During pregnancy, the woman's body's need for vitamins and minerals increases, since a significant part of them is used for the formation and constant growth of the child. However, physicians are rarely and reluctant to prescribe multivitamin complexes in the first trimester. Why is this happening, what kind of vitamins are needed in the early stages, and in what form is it better to take them?
Are vitamins necessary in the first trimester of pregnancy?
As the main source of vitamins in the early stages, doctors recommend using only food. Theoretically, a balanced diet is able to fill the resulting deficiency without taking artificial additives. Unfortunately, in practice this is not always possible.
There are several vitamins that the vast majority of pregnant women need to take additionally in the early stages.
- Folic acid
Folic acid or vitamin B9 can be prescribed even at the stage of pregnancy planning 2-3 months before conception. The required dosage is 400 mg per day, it is almost impossible to get such an amount with food. Folic acid is responsible for the formation of the neural tube of the fetus, and its deficiency can lead to impaired brain development. In addition, this compound is actively involved in the process of cell division.
Folic acid preparations are prescribed in the first trimester, at a later date they are replaced with special multivitamin complexes, which include vitamin B9 without fail.
- Vitamin E (tocopherol)
In the first trimester, vitamin E is needed for the formation of the placenta (children's place), this process is completed by about the 16th week. At a later date, tocopherol is also necessary, but more for the mother, as it affects the hormonal background and skin condition (increases its elasticity). Also, this substance is a strong antioxidant.
The dosage is calculated individually, depending on the state of health. For example, with the threat of miscarriage, it can be up to 400 mg per day. In the normal course of pregnancy, a sufficient amount of vitamin E can be obtained from food, but if the doctor prescribes it additionally, you should heed the recommendation.
- Magnesium + Vitamin B6
Most magnesium preparations are produced precisely in combination with vitamin B6 and are prescribed as a means of preventing miscarriage (miscarriage). Magnesium preparations relieve tone, prevent the development of seizures, and are useful for tachycardia and hypertension.
Most often, in the early stages, magnesium is prescribed precisely as a preventive measure, even if there is no real threat of miscarriage.
- Iodine
The vast majority of people suffer from iodine deficiency, with the exception of only residents of coastal regions who regularly eat fish and seafood. Balancing the diet so that you get enough of this mineral is quite difficult. Therefore, taking iodine preparations (for example, "Jodomarin 200") is mandatory for all pregnant women without exception throughout the entire period. Deficiency of this element leads to problems with the thyroid gland and hormonal imbalances. It is also necessary for the proper formation of the fetal thyroid gland.
- Iron
Even in early pregnancy, women often begin to experience symptoms of iron deficiency anemia due to the surge in plasma volume. This condition can be diagnosed by doing a blood test. A low level of hemoglobin will indicate a lack of iron in the body.
As a preventive measure for the development of anemia, it is enough to introduce iron-rich foods into your diet. But in case of a serious shortage, appropriate drugs are prescribed without fail.
When should you take vitamins?
The first and mandatory rule that every expectant mother needs to remember from the first days of conception is that any drugs, including vitamins, should be taken only as directed by a doctor and following his recommendations.
A balanced diet will help you get the necessary substances only if the pregnancy proceeds without complications. With severe toxicosis, for example, the body does not systematically receive enough nutrients and vitamins. In such conditions, an additional intake of synthetic vitamins is simply necessary. With complications that can cause an abortion, the required dosage of certain substances (for example, vitamin E or magnesium) increases significantly. It is problematic to get such an amount with food, so the deficiency is also compensated with appropriate drugs.
It is recommended to switch to taking multivitamin complexes (for example, Elevit Pronatal) no earlier than the second trimester, after the placenta is fully formed. Tentatively, this happens at the 16th week, but only a doctor can determine it more accurately during an ultrasound examination.
What foods contain vitamins necessary for the first trimester?
The diet of the expectant mother should include meat, fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products, cereals, fish and seafood. Nutrition should be as varied as possible, while you should not abuse exotic fruits or other unfamiliar foods.
