What vitamins to take when planning a pregnancy: choosing the right complex

The foundation for the health of the expectant mother and her baby is laid with proper pregnancy planning. A variety of measures include medical examinations for both parents, health maintenance and, if necessary, lifestyle adjustments. Adopting a healthy lifestyle will be of invaluable benefit to the whole family.

This is because the health of the unborn child is influenced not only by the health and nutrition of the mother before and during pregnancy. Also very important is the diet of both parents, which they had before the conception of the child. Therefore, experts believe that potential parents should take care of getting the necessary amount of minerals and vitamins (nutrients) beforehand.

Why is it necessary to take vitamins while planning a pregnancy?

Widespread depletion of soils, the frequent removal of crops early for successful transportation leads to the fact that year by year in ordinary foods decreases the content of useful substances. Consequently, they can no longer be a source of vitamins and minerals in the right amount, even in normal times. With the onset of pregnancy, the need for nutrients increases. How deplorable the state of nutrient content can be seen from statistics.

For example, leaf lettuce is no longer considered to be the main source of calcium. Dill and parsley are also insufficient in magnesium. According to the WHO, vitamin A deficiency cannot, in principle, be compensated for by food at present. Impressive is the fact that, according to the researchers, a pregnant woman would have to eat 14 bananas a day to get her daily dose of magnesium, which in itself sounds absurd.

What causes the need to take vitamins

Taking vitamins during pregnancy planning may be the only option for women seeking to prepare their bodies for conception, carrying, giving birth to a healthy baby, and subsequent lactation. Especially in light of scientific evidence that indicates that the proper formation and development of the future child’s brain, for example, is due to the pregnant woman’s daily intake of a substance such as lutein. At the same time, it is not synthesized in the body on its own.

It is also known that nutrients are not fully absorbed from food, because they can include substances that do not allow these important elements to be absorbed. It follows that in order to provide the body with the necessary doses of minerals and vitamins it would be necessary to take 5-7 pounds of food per day, which is physically impossible. An alternative would be to take vitamin and mineral complexes before pregnancy in 3 months.

What vitamins and minerals are needed during pregnancy planning

The list of micronutrients and vitamins a woman needs when planning a pregnancy is quite extensive. It includes folic acid, nutrients A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, E, magnesium, as well as iodine, zinc, iron, lutein, calcium. It is very important to take Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) when planning pregnancy. In addition, according to the results of tests assigned to a woman, the need for other useful substances may also be established.

These may be vitamins K and H, selenium. Each of them has its own purpose and In order not to take handfuls of pills containing the necessary substances, it is better to give preference to multivitamin complexes. Among the large variety of offerings, a gynecologist will help you choose the optimal set of nutrients in terms of composition.

Vitamin A

This nutrient is involved in the creation of the bone structure of the embryo, the placenta, the production of visual pigments of the embryo. Researchers have found that the body does not always get enough of it from food, so in some cases gynecologists prescribe additional vitamin A to women in preparation for pregnancy.

This important nutrient is present in pumpkin, spinach, fish oil, broccoli, beef liver, carrots and pears. However, this substance tends to accumulate in the body. An overabundance of the nutrient in the body of the future mother can lead to fetal malformations. Therefore, if the vitamin complex containing this element is taken for a long time, it is better to postpone for a while planning to conceive a baby.

B vitamins and vitamin D

These B-group substances are the key to maintaining tone and good health. So, when planning to conceive, B6 is extremely important, because in the future it will take part in the formation of the child’s central nervous system and other organs and systems. Nutrient deficiency can provoke maternal disorders in the functioning of blood vessels and kidneys.

The great role of vitamin D during preparation for pregnancy – together with calcium it plays a significant role in the formation of strong bones of the fetus, the normal development of its skeleton. Nutrient deficiency is manifested by cramps, insomnia, decreased appetite and fatigue. Its natural sources are caviar, hard cheeses, fish oil, egg yolk, butter.

Vitamins C and E

Element C is the main antioxidant in the human body – helps the absorption of folic acid and iron, helping to strengthen blood vessels and ensure the proper functioning of endocrine glands. In addition, it stimulates the growth of collagen fibers, thereby helping women to maintain skin elasticity.

