Eating a vitamin-rich and balanced diet is essential to everyone's health, but it is especially true for pregnant women, because they have a greater need for certain minerals and vitamins in order to ensure the health of the child. Taking the proper vitamin supplements reduces the risk of pregnancy complications and birth defects.
Vitamin K
If you are experiencing nausea and vomiting during your pregnancy you may be lacking vitamin K. Good sources of vitamin K are spinach, tomatoes, egg yolks and strawberries, it is more effective when taken with vitamin C.
Vitamin C
Pregnancy drains vitamin C levels from would-be mothers. Therefore, pregnant women should take a 5mg supplement daily along with 25mg of vitamin C. Broccoli, collard greens, horseradish, kale, parsley, cauliflower, papaya and watercress all pack significant amounts of vitamin C.
Vitamin D
A woman's body has an increased need for vitamin D during pregnancy. The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin D for pregnant women is 400 I.U daily, and the best food sources are sea bass, swordfish, halibut, herring and milk.
Vitamin B12
Additional amounts of vitamin B12 are necessary, particularly during the second half of pregnancy, as the fetus depletes about 0.2 mcg of vitamin B12 on a daily basis. If you are already deficient in vitamin B12, taking folic acid can cause you to develop severe vitamin B12 deficiency. Lamb, herring, mackerel, crab, oysters, milk, tofu and cheese have moderate amounts of vitamin B12.
Warnings
Taking too much vitamin A can be toxic to the fetus and can sometimes cause birth defects. In addition, taking too much during early pregnancy can cause learning disabilities and spontaneous abortions. Consult with your doctor to ensure you are taking the proper amounts of all vitamins and supplements.
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