Particular attention should be paid to the following types of products:
- lentils, black beans, asparagus, avocados, cilantro and cauliflower are rich in folic acid;
- apples, pears, citrus fruits, liver, almonds and peanuts are sources of vitamin E;
- salmon, shrimp, squid, tuna, seaweed - contain iodine;
- red meat and offal, eggs, oysters and caviar, cereals, spinach, pomegranate and pistachios are rich in iron;
- bran, cocoa, sesame, cashew, soy and buckwheat - contain magnesium.
In addition, it is important that the diet always contains a sufficient amount of fresh vegetables and fruits - sources of vitamin C. This substance is a strong antioxidant, helps to remove toxins from the body and maintain the immune system, which is inevitably weakened during pregnancy. It is also necessary for the proper absorption of iron.
Is there a danger in taking vitamins in early pregnancy?
In the first trimester, any external influence can affect the development of the embryo. During this period, it is not yet protected by the placenta, which at a later date filters a significant part of the harmful substances from the mother's blood. But in the early stages, this barrier is absent. Therefore, with any chemicals (including synthetic vitamins and multivitamin complexes) you should be extremely careful.
Among other things, during pregnancy, a woman's body is prone to allergic reactions, which can provoke, among other things, vitamin complexes.
In addition, not all vitamins that are useful in normal times are harmless when carrying a child. For example, high concentrations of vitamin A can lead to serious pathologies and malformations.
What threatens an overabundance of vitamins?
Of course, during pregnancy, you should not allow a deficiency of vitamins and minerals, but their overabundance can be much more dangerous.
The main attention should be paid to vitamin A - its overdose in the early stages can have the most adverse consequences (disturbances in the development of the central nervous system and congenital deformities). Despite the fact that this vitamin is water-soluble and is well excreted by the kidneys from the body, its uncontrolled intake is highly undesirable.
Vitamin C also belongs to the category of water-soluble, but its overdose should not be feared, even if you drink 10 peas of ascorbic acid daily and eat oranges. However, this is not a reason to abuse this substance, since it will not be possible to stock up on it for the future, and an additional load on the kidneys during pregnancy is completely unnecessary.
Vitamin E (tocopherol), unlike the previous two, is fat-soluble, that is, it can accumulate in body tissues. Its systematic overdose can lead to disturbances in the functioning of the liver and kidneys, and the development of various defects in the fetus. Therefore, it is important not to exceed the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
Calcium is incredibly important during pregnancy, its deficiency leads to the deterioration of the teeth, bones and joints of the mother. However, it is recommended to start taking it no earlier than the second trimester, when the fetus begins to actively grow bone tissue. An excess of calcium in the early stages will harm the mother rather than the baby, and greatly increases the chance of liver and kidney stones.
Finally
If pregnancy in the early stages proceeds without complications, a woman can get all the necessary vitamins from food. The only exception is folic acid, the need for which is especially high in the first trimester. To prevent and reduce the risk of miscarriage, the doctor may prescribe additional individual synthetic vitamins, such as vitamin E, vitamin B6, magnesium, etc. It is recommended to start taking multivitamin complexes for pregnant women no earlier than the second trimester, after the placenta is fully formed.
Specially for- Olga Pavlova
While waiting for a baby, the female body changes a lot: at the level of metabolism, the work of the hormonal system, blood composition and, accordingly, the need for various nutrients. A certain amount of micronutrients is required for both the developing baby and the growing placenta. So expectant mothers really have a need for an additional portion of vitamins and microelements.
“The situation is aggravated by the fact that most women enter pregnancy already with a vitamin deficiency,” says Valery Sergeev, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Head of the Laboratory of Nutrition of the Russian Scientific Center for Medical Rehabilitation and Balneology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, dietitian-gastroenterologist. - About 70% of Russians suffer from their shortage. Moreover, regardless of age, income level and social status.
Due to these circumstances, the expectant mother should not expect to gain her norm of nutrients only with food. But you should not completely rely on vitamin-mineral complexes. It is very important to take into account your condition, as well as the trimester of pregnancy.
In a complex or separately?
If, for one reason or another, a woman cannot eat a varied diet, taking vitamins during pregnancy is extremely important. And even with an ideal diet, there are those vitamins and minerals that you can’t get with food alone.