In turn, the health and elasticity of muscles supports vitamin E. This vitamin during pregnancy planning and at its onset is extremely necessary to take, because it is responsible for the proper development of the placenta and the stretching of the uterus (the volume of its cavity can increase up to 500 times). Its saturation of the body to normal levels serves as a prevention of miscarriage. However, exceeding the recommended dose of consumption is also not recommended, because it can lead to negative consequences.

Folic acid

Among the vitamins in pregnancy planning, included in special complexes, is folic acid. This is one of the important components, which is necessary for the normal functioning of germ cells. Taking folic acid even before pregnancy:

• Tangibly reduces the likelihood of developing neural tube defects in the developing fetus;
• Formation of the circulatory system;
• participates in cell division and growth.

It is necessary to continue taking folic acid in the first trimester as well. At this stage, the central nervous system of the embryo is formed. Folic acid is not produced by the body, so you need to take it additionally during planning and during pregnancy in the dosage determined by the doctor. Usually, the daily dose of folic acid supplementation is 400 mcg.

It is present in apricots, parsley, spinach, cottage cheese, beans, melons, tuna, beef, and salmon.

Magnesium and Selenium

The need for women to take magnesium in preparation for conception is due to the fact that this element is actively involved in the process of contraction of the uterine muscles, and in addition performs a number of other functions:

• regulates the endocrine system;
• stimulates the heart;
• has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system;
• provides the saturation of tissues with oxygen;
• stabilizes the gastrointestinal tract;
• prevents congenital abnormalities of the embryo.

The component is present in rye bread, peas, seafood, fish, chocolate, and eggs.

It is necessary to consume selenium, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is an immunomodulator. It increases the impact of vitamins C and E on the body, and takes part in cell division. Only a doctor should prescribe it after testing, because an excess of this trace element is toxic. Sources include porcini mushrooms, seafood, olives, nuts, buckwheat, oat groats.

Iodine and iron

Lack of such a mineral as iodine in the body of a pregnant woman negatively affects her health, and can also lead to abnormalities in the development of the nervous system of the embryo. Taking iodine-containing medications is necessary when planning to conceive, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In preparation for pregnancy, and during the first trimester, 150 mcg of iodine is the norm for a woman. In later periods, the norm is up to 220-290 mcg per day.

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When planning to conceive, taking 18 mg of regular iron is recommended to prevent the development of anemia. Liposomal iron is better metabolized than ordinary iron salts, so to eliminate its deficiency, you need less – 14 mg per day. Iron is part of hemoglobin, which delivers oxygen to all cells of the mother and fetus. Iron deficiency in the onset of conception may lead to anemia, miscarriage, and cause fetal hypoxia and delayed development.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Omega-3 is the most important element of many vitamin complexes in pregnancy planning for women. This component is actively involved in building the nervous system, eyes, brain, immunity. In addition, omega-3 helps to improve the emotional state of the expectant mother in preparation for conception and after conception, minimize various pathologies of the fetus, prevent its hypoxia.

Component of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can reduce the likelihood of thrombosis in women after conception. It is enough to receive it throughout the entire period of carrying the baby at a dose of 200 mg per day to ensure the positive development of the future child, as well as the course of pregnancy.

How to choose a vitamin complex

Choosing which vitamins to drink during pregnancy planning, a woman can read the detailed descriptions and instructions for use of many multivitamin complexes, which are posted on the Internet. For women, manufacturers have developed a sufficient number of vitamin and mineral mixes. The best vitamins are designed to be consumed during preparation for a successful conception in order to replenish the supply of missing nutrients in the body of the expectant mother.

Chances of successful attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterine wall and its engraftment significantly increase when, before pregnancy, a woman’s body is saturated with important trace elements, vitamins and other useful elements. In addition, this ensures the correct development of the child, its problem-free pregnancy and a successful birth.

The best/recommended vitamins

Acquaintance with the range and self-assessment by a woman of the usefulness of a particular complex – a necessary and useful thing. But the final word, as usual, in this matter is a doctor who will appoint vitamins during pregnancy planning based on the condition of the potential mother and taking into account the results of tests.

