The foundation of the future mother’s and baby’s health is laid with proper pregnancy planning. A variety of measures includes a medical examination of both parents, maintaining health, and if necessary, lifestyle adjustments. Adopting a healthy lifestyle as a basis will be invaluable to the whole family.
This is because the future child’s health is influenced not only by the mother’s health and nutrition before and during pregnancy. The diet of both parents, even before conception, is also very important. Therefore, experts believe that potential parents should take care of obtaining the necessary amount of minerals and vitamins (nutrients) in advance.
The widespread soil depletion, frequent premature harvesting for successful transportation, results in a yearly decrease in the nutrient content of regular foods. Consequently, they can no longer be a source of vitamins and trace elements in the necessary amount even in normal times. With the onset of pregnancy, the need for nutrients increases. How dire the nutrient content situation is can be observed from the statistics.
For instance, lettuce is no longer considered a primary source of calcium. Supplies of magnesium in dill and parsley are also insufficient. According to WHO, vitamin A deficiency can no longer be compensated for by food products alone. It is striking that, according to researchers, a pregnant woman would need to eat 14 bananas a day to obtain the daily dose of magnesium, which in itself sounds absurd.
Taking vitamins when planning a pregnancy can become the only solution for women striving to prepare their bodies for conception, carrying, birthing a healthy child, and subsequent lactation. Especially in light of scientific data indicating that the proper formation and development of a future child’s brain, for instance, depends on the pregnant woman receiving the daily intake of substances like lutein. However, it is not synthesized in the body independently.
It is also known that nutrients from food are not fully absorbed, as they may include substances that prevent these vital elements from being absorbed. This implies that to provide the body with the required doses of minerals and vitamins, one would need to consume 5-7 kg of food per day, which is physically impossible. An alternative is to take vitamin-mineral complexes three months before pregnancy.
The list of essential micronutrients and vitamins for women planning 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. Additionally, based on tests prescribed for the woman, the need for other beneficial substances may be determined.
These can include vitamins K and H, selenium. Each has its own purpose, and to avoid taking handfuls of pills containing necessary substances, it’s better to prefer multivitamin complexes. Among the wide range of options, a gynecologist can help select the optimal set of nutrients.
This nutrient is involved in the formation of the embryo’s bone structure, the placenta, and the production of visual pigments in the fetus. Researchers have established that it does not always enter the body in sufficient amounts from food, which is why, in some cases, gynecologists prescribe vitamin A to women during the pre-pregnancy stage.
This important nutrient is present in pumpkin, spinach, fish oil, broccoli, beef liver, carrots, and pears. However, this substance has the property of accumulating in the body. An excess of the nutrient in the body of a future mother can lead to fetal developmental defects. Therefore, if a vitamin complex containing this element is taken for a long time, it is better to postpone planning the conception of a child for a while.
These B group substances are key to maintaining tone and well-being. Thus, when planning conception, B6 is extremely important, as it will be involved in the future in forming the child’s central nervous system and other organs and systems. A nutrient deficiency can provoke vascular and kidney function disorders in the mother.
Vitamin D plays a significant role during preparation for childbearing—together with calcium, it plays a significant role in the formation of the fetus’s strong bones and normal skeletal development. A nutrient deficiency manifests as cramps, insomnia, reduced appetite, and fatigue. Its natural sources include caviar, hard cheeses, fish oil, egg yolk, and butter.
Element C for the human body acts as the main antioxidant – it aids in the absorption of folic acid and iron, helping to strengthen blood vessels and ensuring the proper functioning of endocrine glands. Additionally, it stimulates the growth of collagen fibers, thus helping women maintain skin elasticity.
In turn, vitamin E supports muscle health and elasticity. This vitamin is extremely necessary when planning pregnancy and upon its onset, as it is responsible for the proper development of the placenta and the stretching of the uterus (its cavity volume can increase up to 500 times). Saturating the body with it to a normal level serves as a miscarriage prevention. However, exceeding the recommended consumption dose is also not advised, as it can lead to negative consequences.
Among the vitamins for preconception, included in special complexes, is folic acid. It is one of the essential components necessary for the normal functioning of reproductive cells. Taking folic acid even before pregnancy:
It is mandatory to continue taking folic acid in the first trimester. At this stage, the formation of the embryo’s central nervous system occurs. Folic acid is not produced by the body, so it needs to be taken additionally during planning and during pregnancy in a dosage determined by the doctor. The usual daily dose of additional folic acid intake is 400 mcg.
Present in apricots, parsley, spinach, cottage cheese, beans, melons, tuna, beef, salmon.
The necessity for women to take magnesium when preparing for conception is due to the fact that this element actively participates in the process of uterine muscle contractions, in addition to performing a number of other functions:
The component is found in rye bread, peas, seafood, fish, chocolate, eggs.
It is necessary to consume selenium, which has anti-inflammatory properties and acts as an immunomodulator. It enhances the effects of vitamins C and E in the body and participates in cell division. It is prescribed only by a doctor after tests, as the trace element is toxic in excess. Sources include porcini mushrooms, seafood, olives, nuts, buckwheat, and oats.
A deficiency of a mineral like iodine in a pregnant woman’s body negatively affects her health and can lead to developmental abnormalities of the embryo’s nervous system. The intake of iodine-containing supplements is necessary when planning conception, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. When preparing for pregnancy and during the first trimester, the norm for a woman is 150 micrograms of iodine. At later stages, the norm is up to 220-290 micrograms per day.