“These nutrients are required by the body in very small amounts, thousandths and even millionths of a gram,” says Natalya Timofeeva, obstetrician-gynecologist of the perinatal medical center of the Mother and Child group of companies. “But food often fails to provide even that. During pregnancy, deficiency of vitamin D, folic acid, lack of iron, calcium, iodine and zinc are especially dangerous.
Nevertheless, doctors today do not prescribe vitamin-mineral complexes to all expectant mothers in a row. “Many doctors refuse vitamin therapy due to the fact that it provokes excessive growth of the fetus,” explains Ekaterina Krivtsova, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Professor of Moscow State Medical University, Vice-President of the Interdisciplinary Scientific Society for the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity. “Bigger babies are born who are at higher risk of developing a number of diseases: metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes.”
Doctors are increasingly saying that vitamins and minerals should be taken, focusing on the trimesters of pregnancy, and separately. “Different micronutrients need to be drunk at different times of the day,” explains Natalya Timofeeva. - Vitamins are taken in the first half of the day, trace elements - in the second. Moreover, the latter are better absorbed between meals.
How to take vitamins in trimesters
At different stages of pregnancy, both mother and baby require a different set of vitamins and minerals.
First trimester
* Folic acid
Ideally, you need to start taking three months before the intended conception, and finish at the third month of pregnancy. It is most needed at 2-4 weeks of pregnancy, when the neural tube is laid (the brain will subsequently develop from it).
How much do you need? The doctor selects the dosage individually, depending on your condition, it can be from 0.4-0.8 mg per day.
Why accept? Folic acid is needed by all women planning a pregnancy. After all, it helps the birth of a new life:
Supports cell division;
Ensures the correct transfer of genetic information, participating in the synthesis of DNA bases and RNA molecules;
Promotes the full formation of the placenta, reducing the risk of miscarriages and miscarriages.
* Vitamin A
It is prescribed 2-3 months before the planned pregnancy and at its very beginning, at 1.5-2 months. Then you should take a break and drink another course 2-3 months before the birth.
How much do you need? During pregnancy, about 2500 IU of vitamin A is needed.
Why accept? Vitamin A is essential for cell division and their differentiation into different tissues. That is why it is prescribed before pregnancy and in the early stages. In the later stages, it supports the normal development of the skeleton, visual apparatus and nervous system.
* Vitamin E
Appointed a few months before the intended conception, in the first trimester, the reception continues.
How much do you need? The daily dose is about 15 mg.
Why accept? In a non-pregnant woman, vitamin E normalizes the production of female sex hormones and the menstrual cycle, promoting conception. Then it protects against early forms of toxicosis and miscarriages for a short time.
Take courses during the first two trimesters.
How much do you need? The daily dose is 1500 mg.
Why accept? At the beginning and middle of pregnancy, calcium is necessary for the normal formation of the skeleton, kidneys and endocrine system. But in the last trimester, an excess of this microelement is fraught with ossification of the skull of the crumbs and, accordingly, difficult childbirth.
It is problematic for expectant mothers to get the right amount of calcium with food, so they are prescribed special drugs that vary greatly in their effectiveness. “The drugs of the first generation - calcium salts, for example, gluconate or phosphate, are very poorly absorbed in the intestines and, accordingly, are poorly absorbed,” says Valery Sergeev. - Second-generation drugs - calcium salts plus vitamin D - are quite effective. Third-generation drugs are even more effective due to the set of trace elements. Therefore, they are often appointed precisely. These funds include calcium, vitamin D, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, magnesium and other trace elements.
* Vitamin C
Askorbinka should be taken in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. And if a woman smokes, it is mandatory before conception. In this case, the doctor may prescribe 80-90 mg 2-3 months before the planned pregnancy.
How much do you need? The daily dose of vitamin C for a pregnant woman is 90-100 mg.
Why accept? Vitamin C is necessary for the normal formation of all membranes of the fetal egg and the proper development of the placenta.
II trimester
It is necessary to make up for the lack of iodine in the early stages of pregnancy in order to prevent congenital anomalies in the development of the fetus, endemic cretinism.
How much do you need? The expectant mother needs 250 mg of iodine per day.
Why accept? Iodine is necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which ensure the normal formation of the skeleton of the crumbs and intellectual development. It has been proven that in areas where the soil is poor in iodine, children are born whose IQ is 10-15% lower than the same indicator in babies from areas prosperous for this trace element.
