Should Pregnant Women Take Vitamins and Supplements?

Under certain conditions the human body requires additional vitamins or supplements so that it can help reduce the risk of health problems resulting from a lack of vitamin and mineral intake. Often the vitamins obtained from vegetables are not optimal due to the cooking process, for example vegetables that are left too ripe will cause the loss of vitamins that are actually needed by the body.

For pregnant and lactating women, extra vitamins and minerals are needed because their body condition must provide nutrition for the fetus, but taking vitamins and supplements must be adjusted to the needs of pregnant women and the fetus. Even in the provision of vitamins and supplements can be given at your time planning a pregnancy, the two elements that are important in planning pregnancy include folic acid and iron. Different conditions in each pregnant woman will get different treatment in providing vitamins and supplements. Although the goal is similar, namely to provide prevention to pregnant women so that during pregnancy and before delivery the body condition can remain healthy and the baby’s growth will be optimal.

Here are some examples of supplements that your doctor might recommend for those of you who are pregnant:

1. Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 will be given to vegetarian pregnant women, especially if during pregnancy the mother has difficulty consuming milk or animal products.
2. Folic acid. Folic acid content is recommended to be consumed before pregnancy and during pregnancy to help reduce the risk of birth defects. Although it is easy to obtain from food ingredients, it is often the process in deep processing that damages the folic acid content.
3. Iron. Supplements that are often recommended are those containing iron, especially if you have a history of anemia. Iron will help provide oxygen in the blood so that it can support fetal brain development.
4. Vitamin C. If the mother is anemic, the doctor will advise you to consume foods that contain iron, don’t forget to accompany them with foods that contain vitamin C so that their absorption will be optimal.
5. Omega 3 fats. The next pregnant supplement is omega 3 fats which can help in the development of the brain and eyes of your fetus. Although basically omega 3 fats can be met by consuming fish, pay attention to getting the fish, don’t let it contain lots of mercury which can harm you and the fetus.
6. Calcium. Natural sources of calcium can be obtained from foods such as meat, cheese or milk although some doctors recommend getting additional calcium. This is to support the growth of bones and teeth.

So for those of you who are planning a pregnancy, you should do an examination to be able to find out the adequacy of nutrients in the body in preparing for your needs and the fetus, including consuming supplements related to folic acid content, while for those of you who are pregnant, giving vitamins and supplements will be adjusted to your health condition. you.

Pregnant women feel the need to get vitamins and supplements if in the trimester of pregnancy they experience severe nausea and vomiting that causes food intake to be obstructed or the condition of pregnant women is problematic with a lack of weight gain according to age pregnancy. Consult with your doctor to determine whether or not vitamins and supplements are needed according to the age of your womb. Thus, do not rush to choose additional vitamins and supplements when you are pregnant because improper consumption will actually make you have problems with the development and growth of your fetus.