Equipping People To Make Sense Of What They Are Told
Pregnancy & Supplements
The health of a pregnant women and her developing child may be compromised if her
pre-pregnancy diet as well as her diet throughout the pregnancy is deficient in essential
nutrients. Does a women need to take supplements during pregnancy?
Folic Acid vitamin B9 is a vitamin which occurs naturally in certain foods. However,
a good supply is needed when pregnant, this helps with the development of the baby.
When a baby’s spine doesn’t develop properly in the womb, it's born with what's known
as a neural tube defect (NTD). A well-known NTD is a condition called spina bifida.
This can potentially happen during any pregnancy.
Taking folic acid in early pregnancy reduces the risk of having a baby born with
a spinal cord problem such as spina bifida. There is also evidence that folic acid
also reduces the risk of having a baby born with a cleft lip and palate, a heart
defect (congenital heart disease), and the risk of a premature (pre-term or early)
labour.
If there is an increased risk of having a child with a spinal cord problem then a
higher dose may be required. If problems exist such as:
A previously affected pregnancy.
A spinal cord defect in either or both the woman and man.
Taking medication for epilepsy.
Coeliac disease.
Diabetes.
Sickle cell anaemia - a type of blood disorder that occurs when the sickle cell gene
causes the body to create abnormal hemoglobin. After giving up its oxygen, the hemoglobin
turns rod-like or crescent-shaped in appearance. It forms clumps with other hemoglobin
molecules and becomes stiff. They clog up the blood vessels, restricting blood flow.
Thalassaemia - an inherited blood disorder, which leads to severely diminished production
of haemoglobin.
Ideally, start taking folic acid tablets before becoming pregnant. The common advice
is to start from the time you plan to become pregnant. If the pregnancy is unplanned
then start taking folic acid tablets as soon as you know that you are pregnant.
A recent study looked at the effect of taking folic acid for a year prior to becoming
pregnant. This study looked at the effect folic acid had on reducing pre-term labour
and delivery of the baby. The study found a significant decrease in the rate of pre-term
delivery for women who took folic acid for one year prior to becoming pregnant. So,
you may consider taking folic acid tablets before you plan to become pregnant.
Supplements are recommended for all pregnant women, and breastfeeding women. Either
as a calcium + vitamin D tablet, or as a multivitamin tablet suitable for use in
pregnancy.
It is considered by some that women who get little or no sunshine on their skin require
a higher dose than that recommended. Although there is a small amount of vitamin
D in some foods, most vitamin D that we get naturally is produced endogenously when
ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis. Whether
vitamin D is obtained from sun exposure, food, or supplements it will be biologically
inert and must be converted by the body to become active. Vitamin D is a fat soluble
vitamin and excess is stored in the body. The amount of vitamin required differs
from person to person and the vitamin can be toxic if excessive amounts are consumed.
Iron.
If you are short of iron, you’re likely to get very tired and may suffer from anaemia.
Routine blood tests that are done during pregnancy will detect anaemia and the problem
would need to be rectified.
Note
Be aware of Iron overload
Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is needed to help absorb iron. If your iron levels are low, it may help
to drink orange juice with an iron-rich meal.
Calcium.
Calcium is vital for making your baby's bones and teeth.
Note
Pregnant women can get free prescriptions and vitamins (UK).