“In the future mother, due to insufficient thyroid function, the metabolism slows down,” says Valery Sergeev . - Therefore, the woman begins to rapidly gain weight, and against the background of reduced appetite. She often complains of lethargy and lethargy, weakness and chilliness. The skin becomes dry, the nails thin, and the hair brittle. In this case, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Iron preparations are prescribed to all pregnant women in the 2-3 trimesters.
How much do you need? On average - 30-60 mg per day. And sometimes more, for example, if the expectant mother is regularly engaged in fitness.
Much depends on what was the level of iron in the woman's body at the time of pregnancy. “A future mother should measure this level, because if there is not enough iron in the body, the dosage of drugs increases,” explains Valery Sergeev. - For these purposes, an analysis of the level of ferritin is best suited: it reveals a decrease in the supply of a microelement in the body before others. This condition is called latent iron deficiency. Some experts say that it is even more dangerous than anemia.”
Why accept? So that anemia does not develop, due to which the fetus will suffer from a lack of oxygen. In addition, iron is involved in the synthesis of a special protein necessary for muscle contraction. That is why its deficiency, even latent, is accompanied by muscle weakness, including the uterus, it will not be able to contract normally during childbirth.
III trimester
* Vitamin D
In the last trimester, it is prescribed to almost all expectant mothers for prenatal prevention of rickets.
How much do you need? The daily dose is 400 IU.
Why accept? Vitamin D maintains normal concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in the blood and thus participates in the formation of the skeleton of the unborn baby. In addition, this vitamin is necessary for the normal development of the fetal cardiovascular system.
When is it better to choose complex preparations
There are special situations when taking individual vitamins and minerals is not enough - you need to drink complex preparations. Here are some typical cases.
* Multiple pregnancy. In this case, vitamins and minerals for growth and development are required not for one, but for several babies at once. Yes, and mom puts on weight much faster, and her body needs more nutrients.
* Vegetarianism. In this case, the main sources of protein, calcium, vitamin B 12 - meat and dairy products are excluded from the diet. Their lack must be compensated.
* Toxicosis. In this case, it is simply not possible to eat your portion of vitamins and microelements!
* Active sports (more than four times a week). In principle, such women should take additional vitamins both before pregnancy and during it.
During pregnancy, significant changes occur in a woman's body - the metabolism is greatly rebuilt, the hormonal background fluctuates, and the composition of the blood changes. A growing fetus receives nutrients from the mother's body, so a woman's need for vitamins and microelements increases one and a half to two times. Recently, the issue of vitamin deficiency in expectant mothers has been quite acute, so doctors are making every effort to prepare for pregnancy and take the necessary drugs starting at the planning stage.
Vitamin deficiency and consequences
Vitamins are needed not only for the proper development of the fetus, but also for maintaining the health of the mother. Thus, the lack of any substance can lead to the manifestation of health problems in both the child and the pregnant woman. In the human body, vitamins play the role of enzymes, accelerating biochemical reactions. In addition, they take part in humoral regulation, performing the functions of some hormones. Despite popular belief, vitamins do not serve as a source of energy and are not structural components of tissues. These compounds are important only to ensure proper metabolism, on which the work of all internal organs and systems depends.
Pregnant women have been found to be deficient in at least three vitamins. This can lead to improper formation of the internal organs in the fetus or health problems in the mother due to excessive drawing of substances from her body. Most often there is a deficiency of B vitamins, carotenoids and ascorbic acid.
Vitamins enter the human body with food, but it is believed that food cannot fully provide the necessary daily intake. This is especially true for women during pregnancy. This leads to the need to take additional vitamins, in particular in the form of drugs.
Especially dangerous during pregnancy are conditions in which there is a deficiency of vitamin D, B6, folic acid, as they can lead to irreversible consequences of the formation of the nervous system or the skeleton of the child.
Vitamin deficiency in the first trimester is dangerous for violations in the formation of the nervous system, as well as the development of fetal defects and even intrauterine death. It is during this period that the laying of all organs and tissues occurs, as well as an important differentiation of cells. In the second and third trimester, vitamin deficiency is less dangerous, but can lead to problems in the cardiovascular, endocrine or digestive systems.
