Which Supplements Should You Take During Pregnancy?

Few experiences in a woman’s life are as demanding as nine months of pregnancy. From fluctuating hormones to increased nutritional needs, every aspect of pregnancy can feel overwhelming. That’s why proper nutrition, including the right supplements, is crucial to ensure both mother and baby remain healthy. 

So, mums-to-be, we’re here to guide you in making smart choices that boost both your health and your baby’s during this exciting journey. Let’s dive into the essential supplement ingredients that will get you through to the even more incredible adventure of motherhood!

Folic Acid

Folic Acid is a must-have for anyone expecting a baby. It’s a simple, effective way to give your baby the best start, ensuring healthy development from day one.

It’s advised to start taking this essential B vitamin as soon as you begin trying to conceive and continue through the first three months of pregnancy. This is because it helps to prevent neural tube defects, which affect the spine and brain of your baby and can occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before you even know you’re pregnant. 

Iron

As your body works overtime during pregnancy to now support two humans, your blood volume increases. Consequently, iron is needed to produce healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your system. Without enough iron, you may feel more tired, weak, or even develop anaemia, which can lead to complications like premature birth or low birth weight.

Iodine

Iodine is essential for producing maternal and foetal thyroid hormones. For mothers, low thyroid levels can zap your energy and dampen your mood, making pregnancy that bit hard. Meanwhile for the baby it can hinder healthy brain development and disrupt the nervous system. 

This lack of development through insufficient iodine levels, has significant risks ranging from overall developmental delays to lower intelligence in the baby. 

By making sure you’re getting enough iodine, you’re helping set the foundation for your baby’s cognitive health and giving your body the support it needs.

Calcium

As your little one’s bones and teeth are busy developing, especially during the crucial third trimester, calcium steps in as the ultimate builder, ensuring they are strong and healthy. But a lack of calcium won’t just affect your baby as your body will start borrowing it from your own bones, which can leave you feeling extremely weak over time.

Calcium also keeps the heart, muscles, and nerves functioning properly in both you and your baby. For instance, getting enough calcium can help reduce the risk of pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, a condition linked to high blood pressure. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D first and foremost helps your body absorb calcium, which, as just mentioned, is essential for building your baby’s bones and teeth.

But the benefits don’t stop there! Adequate vitamin D levels can also help regulate maternal-foetal immune responses and reduce the risk of complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. 

Low levels of vitamin D have also been linked to risks such as preterm birth and low birth weight, so ensuring you get enough of this nutrient is crucial for when the nine months is up.

Zinc

Zinc is a superhero mineral during pregnancy! It’s essential for your baby’s overall growth, helping to build their organs, tissues, and skeleton, while also supporting their nervous and circulatory systems. This essential mineral also aids in the formation of cells, enzymes and DNA. Think of it as the architect and builder of your baby’s developing body, ensuring everything is in tip-top shape!

But that’s not all—zinc is also a powerhouse for your immune system, acting as a shield to protect both you and your baby from pesky infections. By keeping your defences strong, zinc helps create a safe and healthy environment for your baby to thrive.

Choline

Choline plays a crucial role in your baby’s brain and nervous system development. It helps form neurotransmitters and supports the creation of neuronal membranes, which are vital for cognitive function and memory.

Choline is also a champion for healthy placental function, which is needed for waste removal, hormone production and stress production. 

Docosahexaenoic Acid

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the brain-boosting superhero your baby needs! This vital omega-3 fatty acid supports your baby’s brain and eye development and as a key building block of these organs, adequate intake of it is linked to improved cognitive function and visual acuity in children.

DHA isn’t just a brain booster, it’s also your trusty sidekick in reducing the risk of pregnancy-related challenges! It helps lower the chances of preterm birth and helps to keep postpartum depression at bay. With DHA on your team, you’re not only nurturing you’re setting yourself up for a smoother and more uplifting journey through pregnancy and beyond!

Vitamin B6

Playing a vital role in protein metabolism, Vitamin B6 helps the body utilise amino acids effectively for growth and development. Of course, this is particularly prevalent during pregnancy as the baby’s tissues, organs, and immune system are developing rapidly.

Vitamin B6 is also a great ally for mothers! It is known to help alleviate common pregnancy-related symptoms, such as morning sickness and nausea, providing much-needed relief for mothers during the first trimester. It also supports the production of neurotransmitters, which are important for mood regulation, helping to maintain emotional balance during the major hormonal shifts of pregnancy.