The vitamin furthermore influences:

• the child's intellectual development,
• susceptibility to infections,
• the nervous system.

Giving birth to a child with a vitamin D3 deficiency results in dangerous consequences later in life, among others.

• poor bone mineralisation (e.g. development of rickets),
• increased risk of type I diabetes,
• autoimmune diseases.

In Poland, vitamin D3 deficiency is almost universal. Studies show that it occurs in almost 100% of pregnant women and newborns.

Important! Pregnant women should provide their bodies with 20 - 25 µg of vitamin D3 per day from the second trimester until the end of pregnancy.

IV. Iodine

The proper functioning of the thyroid gland, the organ responsible for the development of the baby's brain and bones, depends on an adequate supply of iodine. Deficiencies of this element are the cause:

• intellectual retardation,
• abnormal psychomotor development.

The period of the first 10 weeks after conception is important for the proper development of the child in the mother's womb - during this period, the foetus does not yet have its own developed thyroid gland and must take up the hormone from the mother's organism. During this period, all organs (including the brain) develop most intensively.

Important! The Polish Gynaecological Society recommends that pregnant women consume 150 µg of iodine per day.

V. Iron

Deficiency of this element is quite common in pregnant women - it leads to anaemia. The consequences of too little iron in the body are serious not only during pregnancy, but also later on for the child (poorer intellectual abilities).

Important! Supplementation with iron compounds should be carried out in women before conception and then restarted after the 8th week of pregnancy.

Supplementation with this element is recommended for pregnant women who are at risk of developing anaemia (e.g. vegetarians, women with absorption disorders).

Important! The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology recommends that pregnant women provide their bodies with 27 milligrams of iron per day.

Elements in pregnancy

There is a sizable group of elements that have a significant impact on the state of pregnancy and the development of the foetus.

Zinc

A deficiency of this element can have serious consequences, including

• risk of preterm birth
• low birth weight of the newborn,
• complications during childbirth (e.g. prolonged labour).

Copper

Essential element for red blood cell production, metabolism of nerve, connective and bone tissue.

Important! Copper is closely linked to the metabolism of iron (necessary for proper iron absorption).

Copper deficiency leads to anaemia in pregnant women, children.

Magnesium

The element is an activator of many enzyme systems as well as energy metabolism in the cell. It supports bone development.

Calcium and phosphorus

The basis of bone structure and teeth. Calcium deficiency causes osteopenia and osteoporosis. Women's calcium requirements increase during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, as well as during lactation. The risk of calcium deficiency increases in multiparous women.

Studies have shown that calcium intake during pregnancy lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of premature birth.

Vitamins in pregnancy

Vitamins important during pregnancy are:

Vitamin A

Is an antioxidant (counteracts metabolic disorders caused by free radicals). Enables normal retinal function (deficiency can lead to impaired adaptation of the eye to darkness).

Vitamin K

A nutrient that interacts with vitamin D. Contributes to the normal production and clotting of blood. Supports the maintenance of healthy bones.

B vitamins

Important for the normal functioning of the nervous system (B6, B12), support the immune system (B6, B12, folic acid). Also involved in the regulation of hormonal activity (e.g. relieves nausea during pregnancy).

Vitamin E

Is an antioxidant (fights free radicals). Low antioxidant levels lead to deterioration of the vascular endothelium (e.g. risk of miscarriage, damage to the foetus).

Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid is essential for most metabolic processes. The vitamin is involved in the absorption of iron in the digestive tract.

Important! Ascorbic acid supplementation is recommended for women with an increased risk of deficiency (e.g. multiple pregnancy, diabetes in pregnancy).

If the test results of the mother-to-be are normal and she has a very rich and varied diet, she should not take multivitamin preparations (several or more components).

Important! High doses of vitamins during pregnancy result in the birth of a heavy baby (over 4 kg). Therefore, supplements should not be taken without prior consultation with a doctor.

Summary

Dietary supplements can be taken as tablets, capsules or in liquid form. Usually the preparation is taken once a day.

Important! Most supplements work better when taken on an empty stomach and with water.

Some preparations are poorly tolerated by pregnant women, causing (among other things) constipation and stomach problems. You should inform your doctor of your complaints and he/she will select an appropriate dose.

It should be borne in mind that, while pregnant, it is not at all necessary to take all the vitamins and micronutrients that exist. If there is a deficiency of any nutrient - your doctor will recommend a supplement individually.

Important! Supplying the body with supplements does not exempt the pregnant woman from taking care of a healthy and balanced diet.