Maternal Health (During Pregnancy)

Nutrition is an important aspect of a healthy pregnancy, as it affects both the mother and the baby’s well-being. While a balanced diet of protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains can provide most of the nutrients needed for pregnancy, some supplements may be recommended by health care providers or midwives to ensure adequate intake of certain vitamins and minerals ¹²³.

Some of the common supplements that may be beneficial for pregnant women are:

• Folic acid: This is a B vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, in the developing baby. Folic acid is found in fortified cereals, breads, pasta and rice, as well as leafy greens, citrus fruits and beans. The recommended daily intake of folic acid for pregnant women is 400 to 800 micrograms ².
• Iron: This is a mineral that helps the body make hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues. Iron is essential for the growth and development of the baby and the placenta, as well as for preventing anemia, a condition that causes weakness and fatigue. Iron is found in lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, tofu, dried fruits and green leafy vegetables. The recommended daily intake of iron for pregnant women is 27 milligrams ².
• Iodine: This is a trace element that is needed for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate the body’s metabolism and growth. Iodine is important for the brain development of the baby, especially in the first trimester. Iodine is found in iodized salt, dairy products, seafood and seaweed. The recommended daily intake of iodine for pregnant women is 220 micrograms ².
• Vitamin D: This is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for the formation of the baby’s bones and teeth. Vitamin D also supports the immune system and the nervous system. Vitamin D is made by the skin when exposed to sunlight, but this may not be enough for some people, especially those who live in areas with limited sunlight or who have dark skin. Vitamin D is also found in fatty fish, egg yolks, cheese and fortified foods. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D for pregnant women is 600 international units ².
• Calcium: This is a mineral that is needed for the development of the baby’s bones, teeth, heart, nerves and muscles. Calcium also helps the mother maintain her bone density and prevent osteoporosis later in life. Calcium is found in dairy products, fortified plant milks, tofu, broccoli, kale, almonds and sesame seeds. The recommended daily intake of calcium for pregnant women is 1,000 milligrams ².

Before taking any supplements, it is advisable to consult with your health care provider or midwife, as some supplements may interact with medications or have side effects. Also, avoid taking more than the recommended doses, as this may be harmful for you and your baby. In addition, some dietary and herbal supplements may not be safe or effective during pregnancy, so be cautious and informed about what you consume ⁴.

I hope this information was helpful for you. Please let me know if you have any other questions?