PREGNANCY NUTRITION The concept of ‘healthier pregnancies’ has reinforced a positive direction to prevent fetal damages from malnutrition, infection and drug abuse. This section provides you with key facts for a healthy pregnancy.

Vitamin Sources

What are the supplements needed?

In spite of the well balanced diet, it is prudent to take certain supplements in pregnanacy like iron, calcium. Vitamins, folic acid etc. Folic acid is a vitamin B, very essential for normal growth of neural tissues in the fetus. Taken as a supplement in early pregnancy at the dose of 400 mg avoids neural tube defects like spina bifida. Studies have also proved that if taken two months before pregnancy it reduces the chances of neural tube defect by 70-80%. Women with previous history of spina bifida or neural tube defects in her child also need to take a larger dose of folic acid each day (5 milligrams or 5mg).

Later on in your pregnancy some women may need to take iron or calcium supplements. In pregnancy, you need about 30 to 60 mg of iron every day; 15 to 45 mg more than the recommended daily allowance of 15 mg.

If you are a strict vegetarian, or suffer from medical condition such as gestational diabetes, or anaemia, or if you have a history of low-birth weight babies, talk consult your doctor about any special supplements you might need.

Fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A supplements which contain retinol, the animal form of vitamin A or vitamin E can be toxic to unborn babies in large quantities. Large doses of most vitamins and minerals could be harmful to your developing baby.

Remember that unlike other organs, your baby’s brains are growing till the last trimester and even if you have gained more weight in the previous trimesters, you have to take proteins, carbohydrates and omega3 fatty acids rich food till the end for optimum brain development.

More information

1. Food group chart
2. Importance of each Nutrient
3. Why do I need Folic Acid
4. Nutrient Sources for Pure Vegetarians
5. What should I eat during gestational diabetes