When you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s especially important to make sure you’re getting enough of certain nutrients. Your body needs these nutrients for the baby’s growth and development, and supplements, such as those from Douglas Laboratories, can help you gain these nutrients in a healthy way. Keep reading to find out which supplements you need for the optimal health of you and your baby.
Iron
There are a number of reasons why pregnant or breastfeeding women need iron tablets. During pregnancy, the mother’s body needs more iron to support the growth of the baby. The baby also takes up a lot of iron from the mother’s blood, which can lead to anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue and make it difficult for the mother to get the energy she needs to take care of herself and her baby. Iron is also necessary for the production of breast milk. A lack of iron can lead to a decrease in the amount of breast milk the mother produces. This can cause problems for the baby, who may not get enough nutrition from breast milk. Pro tip: To make breastfeeding more comfortable, purchase a sleeping bra to relax in in-between sessions.
Calcium
Around 50% of women in the UK do not get the recommended daily intake of calcium (1000mg/day) from their diet. This is especially common in pregnant and breastfeeding women who need around 1300mg/day. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, normal blood clotting, and muscle function. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need extra calcium to support the growth and development of their babies. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and find it difficult to meet your calcium needs from food alone, you may need to take a supplement.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin and is mainly found in leafy green vegetables and fruits. It is very important for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding to have enough folic acid in their diet. Folic acid helps to prevent birth defects in the baby’s brain and spine. It is also important for the baby’s overall growth and development. A pregnant woman needs 400 micrograms (mcg) of folate (a form of folic acid) a day. A woman who is breastfeeding needs 500 mcg of folate a day. Some pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding may need to take a folic acid pill to make sure they are getting enough.
Vitamin B12
Most pregnant and breastfeeding women know that they need to take prenatal vitamins to ensure their baby’s health. But many don’t realize that one of the most important vitamins for a baby’s development is folic acid and that pregnant and breastfeeding women need to supplement their diets with vitamin B12 to make sure they get enough. Even if a woman is taking a prenatal vitamin that contains folate, she may not be getting enough. That’s because the body doesn’t absorb folate from food as well as it absorbs synthetic folic acid. So pregnant women need to make sure they’re also taking a vitamin B12 tablet, which contains synthetic folic acid. Vitamin B12 is important for pregnant women because it helps to prevent anemia.
Vitamin D
There is a lot of research that suggests that pregnant and breastfeeding women need more Vitamin D than the average person. One study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that nearly all pregnant women and nearly half of breastfeeding women in the United States are Vitamin D deficient. There are a few reasons why pregnant and breastfeeding women need more Vitamin D than the average person. For one, pregnant and breastfeeding women need more Vitamin D to support their own health. But pregnant and breastfeeding women also need more Vitamin D to support their baby’s health. Vitamin D is important for the baby’s growth and development, and it helps keep the baby’s immune system strong.
Overall, it is important to take supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding to ensure that both you and your child are getting the appropriate nutrients. Some specific supplements that are especially important include the listed ones above.
