Congratulations mama! Pregnancy is exciting news, isn’t it, right? So, have you understood the assignment? If you haven’t, that’s okay, we are here for you. First things first, proper nutrition. During pregnancy, proper nutrition plays a vital role in deciding your and the baby’s health. Prenatal vitamins come in handy to fill the dietary gaps to make your pregnancy healthier. Don’t be confused. This blog will break down which pregnancy supplements are safe and unsafe for you. We will also mention the best prenatal vitamins available to make things easier for you.
Let’s start.
Why Do You Need Prenatal Vitamins?
From the moment you conceive, your body’s nutritional requirements increase, demanding higher vitamins and minerals to support the pregnancy and deliver a healthier baby. Prenatal vitamins are crucial to ensure both you and your baby receive all the required nutrients needed during pregnancy. Pregnancy supplements help bridge the gap, prevent neural tube defects, support maternal well-being, and lay the foundation for a healthier future.
Safe Pregnancy Supplements During Pregnancy
Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are multivitamins formulated to meet the increased nutritional demands of your body during pregnancy. Medical experts suggest starting pregnancy supplements 2 to 3 months before conception, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. As per research, prenatal vitamins help reduce the risk of pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia and pre-term birth. Additionally, pregnancy supplements help reduce the chances of developing neural tube defects (NTDs), anemia, and more.
Folate
Folate, a vitamin B9, plays a vital role in DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and fetal growth and development. Folic acid is the synthetic form of B9 that is found in most pregnancy supplements. However, the natural form of vitamin B9 is folate, and L-methyl folate is 7 times more effective than folic acid for the body.
Doctors recommend consuming around 600 mcg of folate or folic acid daily during pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs), which affect the brain and spine of the baby.
Iron
During pregnancy, the requirement for iron increases in your body as your blood volumes increase to support your baby. Iron is essential for oxygen transport and the healthy growth and development of your little one. Additionally, if your body does not receive adequate iron, you are at a greater risk of developing iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency during pregnancy leads to pre-term birth, maternal depression, fatigue, and anemia in the baby.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, essential for immune function, cell division, and bone health. Lack of vitamin D leads to an increased risk of C-section delivery, gestational diabetes, and pre-term birth. Medical experts recommend taking around 600 IU daily.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for the immune system, muscle, and nerve function. Magnesium deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of chronic hypertension and premature labor.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA & EPA)
Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA & EPA) are essential for optimal brain and retina development of the baby. As per medical experts, you should consume around 200 to 300 mg of DHA daily.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 pregnancy supplement is crucial for the formation of red blood cells and optimal neurological health. It is vital for vegans or vegetarians as they have limited means of getting it from their diet.
Supplements To Avoid
· High dose Vitamin A (Retinol): >10,000 IU risks birth defects; take beta carotene instead.
· Herbal Products: Most have no safety information; a few (e.g., blue cohosh) can cause contractions.
· Too Much Single Nutrient Pills: Don’t take more than double the RDA of any vitamin/mineral.
· Unregulated “Natural” Blends: Use third-party certified brands to ensure no contaminants.
Trimacare Pregnancy Supplement
Trimacare pregnancy supplements are clinically formulated prenatal vitamins especially created for Indian pregnant women. The prenatal vitamin contains 20+ essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, such as L-methyl folate, calcium, iron, vitamin D, B complex, A, E, and K, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids (DHA & EPA), selenium, and more to support a healthy pregnancy. Curated under the close eye of top medical experts, the pregnancy supplement abides by all the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
The Bottom Line
Understanding the safe or unsafe prenatal supplements should not feel like a tiresome job. Focus on consuming prenatal vitamins that contain folate, calcium, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, choline, zinc, etc. Additionally, avoid consuming excess vitamin A, too much of a single-nutrient pill, and unregulated blends to avoid pregnancy complications.
