The efficacy of supplement in pregnancy: what’s safe and what’s not
Expectant mothers often focus on their diet to improve their health during the pregnancy period. Maternal diet for the health of the fetus is very important for any pregnant woman. The nutrition of the baby depends on the maternal diet that is taken while pregnant. Deficiencies in critical nutrients can lead to malformations and poor health outcomes for both the mother and her baby.
You must know about the fact that high mercury seafood, alcohol, and cigarettes are off-limits during pregnancy. These facts can lead you to feel overwhelmed and confused about your circumstances. To help you stay on top of your health, supplements play a vital role. There is substantial evidence on the role of nutritional supplements to reduce risks and improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
Consuming nutritional supplements are very common in pregnancy. There are many products available in the market. Getting the right nutrients is very important in every stage of life, but it is even more crucial during pregnancy. Information about supplements that are safe and which aren’t can help you to nourish yourself and your baby. Let’s learn more about nutritional supplements that you can take during pregnancy to keep yourself and your baby healthy.
Essential Vitamins And Minerals That Can Be Taken During Pregnancy That You Should Know
Good nutrients are vital during pregnancy for the healthy growth and development of your baby. Supplements are made for pregnant women to nourish their bodies with proper nutrients and minerals. They are called prenatal vitamins. Your doctor may suggest these vitamins during pregnancy. Some of the commonly prescribed prenatal vitamins are:
Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D help build the nervous system and develop the skeleton of the baby.
Folate to prevent neural tube effects. Neural tube effects refer to congenital disabilities that affect a baby’s brain and spinal cord. It develops early before women know about their pregnancy.
Iodine for brain and nervous system development.
Iron to prevent low birth weight for babies and anaemia for mothers.
Calcium to prevent the loss of bone density as babies use calcium from their mother for their own bone growth during the pregnancy period.
Other nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids chlorine are also essential to reduce the risk of a premature baby.
Are Dietary Supplements Safe During Pregnancy?
Dietary supplements are complementary medicines containing nutrients that may fill a deficiency in your diet, such as a multivitamin, fish oil capsules, and single minerals. It is recommended that women should not take any dietary or herbal supplements during pregnancy. Pregnant women should use supplements with caution, knowing all possible risks of taking these supplements before getting pregnant as it is not recommended.
Is It Safe To Take Nutritional Supplements During Pregnancy?
There is much conflicting information in the public domain about the safety or efficacy of nutritional supplements during pregnancy. Some supplements can affect your body according to your health condition. For example, iodine is critical for healthy thyroid function during pregnancy. It can also cause miscarriage, deafness and severe mental disabilities in extreme cases.
Gynaecologists advise women to take prenatal vitamins and supplements to prevent development abnormalities at birth and fill nutritional gaps to nourish mother and baby. Before taking any supplement, you are always recommended to consult with your doctor.
Conclusion
Every woman is conscious about her and her growing baby’s health. If you are pregnant or planning, you need to be careful about taking any kind of supplements. It’s always best for you to check with your doctor before making any decision. If you are in Rajasthan, you can visit Medipulse hospital to get the best and most updated information regarding prenatal vitamins that you should take when pregnant. You can also learn about the risks of taking dietary supplements during pregnancy.