Is it true that prenatal vitamins are really needed for pregnant women? & bull; hello healthy

As we already know, the nutritional needs of pregnant women have increased a lot during pregnancy. Although it can be obtained from food intake, it is not uncommon for pregnant women to still lack certain nutrients. On this basis, vitamins for pregnant women (prenatal vitamins) are needed during pregnancy. However, should all pregnant women take these supplements or vitamins?

What are vitamins for pregnant women (prenatal vitamins)?

Prenatal vitamins or also called prenatal supplements are routine intake for pregnant women with the vitamins and minerals needed before and during pregnancy.

Prenatal vitamins generally contain three important nutrients, namely folic acid, iron and calcium.

This is because the need for these three nutrients has increased during pregnancy so that it is needed by pregnant women.

Folic acid is needed to prevent birth defects in babies because folic acid plays an important role in the early formation of the brain and spinal cord.

Meeting the needs of folic acid before pregnancy until a few weeks after pregnancy is highly recommended for pregnant women to prevent birth defects in babies.

Synthetic folic acid is more easily absorbed by the body than naturally occurring folic acid found in food.

Iron also increases during pregnancy due to increased maternal blood volume. This iron plays a role in delivering oxygen to mother and baby.

Iron deficiency during pregnancy can cause the mother to suffer from iron deficiency anemia.

This condition can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight (LBW) in infants, to infant death.

Calcium for pregnant women is also needed to prevent loss of maternal bone density because calcium stores are used by babies for bone growth.

In addition to bone growth, calcium is also needed for dental growth, muscle health, nerve health, and heart function in babies.

However, apart from nutrition for pregnant women in the form of iron, folic acid, and calcium, there are also prenatal vitamins for pregnant women that contain other nutrients.

Other nutrients that can also be contained in prenatal vitamins for pregnant women are vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and iodine.

The American Pregnancy Association explains that prenatal vitamins can consist of a combination of various kinds of nutrients.

What vitamins do pregnant women need?

Actually, there is no standard standard for what vitamins and minerals should be in a prenatal supplement for pregnant women.

The choice of pregnancy vitamins with ingredients in them can be tailored to your needs.

You can consult with your doctor first before deciding to choose and take prenatal vitamins.

Your doctor will adjust your pregnancy vitamins based on your body's condition and needs.

Usually, the content in prenatal vitamins that pregnant women definitely need is folic acid, calcium, and iron.

This is because the body is unable to meet these needs if it only depends on food sources for pregnant women.

Who really needs prenatal vitamins?

Nutritional needs during pregnancy are sometimes insufficient if only met from daily food and drink.

That is why pregnant women need prenatal vitamins to help meet the increased nutritional needs during pregnancy.

There are many benefits that pregnant women can get by diligently taking prenatal vitamins, especially for pregnant women who have taken these vitamins or supplements before pregnancy.

Prenatal vitamins are especially important for pregnant women who have certain conditions or complications during pregnancy, such as:

Vegetarian or vegan moms
Mothers who have lactose intolerance or intolerance to other types of food
The mother who smokes
Mothers who have blood-related diseases
Mothers who have eating disorders
Mothers suffering from chronic diseases
Mothers who have had gastric surgery
Mothers who are pregnant with twins

However, what you have to remember is that this prenatal vitamin for pregnant women is only a supplement to your daily diet and is not a substitute.

So, if you only rely on your nutritional intake from vitamins for pregnant women during pregnancy, your vitamin and mineral needs will not be fulfilled optimally.

Since when is it necessary to take prenatal vitamins for pregnant women?

Launching from the Planned Parenthood page, ideally you can start taking this prenatal vitamin at least 1 month before becoming pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

This is because the first few weeks of pregnancy are an important time to support the development of the baby's brain, spinal cord, and neural tube.

If the nutritional intake you get from food cannot meet your daily needs, your baby is at risk for birth defects.

Furthermore, continue to take prenatal vitamins for pregnant women regularly during pregnancy.

Are there any side effects of taking vitamins for pregnant women?

The side effects of prenatal vitamins for pregnant women can sometimes result in nausea and constipation, although not always.

If you experience this condition while regularly taking supplements or prenatal vitamins for pregnancy, you should consult your doctor further.

Your doctor can recommend a brand or type of vitamin that is suitable for you.

Prenatal vitamins are usually available in tablet or capsule form so it can be adjusted according to your taste.

How do you take vitamins for pregnant women to avoid nausea?

Taking prenatal vitamins can sometimes make pregnant women nauseous, either because they are not used to taking capsules or tablets or the influence of pregnancy hormones.

In order to still be able to take prenatal vitamins during pregnancy without nausea, here are ways you can do:

1. Do not leave the stomach empty before taking vitamins

Vitamins are needed for pregnant women to increase their intake of nutrients from food. Generally, mothers with early gestational age find it difficult to receive food, so taking vitamins is expected to help increase nutrition for the mother and the baby.

However, before taking supplements or vitamins for pregnant women, make sure your stomach is slightly filled with food.

Try eating small cakes or bread with small portions so that the stomach becomes more used to it and does not immediately reject the incoming vitamins.

2. Eat a small spoon of sweet sugar

The bitter taste, mats, and dense vitamins sometimes feel difficult to swallow and can cause nausea reactions in pregnant women.

When experiencing this, try eating a teaspoon of pure sugar in the mouth to get rid of the bitter taste after ingesting supplements or vitamins for pregnant women.

3. Choose vitamins with favorite taste

By using a preferred taste, one's body will accept a little if the sense of taste is obtained.

When it comes to buying vitamins, it's best to choose a vitamin with a taste that you like.

4. Drink warm water with lemon juice

Before you drink vitamins, it's a good idea to drink warm water with lemon juice and add a little honey.

Warm water can relax tense muscles in the body so that it can receive vitamin granules from the esophagus to the stomach later.

The lemon aroma can also relax the body. In addition, the vitamin C content of lemon is very beneficial for the body and the baby in the womb.

5. Consume cold fruit before taking vitamins

If after trying the various methods above but you still feel nauseous, try eating cold fruit before taking vitamins or supplements for pregnant women during this pregnancy.

It is hoped that the cool sensation and refreshing taste of the fruit can get rid of nausea after taking vitamins later.