IMPORTANT VITAMINS DURING PREGNANCY
Pregnancy Special Care:
Begetting and nurturing of and giving birth to a new life is the most beautiful
and meaningful activities of human existence. Despite technological alternatives
to natural pregnancy and procreative moments of life, the deeper longing of
every human to see his/her reflection and the assurance of the continuity of
the blood line in a begotten child remains one of the most important purposes
and motivational factors of human life. Human life at the time of conception,
pregnancy, birth and infancy is the most delicate and needs utmost care and
nurturing. There is no alternative to a healthy natural food that should be
consumed for the good health of the child and the mother. The prenatal care
must include a balanced diet that has all the needed vitamins and minerals.
In case of deficiency of the required vitamins it is advisable to consult the
care provider and follow the prescription of supplements.
Vitamins during Pregnancy:
Fruits, vegetables, milk products, whole grain staples are important. Craving
for Junk and fast food be controlled for the sake of the responsibility of the
pregnant woman to two lives. For protein requirements one could look for lean
red meat, poultry, fish and beans which are of are of low-fat content. Vitamin
A is one of the important vitamins needed during gestation and lactation. Vitamin
A helps the process of cell differentiation and immunity building. Severe vitamin
A deficiency (VAD) can cause fetal death, night blindness, and congenital defects.
Overdose of vitamin intake too causes serious problems. A weekly supplementation
of 2500 IU is safe during gestation. Beta carotene is safer as it is converted
into vitamin A as much is needed. Vitamin A rich food like animal liver can
be ingested occasionally and safely during pregnancy and lactation. 800 to 1000
mcg of folic acid is required in the supplement if taken. Vitamin D is important
for strengthening of the bones of the fetus. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium
from food. Sunshine 15 to 20 minutes twice a week helps absorb sufficient vitamin.
Deficiency of D vitamin leads to osteoporosis or fractures in the children.
A discrete supplement would help strengthening of bones. 70 mg of Vitamin C,
2.2 mcg of vitamin B-12, 10 mg of vitamin E beside the vitamins A and D mentioned
above should be part of the supplement in case of intake of supplement. Vitamin
C helps absorbing iron which is needed for the production of red blood cells
in the blood.
The outcome:
The dream of every mother is to give birth to a healthy child. The health of
the child depends largely on the prenatal and postnatal care. During gestation
the foundation of the child’s future is laid in the mother’s womb.
The child’s immunity, proper formation of vital organs like brain and
heart depends on the health condition of the expectant mother. Deficiency or
over dose of vitamins can cause serious congenital complications. Proper guidance
from the family health provider or a specialized doctor is of great importance
for a fetus to form in to a healthy baby.
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