Expecting women need to take extra attention during pregnancy. It is not only their own health but the health of the growing fetus is affected if proper care is not taken. Eating a healthy diet rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals is utmost important. Failing to do so may cause birth defect in child which they have to suffer the entire life.
So being a responsible would-be mother, you should make sure that you consume essential vitamins during pregnancy to bless your child with a healthy life forever. And to guide you, presenting here is a list of vitamins that are important for a healthy growth for your child in the womb.
Essential Vitamins For Pregnancy
Iron
Iron is very essential for the growing baby as well as for the expecting mother. Adequate iron level in the body confirms healthy blood and prevents anemia. Sufficient iron prevents women from excessive bleeding during delivery and also helps the baby to produce healthy blood during initial months after birth.Nowadays, doctor recommends taking iron supplement during pregnancy to avoid low birth weight and premature birth. Whereas, iron is found in large quantity in foods like beef, dry fruits, spinach, oatmeal, wheat germ and dried beans.
Folic Acid
Folic acid or folate is necessary to prevent anemia in expecting mother and birth defects like spina bifida and other neural tube defects in new born baby. Doctors advise to start the intake of folic acid if you are planning to get pregnant. Otherwise, you should take folic acid during first few months of the pregnancy.You should also consume the foods rich in folic acid like green and leafy vegetables, meat, fish, peas, beans, eggs and sunflower seeds along with supplements. Recommended dose of folic acid supplements is 400 mcg per day.
Calcium
Pregnant or not, calcium is a lifelong vitamin for women. And during pregnancy, it becomes more important to take calcium. Calcium helps in the development of strong bone, muscles and teeth of the baby and also prevents blood clots.Recommended calcium dose is 1,000 to 1,300 mg. Foods rich in calcium includes yogurt, milk, cheese, cereals, dark green vegetables and sardines.
Iodine
Deficiency of iron causes cretinism in child and thyroid problem in expecting mother. So, it is important to furnish the body with adequate amount of iodine during pregnancy. The handiest way to consume iodine is using iodized salt for cooking food which is easily available in grocery stores labeled as ‘Iodized salt’.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is also an essential nutrient for the growing baby. It helps to promote the healthy development of bones and teeth and assist to fight viral or bacterial infection. Deficiency of vitamin A results in night blindness in baby or may even cause blindness. So, women should take a lot of vitaminA during pregnancy as well as during breast feeding to prevent vitamin A deficiency. Best food sources of vitamin A are liver, milk, carrots, spinach, green and yellow vegetables, and broccoli. Make sure you include these foods in your diet and talk to your doctor to recommend a dose for vitamin A supplement.
