Vitamins for pregnant women – which are the most important for the development of the baby?

Vitamins for pregnant women today are mass produced. Whole sets of supplements containing calcium, vitamin C, vitamin D, folic acid, magnesium, iron or iodine are available in pharmacies. Each of these vitamins is important for the development of the baby during pregnancy.

The importance of vitamins in pregnancy – which vitamins to choose?

One of the most important vitamins that not only pregnant women should take is vitamin D. Along with folic acid, vitamin D in pregnancy is one of the indispensable components of the first aid package for pregnant women. Recent studies indicate that vitamin D is absorbed through skin irradiated with sunlight and provides only 25 percent of the daily requirement. It is well known that pregnant women try to avoid the sun, especially in the summer, as prolonged exposure to the sun can cause fainting spells. Low levels of vitamin D3 in the blood of pregnant women can contribute to the development of gestational diabetes or hypocalcemia in the fetus. A large vitamin D deficiency in the fetal period may be manifested in childhood by bronchial asthma, frequent bone fractures, dental problems, and diabetes. 

Vitamin A in pregnancy is a rather obscure topic that causes extreme emotions among physicians. There is no doubt that small doses of vitamin A are essential for pregnant women. The daily requirement is estimated at about 750 µg (from the equivalent of two raw carrots). However, an overdose of vitamin A is very dangerous – there is a risk of hydrocephalus in the baby and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume large amounts of liver and drink carrot juices.

Another important vitamin is vitamin E. Vitamin E has a strong antioxidant effect during pregnancy and increases the body’s resistance. Sufficient supply of this vitamin strengthens blood vessels and protects red blood cells from decay. In addition, it has a positive effect on the baby’s vision. The recommended dose of vitamin E for pregnant women is 14 mg per day. Its deficiency can lead to deterioration of vision, general weakness, wound healing disorders or even infertility. Hypervitaminosis, on the other hand, can cause headaches or visual disturbances.

Ascorbic acid, the famous vitamin C, is one of the safe vitamins during pregnancy, as overdose rarely has negative effects. Excess vitamin C is simply excreted from the body. A pregnant woman needs about 100 mg of vitamin C per day. It is best taken along with fresh vegetables and fruits: Broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, strawberries, currants and other berries.

 What vitamins to choose before pregnancy?

An expectant mother will certainly wonder which vitamins she should supplement before pregnancy. An extremely important ingredient that supports the development of the baby is folic acid or vitamin B9. This vitamin for mothers planning pregnancy affects the development of the baby’s nervous system (correct development of the neural tube). An increased dose is used in women who have been diagnosed with neural tube defects in a child during a previous pregnancy. Vitamin E, which is not called the fertility vitamin for nothing, should also be included in the vitamin collection of women who are planning a pregnancy. Researchers have shown that there is a link between low birth weight and low levels of vitamin E in the cord blood.