Pregnancy is an occasion of Special Care: Begetting and nurturing of and giving birth to a new life is one of the most beautiful and meaningful experiences in the life of a woman. When being pregnant a woman has to take care of her own boyd as well as she has to eat responsible so that the growing baby gets what it needs. There is just no alternative to a diet of healthy natural food, but even the best diet might need some support in form of specific vitamin pills. The prenatal care must include a balanced diet that has all the needed vitamins and minerals. In case of deficiency of the required vitamins it is advisable to consult the care provider and follow the prescription of supplements.
Vitamins needed during Pregnancy:
Fruits, vegetables, milk products, whole grain staples are extremely important to eat during a pregnancy. Craving for Junk and fast food should be controlled for the sake of the responsibility of the pregnant woman to two lives. For protein requirements one could look for lean red meat, poultry, fish and beans which are of low-fat content. Vitamin A is one of the important vitamins needed during gestation and lactation. Vitamin A helps the process of cell differentiation and immunity building. Severe vitamin A deficiency (VAD) can cause fetal death, night blindness, and congenital defects. Overdose of vitamin intake too can result in serious health problems. A weekly supplementation of 2500 IU is safe during gestation. Beta carotene is safer as it is converted into vitamin A as much is needed. Vitamin A rich food like animal liver can be ingested occasionally and safely during pregnancy and lactation. 800 to 1000 mcg of folic acid is required in the supplement if taken. Vitamin D is important for strengthening of the bones of the fetus. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium from food. Sunshine 15 to 20 minutes twice a week helps absorb sufficient vitamin. Deficiency of D vitamin leads to osteoporosis or fractures in the children. A discrete supplement would help strengthening of bones. 70 mg of Vitamin C, 2.2 mcg of vitamin B-12, 10 mg of vitamin E beside the vitamins A and D mentioned above should be part of the supplement in case of intake of supplement. Vitamin C helps absorbing iron which is needed for the production of red blood cells in the blood.
It is the dream of every mother is to give birth to a healthy child. The health of the child depends largely on the prenatal and postnatal care. During gestation the foundation of the child's future is laid in the mother's womb. The child's immunity, proper formation of vital organs like brain and heart depends on the health condition of the expectant mother. Deficiency or over dose of vitamins can cause serious congenital complications. Proper guidance from the family health provider or a specialized doctor is of great importance for a fetus to form in to a healthy baby.
by Christoph Puetz
