If you’re planning a pregnancy or already pregnant, it’s important to be careful before taking any supplements without the supervision of your doctor.
But do you even need to take a pregnancy supplement when you’re planning to get pregnant or already are pregnant?
What essential vitamins and minerals do I need during my pregnancy?
Good nutrition is always important, but even more so when you’re pregnant. This is vital for the healthy growth and development of your baby.
As you’re giving nutrients to both yourself and your baby, you need more of some specific nutrients, including1:
- Folate, which is called ‘folic acid’ in supplement form
- Iodine
- Iron
Elevit Pre-conception and Pregnancy multivitamin and mineral supplements2 have been specifically formulated to help meet the increased nutritional needs of both you and your baby when you’re trying to conceive or are pregnant.
Elevit also meets the Australian recommended dietary intakes for folic acid, iron and iodine.
Why are these vitamins important?
You might be wondering why it’s important to focus on these three specific vitamins. It’s because they all impact the growth and development of your baby in a different way.
For example, increasing the amount of folate (folic acid) you have in your diet can help prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida in your infant3.
Iodine is another important nutrient, as it helps the development and functioning of the thyroid gland, brain and nervous system, especially in infants and young children3.
Last but not least, iron is important as it’s used by your body to make red blood cells. You’re making more red blood cells as both you and your baby are growing.
Very low iron levels can impact the growth of your baby and can increase the risk of your baby coming early. It’s important to up your iron intake in the final 10 weeks of your pregnancy, as this is when your baby begins to build their own iron stores for their first six months of life4.
Do I need to take any other supplements?
It’s recommended to all pregnant women that they take folic acid, iodine and vitamin D supplements1. Having a healthy diet can provide you with the other nutrients you need, but some pregnant women may need other supplements of nutrients besides the three that were recommended.
Working closely with your healthcare team and your pharmacist can help you make sure you’re on the right supplements for a healthy pregnancy.
If you’re having trouble deciding what supplements are best for you and your needs, speak to your local Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist at your local pharmacy today. We’d be happy to help.
Disclaimers and references
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
1Pregnancy, Birth & Baby, Vitamins and supplements during pregnancy, accessed 1 February 2023
2Department of Health and Aged Care Therapeutic Goods Administration, Elevit, accessed 1 February 2023
3Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Folic acid & iodine fortification, accessed 1 February 2023
4Queensland Government, Iron for Pregnant Women, accessed 1 February 2023