Vitamins are important to the health of a growing baby. They are also important to pregnant mothers because their bodies are going through so many changes. Our diets today are often deficient in key nutrients found in pre-natal vitamins that help a baby's development in the womb. One deficiency that has been found is the lack of enough folic acid, one of the B vitamins. If your diet is currently lacking in certain vitamins or minerals this can seriously affect the development of your unborn child. In this article I outline seven vital vitamins for pregnant women and explain why they are important. Rectifying vitamin deficiency can be done by modifying your diet and by taking pre-natal vitamin supplements. It is easiest for your body to absorb nutrients from foods, but since it can be difficult to take in enough of those key vitamins and minerals during pregnancy, most doctors recommend that you also take pre-natal supplements.
Vitamin D:- This vitamin is required for healthy bone development in your baby as it helps the body ingest calcium. Babies require a relatively high level of Vitamin D whilst they are growing. Many products are fortified with Vitamin D including; fortified milk, baby formula milk, eggs and fatty fish. You can also get some of your Vitamin D requirements by spending time in the sun.
Vitamin B12:- This vitamin works with Folic Acid to help create healthy red blood cells in your baby. Vitamin B12 can be found in; dairy products, shellfish, eggs, poultry and red meat, as well as vegan products such as soy milk and tofu. Vitamin A:- This vitamin assists in the development of a baby's bones and teeth. Not getting enough Vitamin A can lead to your baby suffering from eyesight problems. There are multiple dietary sources of Vitamin A including; carrots, sweet potatoes, liver, eggs and mangos.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):- Riboflavin helps the baby develop bones, muscles and a nervous system. Not getting enough Riboflavin can lead to pre-ecclampsia (a condition causing abnormally high blood pressure and fluid retention in expectant mothers) and also suppress the development of the baby's immune system. Riboflavin can be sourced in; meat, fish, eggs and fortified cereals.
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid/Folate):- Folic Acid is very important for the replication of DNA, cell growth and tissue formation. A Folic Acid deficiency can create a number of neural tube defects in your baby such as spina bifida, a condition where the spinal cord does not form properly. Folic Acid can be found in; oranges, leafy vegetables, broccoli, pasta, sunflower seeds and strawberries.
Vitamin C:- This Vitamin is essential for the healthy development of your baby's immune system. Vitamin C is largely found in fruits and vegetables such as; citrus fruits, raspberries, green beans, papaya, broccoli, tomatoes and bell peppers.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin):- Niacin helps build the placenta in pregnant women. It can be found in; whole grains, fortified cereals, bread products, milk, meats and peanuts.
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