The most important purpose is to keep the mother and his infant healthy throughout the pregnancy. Thus, you must need double amounts of vitamins and minerals than you need before pregnancy. If you take a nutrient-dense and balanced diet, you don’t need to use multivitamins. Research says that it’s not mandatory to use multivitamin supplements if you’re healthy. However, folic acid and vitamin D are usually recommended to take during pregnancy. 

What are Multivitamins?

Multivitamins are vitamins and minerals that require the proper functioning of your body. You can’t use all available multivitamin supplements. Specific multivitamins are designed particularly for pregnant women, known as prenatal multivitamins. There are also methylated multivitamins available at your local drug store. Before taking any supplement, especially during pregnancy it’s always advised to consult your doctor.  

During pregnancy, your baby gets all minerals and nutrients from you. You may take more nutrients than prior to pregnancy. While your diet may not accomplish the needs of vitamins, you should use prenatal multivitamins that help you fulfill your body’s demands. 

Which parental multivitamins are needed during pregnancy?

Keep in mind that if you can accomplish your and your infant’s need through diet, don’t spend money on prenatal multivitamins until your doctor suggest it. Even research says during the first trimester, try not to use supplements except for folic acid and vitamin D. Anyhow, the most important nutrient required during pregnancy are;

• Folic acid
• Vitamin D
• Calcium
• Iron
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA or Omega-3-fatty acids)
• Iodine

Folic acid and vitamin D supplements are also suggested even if you’re healthy and experience no problems during pregnancy. 

Folic acid

Folic acid triggers the formation of new cells and helps to develop and grow. During pregnancy, it makes fetus cells and organs. Doctors advise childbearing women to start taking folic acid supplements before 3 months of pregnancy. You should take 400 mg before conceiving, and after pregnancy, take 500 to 600 mg folic acid daily. It may help to lower the risk of birth defects in the baby. You may take a high dose of folic acid if you’re;

• Losing multiple pregnancies with neural tube defects
• Your partner affected by NTDs (neural tube defects)

You should also consume green leafy vegetables and fruits that are enriched with folate.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps the bones during the absorption of calcium. It may help a baby’s immune system, neurons, and muscles to grow properly. It also optimizes the growth of baby bones and teeth. You must take 600 IU (International Units) of vitamin D daily. You may get it from food and prenatal vitamins. 

Iron

Iron is an essential mineral; the body uses it to synthesize hemoglobin, which binds with oxygen and carries it to every cell. You must take 27 mg during pregnancy; it is also involved in the formation of baby’s hemoglobin. 

While you take iron supplements, also consume citrus food; because vitamin C helps in iron absorption.

Remember! When you use iron supplements, never take calcium supplements because calcium reduces iron absorption in your body.

However, all prenatal supplements are important; please, only use them when your doctor prescribes you these supplements.

If you carry MTHFR defective gene and become pregnant must use supplements that contain an active form of folate or folic acid. You may not benefit from folic acid supplements; if your body cannot turn it into active form methylfolate. 

You should strictly use prenatal vitamin B12 daily, if you’re vegetarian and pregnant because vegetarians are always at risk of vitamin b12 deficiency. Although not listed above yet crucial during pregnancy. 

Conclusion

Multivitamins are essential not only during pregnancy but also before pregnancy. You should try to accomplish your body needs by consuming a healthy diet during pregnancy. If it’s not possible, you may use prenatal multivitamins prescribed by your healthcare only. It is possible you may use the wrong multivitamins that are dangerous for your pregnancy, like; vitamin A supplements should not be used during pregnancy.  

Reference