Vitamins for pregnant women are vitamin supplements that are recommended to help promote better fetal development and to care for the mother’s health up until delivery. During pregnancy, it is common for women to be unable to maintain an adequate diet, making the supplementation of these vitamins necessary.

What Are Prenatal Vitamins?

Vitamins for pregnant women are supplements of vitamins and minerals designed to help during this period, when better nutrition and healthier habits are needed. Since nutrient needs increase during pregnancy1, the woman cannot get the ideal amount of nutrients through a balanced diet alone. Therefore, vitamin and mineral supplements are recommended to meet these nutritional needs, supporting the proper development of the fetus. In addition to assisting with fetal development, vitamins are extremely important for the development of the baby’s brain, bones, and tissues, and help maintain a healthy pregnancy until childbirth. They are recommended by doctors or nutritionists from before conception or at the first prenatal visit and are especially crucial during the first trimester, continuing to be taken through the end of pregnancy.

Which Vitamins to Take During Pregnancy?

Each vitamin has its own function and is associated with different benefits, but some are especially important for proper fetal development, preventing birth defects, such as in the formation of the neural tube, which is mainly the responsibility of vitamin B9. Let’s see what they are:

  • Folic Acid (Methylfolate) – This vitamin is essential for brain development, the formation of the spine and spinal cord, and for preventing neural tube defects in the baby2. It is recommended to start taking it even before conception, which helps avoid deficiency of this important nutrient.

  • Calcium – Calcium is essential for the formation of the fetus’s bones, as well as helping to maintain blood pressure and blood clotting. It also controls muscle contraction and plays an active role in breast milk production.

  • Iron – Iron is very important even before pregnancy, as it is responsible for producing hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to the body’s cells and keeps the immune system working properly. During pregnancy, due to increased blood volume, iron is needed to increase hemoglobin production and support fetal development, as well as to prevent maternal anemia, which can lead to premature birth and low birth weight babies.

  • Vitamin D – Vitamin D helps preserve bones and supports metabolic function, as well as muscle and nerve development. It also helps prevent blood clotting and ensures proper cell growth in the body.

  • Zinc – Zinc supports the development of tissues in the fetus and the formation of DNA cells.

  • Vitamin B6 – Vitamin B6 is of great importance for fetal development and helps prevent birth defects. It also helps control nausea during pregnancy, as it regulates hormonal balance in women.

  • Vitamin C – This vitamin promotes the proper functioning of the body, supports skin and gum health, and improves iron absorption, aiding bone growth.

  • Omega 3 – Omega 3 assists in the production of prostaglandins, which help control blood pressure and clotting. It supports neurological and visual development in the fetus and helps prevent pre-eclampsia and premature birth.

Vitamin Deficiency

Just as each vitamin plays a specific role in the human body, each brings different benefits. Taking these vitamins is crucial for the proper development of the baby and ensuring good health for both baby and mother.

A deficiency of these vitamins can lead to serious risks, diseases, and future problems. These issues can be prevented by adequate intake of these vitamins, whether through diet or with the help of vitamin supplements.

A lack of folic acid, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, can cause serious harm by causing neural tube defects in the fetus. That is why it is recommended to start taking this vitamin three months before trying to conceive.

A lack of calcium can result in fragile bones for both mother and child, increasing the risk of future diseases; in addition, higher levels of lead may be found in the mother’s blood, which puts the fetus at risk for congenital diseases due to this excess3.

Iron deficiency in a pregnant woman can result in anemia, lower production of red blood cells, and may lead to stillbirth, premature birth, or a low birth weight baby. A baby born with low iron levels may have impaired cognitive function and behavioral changes.

A lack of vitamin D in the mother’s body can result in pre-eclampsia and increased blood pressure. A deficiency of zinc can increase the frequency of infections, as zinc helps fight the free radicals responsible for diseases and is a key part of a healthy immune system.

A lack of vitamin B6 can increase anxiety, cause depression, mental confusion and mood changes, along with symptoms like tingling in the hands and feet. Not getting enough vitamin C and omega 3 can pose serious risks to the baby’s brain, causing memory and developmental issues, as they are also important for brain function development.