Upon examination, he will prescribe the best medications that are suitable for her current state of health. This can be such complexes as Solgar Prenatal Nutrients, Elevit Prenatal, Femibion Natalker I, Doppelherz active For future mothers, Vitajinal, Folio, Complivit Trimestrum 1 trimester, Pregnakea, Alphabet Mommy Health, Vitrum Prenatal Forte, 9 months Folic acid. At the top of the ratings are prenatal vitamins from both foreign and Russian manufacturers.

Vitrum Prenatal Forte.

The leader of the top best vitamins from foreign manufacturers is the American Vitrum Prenatal Forte, which contains 10 minerals and 13 vitamins. This drug is recommended during the planning of conception, as well as in the process of carrying the baby and even after a successful delivery. This multivitamin complex will allow women to avoid micronutrient deficiencies and the development of avitaminosis. Receiving the drug – after a meal, 1 tablet.

Specialists recommend taking it after breakfast. Drink only a glass of pure water. The manufacturer has provided different packaging in bottles of 30, 60, 100, 120 tablets. It is more advantageous to buy a large vial at once, because it is advisable to take them in the future, after the planned fertilization has taken place.

Elevit Pronatal

In the second position of the rating is Elevit Pronatal. The German complex contains minerals, multivitamins, trace elements. This vitamin and mineral remedy is designed for women in preparation for conception, during the process of pregnancy and after the birth of a child. All the useful components it contains in optimal proportions that are required at all stages of preparation and carrying a baby.

Means produce in the form of grayish-yellow tablets elongated shape. They are not very large, but some women still find them difficult to swallow. A separating risk on the tablet allows you to break it. The remedy is taken together with a meal or immediately after, 1 tablet a day. Drink it with a small amount of clean water.

Femibion Natalker I

The preparation Femibion Natalker I of the same German production belongs to the third place in the top of the best vitamins. This complex is recommended to be taken from the moment when a couple has had persistent thoughts of having a baby, as well as during the first trimester from the moment when the fetus is attached and engrafted in the uterine cavity. This supplement contains a compound of iodine and 9 basic nutrients.

The drug is made in the form-factor of coated small almond-shaped tablets. They are easy to swallow and have a light peach color. The daily dosing regimen is 1 tablet, wash down with a small amount of clean water. The remedy is comfortable for the stomach, provides the body with all the necessary substances at the stage of planning for conception.

Complivit Trimestrum 1 trimester

The top three Russian vitamins in pregnancy planning is headed by Complivit Trimestrum 1 trimester. For a woman’s body at the stage of planning and during the first months after conception of a child, the composition of this preparation is optimal due to its balance of 8 minerals + 12 vitamins + lutein and lipoic acid. The proportions of these components are chosen specifically to prepare for conception and the first trimester of pregnancy.

The complex includes a sufficient amount of B9 and iodine, and other components in adequate proportions. The drug is a not very large round tablets coated with a white shell. Regimen of reception and dosing – immediately after a meal or with a meal 1 tablet a day. Do not leave a bad taste in the mouth.

Alphabet of mommy’s health.

The second line in the ranking of Russian best vitamins for pregnancy planning takes the complex Alphabet Mamino Health. It contains 11 minerals, 13 nutrients and taurine in supplements. The manufacturer has developed the dosage of the active components in accordance with the needs of the woman’s body, planning to conceive and carry a child in the near future.

The daily dose of vitamin and mineral complex includes 3 colorful tablets. Recently, experts have begun to pay more attention to the separate and combined use of the useful components, which has a beneficial effect on their absorption by the body. The tablets are easy to swallow, they are small in size. The optimal dose is three times a day. If you miss another serving, it is possible to take 2 at once.

9 months Folic Acid

This complex closes the top three Russian-made vitamins. During the planning of conception, 9 months Folic Acid is an exceptionally necessary drug. Modern women are aware that it will not be possible to make up for the lack of folic acid, which at conception and nurture the body will need a lot, one proper diet.

Each tablet contains 400 mcg of B9 nutrient. The form of release of such folic acid – small yellow tablets, which do not traumatize the throat while swallowing comfortably. During the 2-3 months before the planned conception is sufficient to carry out the intake of the drug once a day. The use of the complex will prevent the risk of fetal neural tube defects. If conception has occurred, it can be supplemented with omegamama and potassium iodide.