron to deliver oxygen to the growing baby. Iron helps develop a strong heart, lungs, and muscles.

• Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): DHA should be continued throughout the pregnancy, as it is essential for the growth and development of the child. In the third trimester, the baby's growth increases and helps maintain the baby's weight and length of gestation.

• Calcium: In the third trimester, calcium intake helps reduce blood pressure and the risk of preeclampsia.

• Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, which occurs mostly in the third trimester.

Conclusion

The essential vitamins and minerals should be included in the prenatal vitamins during all three trimesters. It helps develop a developing baby and reduces the risk of common pregnancy complications. Talk to the doctor and get the daily dose of vitamins for a healthy pregnancy.