Congratulations, you’re pregnant! But now what? What is it that you need to do during the prenatal stage to ensure you are growing a healthy baby? There are many supplements out there, and only a few that your doctor or midwife may suggest you take. Good nutrition is important, but it becomes critically essential during pregnancy. Here is a breakdown of which supplements are best during pregnancy:
Prenatal Vitamins
This is what every doctor and midwife will recommend. In fact, it is quite mandatory to take during the prenatal and even postpartum stages – if you are breastfeeding. Be sure the prenatal vitamin is a two or three a day type. These vitamins are full of nutrients, which is important for mom and baby. Growing a human is incredibly nutrient intensive, and it is even hard for a healthy mom to get all the nutrients needed. Our bodies can only digest a certain amount of vitamins and minerals each time. It is very hard to digest a full day’s amount of nutrients in a “once a day” pill. Therefore, it is better to buy a two-a-day, or even better a “three-a-day” prenatal vitamin so that our bodies can properly digest the given nutrients for that time of day.
Here are the brands I recommend:
Progressive
CanPrev
SISU
New Chapter
Folic acid/folate
This does not need to be taken as a separate pill. All prenatal pills will include folic acid/folate in their list of nutrients, however, I want to point out that it is important for the mom to get a minimum of 400mcg of folic acid in her daily intake of prenatal vitamins. This is especially important during the first trimester as it can help prevent birth defects in the brain and spinal chord. If you are required by your doctor or midwife to take additional folic acid supplements, see below for the brands I like.
Here are the brands I recommend:
SISU
New Roots
Vitamin D
This is an important vitamin to take during pregnancy for many reasons. Research has shown that vitamin D supplements during pregnancy, especially if the mother lives in a climate where it is not sunny all year round, can help cut pregnancy risks. Not only does it help your body to absorb calcium, which is what it is primarily known for, but it may contribute to an easier labour and recovery for the mother.
Here are the brands I recommend:
CanPrev
New Roots
Probiotics and Fish Oils
A recent study has observed that if the mother takes probiotic and/or fish oil supplements while pregnant, there may be a lower risk of complications such as premature birth or preeclampsia. In addition, it may help boost the immunity of the baby, as well as lower the allergen risk, quite significantly, to foods such as eggs and peanuts in their first 12 months of life.
Here are the brands I recommend:
Probiotics
Fish Oils
If you are pregnant and are considering taking any additional supplementation, be sure to talk to you doctor or midwife first.
References:
www.sciencedaily.com
