Birth Defects

Vitamin Intake During Pregnancy

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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. While pregnant a woman has to take care of her own body 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.

Pregnancy Nutrition
Fruits, vegetables, milk products and whole grain staples are extremely important to eat during a pregnancy. Craving for junk and fast food should be controlled for the sake of both the mother and the baby. For protein requirements one could look for lean red meat, poultry, fish and beans which are of low-fat content or if vegetarian consume eggs and tofu. Just make sure to keep all meat and dairy organic.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is one of the more important vitamins needed during gestation and lactation. Vitamin A helps the process of cell differentiation and immunity building. Severe vitamin A deficiency can cause fetal death, night blindness, and congenital defects. Overdose of synthetic vitamin A intake can also result in serious health problems so its best to get your Vitamin A from food sources. 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.

Folic Acid
Make sure that your supplement contains at least 800 to 1000 mcg of folic acid. Most breads and cereals are fortified with this essential acid which prevents neural tube defects such a spina bifida. If you were not taking a supplement while trying to conceive then please make sure to get adequate folic acid the second you suspect you may be pregnant.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for strengthening of the bones of the fetus. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium from food. The great thing about Vitamin D is that you do not have to eat special food. Just get 10-15 minutes of sunshine a day (without sunglasses or sunscreen). You can also take a teaspoon of Cod Liver Oil a day during the winter months if you live in a northern region.

Vitamin C
A deficiency in Vitamin C can lead to osteoporosis in adults or fractures in the children.Vitamin C also helps absorb 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.

Author: Christoph Puetz
About the author: Chris Puetz is a parent since April 2005. The experience of raising a little child is incredible. Chris is sharing the parenting knowledge and pregnancy advice.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/laura_a/444031329/

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