When planning conception, it is recommended to take 18 mg of regular iron to prevent the development of anemia. Liposomal iron is absorbed better than its regular salts, thus less is needed to eliminate the deficiency – 14 mg per day is sufficient. Iron is a component of hemoglobin, which delivers oxygen to all the cells of both mother and fetus. Iron deficiency at the onset of conception can lead to anemia, miscarriage, causes fetal hypoxia, and delays in its development.
Omega-3 is an essential element in many vitamin complexes when planning pregnancy for women. This component actively participates in the formation of the nervous system, eyes, brain, and immunity. Additionally, Omega-3 helps improve the emotional state of the future mother when preparing for conception and after it, minimizes various fetal pathologies, and prevents hypoxia.
The component Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can reduce the likelihood of thrombosis in women after conception. It is sufficient to take 200 mg per day throughout pregnancy to ensure the positive development of the future child and the course of pregnancy.
When choosing which vitamins to take while planning pregnancy, women can familiarize themselves with detailed descriptions and instructions for use of many multivitamin complexes available online. Manufacturers have developed a sufficient number of vitamin-mineral mixes for women. The best vitamins are intended to be taken during preparation for successful conception to replenish the reserve of missing beneficial substances in the body of the future mother.
The chances of a fertilized egg successfully attaching to the uterine wall and implanting significantly increase when a woman’s body is enriched with important trace elements, vitamins, and other beneficial components before pregnancy. Furthermore, this ensures the correct development of the child, trouble-free carrying of the pregnancy, and a successful birth.
Best/recommended vitamins
Becoming acquainted with the selection and independently assessing the usefulness of this or that complex is necessary and valuable for a woman. However, as usual, the final word on this matter belongs to the doctor, who will prescribe vitamins while planning pregnancy based on the condition of the potential mother and taking into account the test results.
After the examination, he will prescribe her the best medications that suit her current health condition. These might include complexes like Solgar Prenatal Nutrients, Elevit Pronatal, Femibion Natalcare I, Doppelherz aktiv For Expectant Mothers, Vitazhenal, Folio, Complivit Trimester 1 trimester, Pregnakea, Alphabet Mom’s Health, Vitrum Prenatal Forte, 9 Months Folic Acid. Leading the ratings are vitamins for pregnancy preparation from both foreign and Russian manufacturers.
The leader among the TOP best vitamins from foreign manufacturers is the American Vitrum Prenatal Forte, which contains 10 minerals and 13 vitamins. This product is recommended for conception planning, during pregnancy, and even after successful childbirth. This multivitamin complex will help women avoid micronutrient deficiencies and the development of avitaminosis. Take the medication after meals, one tablet at a time.
Experts recommend taking it after breakfast. Drink only with a glass of clean water. The manufacturer offers different packaging in bottles of 30, 60, 100, and 120 tablets. It is more cost-effective to purchase a large bottle right away since it is advisable to continue taking them even after the planned fertilization has occurred.
In second place in the ranking is Elevit Pronatal. This German complex contains minerals, multivitamins, and trace elements. This vitamin-mineral remedy is intended for women during the preparation for conception, during pregnancy, and after childbirth. All beneficial components are present in optimal proportions necessary for all stages of preparation and pregnancy.
The remedy is released in the form of grayish-yellow oblong tablets. They are not very large; however, some women still find them hard to swallow. A dividing score on the tablet allows it to be broken. The remedy is taken with meals or immediately after, one tablet per day. It should be washed down with a small amount of clean water.
The German-manufactured Femibion Natalcare I also holds third place in the TOP best vitamins. This complex is recommended from the moment a couple has persistent thoughts about starting a family, as well as throughout the first trimester from when the fetus has implanted and settled in the uterine cavity. This supplement contains an iodine compound and 9 essential nutrients.
The product is manufactured in the form factor of small almond-shaped tablets with a coated shell. They are easy to swallow and have a light peach color. The daily dosage regimen is 1 tablet, taken with a small amount of clean water. The supplement is gentle on the stomach and provides the body with all the necessary substances at the stage of conception planning.
The leading Russian vitamin for pregnancy planning is Complivit Trimesterum 1st Trimester. For a woman’s body at the planning stage and in the first months after conception, the composition of this supplement is optimal due to its balance – 8 minerals + 12 vitamins + lutein and lipoic acid. The proportions of these components are specifically selected for preparation for conception and the first trimester of pregnancy.
The complex includes a sufficient amount of B9 and iodine, with other components in adequate proportions. The supplement consists of moderately-sized round tablets covered with a white coating. The intake and dosing regimen is immediately after a main meal or during a meal, 1 tablet per day. They do not leave an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth.
The second place in the ranking of the best Russian vitamins for pregnancy planning is occupied by the complex Alphabet Mom’s Health. It contains 11 minerals, 13 nutrients, and taurine. The manufacturer has developed the dosage of active components in accordance with the needs of a woman’s body planning conception and carrying a child in the near future.
The daily dosage of the vitamin-mineral complex includes 3 differently colored tablets. Recently, specialists have been paying more attention to the separate and combined intake of beneficial components, which positively affects their absorption by the body. The tablets are easy to swallow, as they are small in size. The optimal intake is 3 times a day. If a dose is missed, taking 2 at once is possible.
This complex ranks among the top three Russian-made vitamins. During conception planning, 9 months of Folic Acid is an exceptionally necessary supplement. Modern women understand that it is not possible to compensate for the deficiency of folic acid, which the body will need a lot of during conception and pregnancy, with just proper nutrition.
Each tablet contains 400 mcg of nutrient B9. The form of this folic acid is small yellow tablets that do not irritate the throat when swallowed comfortably. For 2-3 months before the planned conception, it is sufficient to take the supplement once a day. Using the complex will prevent the risk of developing neural tube defects in the fetus. If conception occurs, it can be supplemented with Omega Mama and potassium iodide.
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