The role of vitamins in the formation of the fetus
- Pyridoxine (B6). Together with other vitamins that belong to group B, pyridoxine is involved in the conduction of nerve impulses. This vitamin is necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the harmonious development of the child's brain. In addition, amino acids are produced from pyridoxine and proteins are synthesized - the main structural component of the human body.
- Folic acid (B9). Necessary for the processes of cell renewal, as well as for the proper formation of the fetal nervous system. With a lack of folic acid, neural tube defects, placental tissue pathologies can occur, and the likelihood of premature termination of pregnancy increases.
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin). Necessary for the proper development of a fertilized egg. Vitamin deficiency can lead to miscarriage. Cyanocobalamin is also a coenzyme in many biochemical reactions, in particular the oxidation of proteins and fats, as well as the synthesis of amino acids.
- Vitamin E (tocopherol). One of the most important vitamins for the fetus, pregnant woman, as well as the average person. Participates in the processes of tissue respiration, protects tissues from free radicals, strengthens the placenta. Necessary for the prevention of miscarriage and the normal development of a fertilized egg. It is prescribed to all women during pregnancy planning, as well as in the first trimester. Vitamin E deficiency can also lead to vision problems and hemolytic anemia. It is not recommended to exceed the dosage of this vitamin.
- Vitamin A (retinol) provides antioxidant protection and is a structural component of cell membranes. Its deficiency leads to abnormal development of the fetus, as well as problems with the vision of the baby after childbirth.
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Necessary for the synthesis of collagen fibers, which are part of the structure of bones, cartilage and blood vessels. Vitamin C is known for its immune-boosting properties, as well as its ability to neutralize toxins. With a lack of vitamin increases the likelihood of infection with viral infections and negative consequences for the baby.
The role of vitamins for a pregnant woman
- Pyridoxine. Vitamin is involved in the processes of hematopoiesis and ensures the proper functioning of the nervous system. Its deficiency leads to anemia, convulsive syndrome, the development of early toxicosis, irritability, and insomnia.
- Folic acid. Necessary for the stable functioning of the nervous system. With a deficiency, a woman may feel a loss of appetite, increased fatigue and irritability.
- Vitamin B 12. Takes part in the processes of hematopoiesis and various biochemical reactions. Vitamin deficiency leads to the development of special types of anemia, which negatively affect the state of the bone marrow and nervous system.
- Vitamin E. Takes part in the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, acts as an antioxidant. With a deficiency, muscle pain, weakness, and spontaneous abortion may occur.
- Vitamin A. It is recommended to take the vitamin precursor, beta-carotene, to minimize the chance of overdose. Vitamin A itself takes part in many biochemical processes in the body, and with its deficiency, vision problems develop, immune defense decreases, and the condition of the epithelium worsens.
- Vitamin C. Reduces vascular fragility, prevents varicose veins, which often occurs in pregnant women. Improves resistance to infections, accelerates tissue repair due to participation in collagen synthesis. With a lack of ascorbic acid, bruising, stretch marks, and frequent colds occur.
To prevent a deficiency of most of the most important vitamins, it is recommended to take complex vitamin preparations during pregnancy. They have adjusted not only the qualitative, but also the quantitative composition, taking into account the special position of women.
Foods rich in vitamins
It is possible to maintain the health of a pregnant woman and the harmonious intrauterine development of the fetus with the help of proper nutrition. It should be varied and include the main food groups (meat, cereals, vegetables, dairy, etc.) so that a woman receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Foods that are sources of vitamins are shown in the table below:
vitamins by pregnancy
The need for different vitamins varies depending on the duration of pregnancy and the processes that occur in the body.
In the first trimester, the main emphasis should be on the intake of folic acid, vitamin E and ascorbic acid. During this period, the laying of the nervous system and the formation of internal organs take place, and the woman's immunity decreases due to hormonal changes. These vitamins will ensure the full development of the embryo, prevent pathologies of the brain, vision and hearing. It is recommended to supplement vitamins during this period with microelements - iodine and zinc.
In the second trimester, there is more need for substances that will give the mother energy, and the child - the structural material for growth. It is recommended to take vitamins A, C, E, as well as vitamin D. Additionally, the need for vital microelements - iron, zinc, iodine - increases.
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