During pregnancy, the health of the mother and fetus is the top priority. Every pregnant woman should pay attention to her food intake to meet her nutritional needs for the health of the fetus inside her. These various nutrients are needed to ensure the growth and development of the fetus. Therefore, the need for vitamins for pregnant women is important to fulfill.
Pregnant women can obtain the necessary vitamins from food as well as special supplements. By knowing the list of vitamins for pregnant women, moms can plan a good daily diet menu. Moms can also choose types of food that can help meet the body's vitamin intake.
What Conditions Require Pregnant Women to Take Vitamin Supplements?
Pregnant women are often advised to take vitamin supplements to ensure adequate nutrition needed during pregnancy. Certain special conditions or specific situations can make the consumption of vitamin supplements more important. Here are some of those conditions:
1. Nutritional Deficiency
Blood tests indicating a deficiency in vitamins or minerals can signal that someone needs prenatal vitamin supplements to ensure adequate nutrition during pregnancy.
2. Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition of severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, which can lead to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies in pregnant women. In such cases, the consumption of vitamins and nutritional supplements becomes very important to ensure that the pregnant woman continues to receive the necessary nutrients to support the baby's growth and development.
3. Diet Restrictions
Moms who follow certain diets, such as vegetarian, vegan, or diets with specific food restrictions, need to pay attention to adequate nutrient intake during pregnancy. Although certain diets can have health benefits, Moms need to ensure that nutritional needs for themselves and the development of the baby in the womb are still met.
4. Smoking
Smoking can have negative impacts on health and may lead to an increased need for certain nutrients in people who continue to smoke. Some nutrients that may need attention and enhancement in smokers include vitamin C and folate.
5. Twin Pregnancy
Pregnant women carrying more than one baby, such as twins or triplets, indeed have higher micronutrient needs than those carrying a single baby. Multiple pregnancies often require higher nutritional intake to support the growth and development of the babies.
Important Prenatal Vitamins During Pregnancy
Nutritional management during pregnancy is crucial to support the healthy growth and development of the fetus. Adequate nutritional intake during pregnancy not only affects the health of the pregnant mother but also helps meet the developmental and growth needs of the baby in the womb.
Here are 10 recommended vitamins to help improve health during pregnancy:
1. Folic Acid
Folic acid plays an important role in preventing defects in the baby's nervous system, particularly in terms of neural tube defects (NTD). The neural tube is the structure that forms the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. Defects in the development of the neural tube can lead to serious health and developmental issues for the baby. During pregnancy, make sure that moms' folic acid needs are met.
2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a very important role during pregnancy as it plays a key role in maintaining bone and dental health and supporting fetal bone growth. During pregnancy, the fetus relies on the supply of calcium and vitamin D from the mother to support the formation of strong bones and skeletal system.
3. Calcium
Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role during pregnancy to support the health of bones and teeth, both in the pregnant mother and the fetus. Calcium is needed for the growth and formation of the fetus's bones and teeth. During pregnancy, the fetus's need for calcium increases as the baby's bones and teeth begin to develop.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, plays an important role during pregnancy and offers many benefits for expectant mothers. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals. During pregnancy, antioxidant protection can help reduce oxidative stress and protect fetal cells from damage.
5. Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays an important role during pregnancy and is needed for various body functions, including metabolism, bone formation, and the nervous system. Although vitamin A is essential, it is important to pay attention to the proper intake during pregnancy, as an excess of vitamin A can have negative impacts on fetal development.
6. Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B complex, including vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin), is very important during pregnancy because it plays a role in various body functions crucial for the health of the mother and the development of the fetus. Adequate intake of vitamin B complex during pregnancy is key to supporting the health of the mother and the development of the fetus.
7. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an essential nutrient needed during pregnancy because it plays a role in various body functions, including the formation and use of red blood cells and muscles. Consulting with a doctor or nutritionist during pregnancy is crucial to ensure that the intake of vitamin E and other nutrients meets the specific needs of the pregnant mother.
8. Iron
When a woman is pregnant, her body's need for iron increases significantly. Iron is an essential nutrient required for the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Maintaining adequate iron intake during pregnancy is an important step to support the health of the mother and the development of the fetus.
9. Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays an important role during pregnancy, and adequate intake can help reduce the risk of premature birth. While zinc plays a crucial role in supporting a healthy pregnancy, diversity in diet and consultation with healthcare professionals are important steps to ensure that zinc and other nutrient intake align with the needs of the pregnant mother and fetal development.
10. Vitamin K
Vitamin K can be taken to reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. This vitamin can be taken together with vitamin C. Food sources containing vitamin K include spinach, tomatoes, strawberries, and egg yolks. Every pregnant woman has a different experience during pregnancy, and approaches to dealing with nausea and vomiting may vary.
Meeting the vitamin needs of pregnant women is the same as meeting the vitamins to support the development and growth of the fetus. However, to fulfill the vitamin needs of pregnant women, it is advisable to also consult with an obstetrician.
During pregnancy, expectant mothers can also prepare baby supplies. One of them is the MAKUKU Dry Care baby diaper, which is soft and has a 3D structure. Its ability to absorb quickly and evenly keeps the diaper surface dry all day and maintains skin moisture to reduce the risk of skin irritation. The price of MAKUKU Dry Care diapers is around 50 thousand and is available in two packages, namely regular (pack) and single (single pack), which can be purchased at nearby shops. (Aq/MKK)
