How vitamins for pregnant women support the health of mom and baby

Vitamins for pregnant women often become essential to ensure the health of mom and baby. To learn more about the subject, we interviewed gynecologist and obstetrician Fernanda de Andrade (CRM 5268030-3), who told us about the best options in pregnancy and clarified the main doubts. Follow up!

10 vitamins for pregnant women

Whether due to the lack of a nutrient during pregnancy or due to inadequate diet and habits, vitamins for pregnant women play a fundamental role. Curious to know the best? Check out the list separated by the gynecologist!

1. Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is found in whole grains, wheat germ, offal and vegetables. One of its actions is that vitamin B6 helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. Fernanda explains that this vitamin promotes relief from nausea when used in the first trimester.

2. Folic acid

For pregnant women and even before pregnancy, if you are planning a pregnancy, folic acid is super important! It acts in the process of cell division and in the formation of the placenta and embryo.

And it doesn’t stop there: according to Fernanda, the lack of this vitamin can have serious consequences for the developing baby, such as anencephaly, which is the absence of a brain. But when should you start taking it? The gynecologist comments that it should be supplemented before pregnancy and in the first three months.

3. Vitamin K

Among the vitamins for pregnant women, vitamin K is indicated because it is important for clotting. It is also a treatment for pregnant women with epilepsy.

“The treatment of pregnant women with epilepsy encompasses chronic medication for crisis prevention, their acute therapy and supplementation with folic acid and vitamin K”, as pointed out in the article by Maternity Dr. Alfredo da Costa, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central (1). Fernanda mentions that this vitamin should be supplemented mainly in the third trimester of pregnancy.

4. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is produced from sun exposure and its action is involved in bone metabolism, in addition to the growth and development of the baby. When supplemented during pregnancy, it is possible to reduce the chances of premature birth, as well as it is essential to help with the baby’s weight during its formation.

Fernanda also clarifies that studies show that vitamin D collaborates to reduce the incidence of hypertension in pregnancy. The gynecologist recommends it mainly for vegetarians and those who avoid sun exposure.

5. Vitamin A

This vitamin collaborates with the immune system and fights infections, as well as helping the growth and development of fetuses. “Vitamin A is necessary for cell differentiation and proliferation for the development of vertebrae, spinal cord, limbs, heart, eyes and ears, as well as regulation of gene expression”, explains Fernanda. This supplementation is usually prescribed mainly in the first trimester of pregnancy.

The gynecologist warns that caution should be exercised when starting treatment, as vitamin A is teratogenic – it can cause, in excess, cardiovascular and craniofacial malformations.

6. Vitamin E

Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that protect cells from free radicals. The lack of this vitamin can bring some sequences, as information from a publication by Spandidos Publications points out: “low levels of vitamin E can lead to excess free radicals, resulting in placental aging, vascular endothelial lesions, increasing the incidence of hypertensive diseases in pregnancy” (2).

Vitamin E can be supplemented from the beginning of pregnancy, but levels should be monitored by the doctor so that excessive intake does not occur.

7. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a darling that couldn’t be missing from our list! It has numerous functions, such as its action to reduce free radicals. Other benefits are related to collagen formation, iron absorption and strengthening the immune system. Fernanda points out that this vitamin can be supplemented throughout pregnancy, according to needs.

8. Vitamin B1

This vitamin, called thiamine, has action on the baby’s brain development and is also indicated in cases of excessive vomiting. “Nutritional thiamine deficiency is rare in people who consume a moderately varied diet that contains whole grains. However, excessive vomiting in pregnancy can cause thiamine depletion, in which case prenatal vitamins containing thiamine and other B vitamins may be beneficial,” according to a study published in Oxford Medicine Online (3).

9. Vitamin B2

The lack of this vitamin is among the causes of anemia and diabetes, for example. It also acts in the formation of the fetus, which includes bones, muscles and nerves. It is even important in lactation and in the baby’s development, as suggested by an article by Oxford Academic (4). There are indications of vitamin B2 for pregnant women from 3 months and even during lactation.

10. Vitamin B3

Niacinamide can prevent several birth defects and malformations, as demonstrated by a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (5). In addition, it offers benefits for the mother’s nervous system, and an article in the journal Science has new information on the subject: “It is possible that the extra B3 in standard prenatal vitamins is already useful. Excess niacin can cause dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea, but low doses have no known side effects” (6).

Remembering that it is essential to consult a qualified professional before ingesting any type of supplementation or vitamins for pregnant women, huh! And, if you have more questions on the subject, take a look at the next topic!

Questions about vitamins for pregnant women

The gynecologist helped us to clarify the main doubts involved in the use of vitamins for pregnant women. Follow the details!

• When should you start taking vitamins during pregnancy? “Vitamins should be ingested as soon as pregnancy begins, if the pregnant woman does not have an adequate diet. As we live in the age of fast food, the vast majority of women do not ingest the adequate amount of vitamins, hence the need for supplementation”, she comments.
• Does every pregnant woman need to take vitamins? “Not every pregnant woman needs to take vitamin as long as she has an adequate diet, however, in diabetic, obese patients and with a history of bariatric surgery, supplementation is very important”, she points out.
• Are there any vitamins for hair and nails that pregnant women can take? According to Fernanda, Pantogar, whose formulation contains calcium pantothenate, cystine, thiamine, keratin and aminobenzoic acid, is indicated to improve the health of nails and hair. It can be used from the second trimester if prescribed by your doctor.
• Do pregnant vitamins make you fat? The professional explains that vitamins for pregnant women do not make you fat – what determines weight gain is an unbalanced diet and inappropriate habits. “We need to eat properly and practice physical activity so as not to gain excessive weight during pregnancy”, he concludes.

Care during pregnancy is essential and, often, some components cannot be ingested, because they can bring serious risks to the health of the baby and the mother. Keep an eye!

Cautions and Contraindications

According to Fernanda, the best vitamin supplement is the one made especially for pregnant women, as it will have the proper amount of recommended daily intake in its composition.

As for contraindications, vitamins for pregnant women must be approved and evaluated by your doctor. Care must be taken with the daily amount, not exceeding them, as is the case with Vitamin A, which, in excess, poses the risk of malformation.

“You have to be careful with over-the-counter vitamin supplements, as they may contain high doses of vitamin A and should be discontinued during pregnancy,” she concludes. In high-risk pregnancies, care is redoubled!

In addition to vitamin supplementation, having a balanced diet and exercising during pregnancy are excellent ways to maintain care, providing benefits for a healthy gestation!