Pregnancy brings along its own set of responsibilities regarding health and nutrition which every woman needs to take care of. No doubt, alcohol and smoking can not even be counted while you are pregnant. There are many things you need to take care of and numerous supplements that you must consume. While not every supplement is safe, there are a few of them that your gynecologist near me will ask you to take during pregnancy.
Magnesium
A mineral that plays a critical role in countless chemical reactions that occur in the body is magnesium. The mineral helps regulate the immunity of your body, the nerve function and the muscle actions which is why it is imperative for you to take, especially during pregnancy.
You are at an increased risk of suffering from premature labor and/ or chronic hypertension if there is deficiency of magnesium during pregnancy. However, if you take magnesium supplements, you are decreasing the risk of preterm birth and fetal growth restrictions.
Iron
One of the most common and most important supplements that a gynecologist in Mohali will always suggest you to take is iron. This is because the requirement of iron is high during pregnancy due to the increase in maternal blood volume. Iron plays a critical role in not only oxygen growth but also in placental growth & development.
Many women with iron deficiency have anemia which often results in infant anemia and preterm birth. While the daily iron requirement on average is 27 mg per day, your gynecologist might suggest a higher dose if you are anemic or have iron deficiency.
Prenatal vitamins
The demand for micronutrients increases during pregnancy and prenatal vitamins (a type of multivitamins) can help meet the same. Gynecologists suggest taking these vitamins during pregnancy and while you are breastfeeding. These vitamins help reduce the risk of preeclampsia and preterm delivery of babies.
Prenatal vitamins help in the prevention of any nutritional deficiency as they provide essential micronutrients required for nutrition during pregnancy. Further, you might not need to take any supplemental vitamins or minerals for any deficiency.
Fish oil
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are two of the fatty acids contributing to the brain development of babies. If you take EPA and DHA supplements during pregnancy, it will help boost the brain development of the baby.
These fish oil supplements help prevent preterm birth as well as contribute to fetal eye development. Further, good levels of DHA are helpful in the overall development of the fetus and safe for the mother & fetus.
Choline
Choline supplements have a key role in the brain development of the baby and in preventing spinal or brain abnormalities. During pregnancy, the gynecologist at the best hospital in Chandigarh will advise 930 mg of choline per day.
The choline intake of many pregnant women is 450 mg per day which is considered insufficient for the requirements of the developing fetus. While you might be taking prenatal vitamins, choline supplement needs to be taken separately as prenatal vitamins lack choline.
Folate
A type of Vitamin B is Folate which helps in the production of RBCs, DNA synthesis and the development & growth of the fetus. Many supplements contain folic acid which is the synthetic form of folate and turns into an active form in the body.
A gynecologist near me will recommend 600 mcg of folate per day to pregnant women that helps reduce the risk of congenital abnormalities and neural tube defects. If you are pregnant and have an MTHFR genetic mutation, you must take an L-methylfolate supplement.
Probiotics
Probiotics benefit the digestive system, especially pregnant women, and keep your gut health good. The intake of probiotics during pregnancy is considered safe with no harmful side effects but with a rare risk of infection.
Probiotics serve several benefits for the mother-to-be as well as for the health of the developing fetus. There is a lesser risk of postpartum depression, dermatitis, gestational diabetes and infant eczema with the intake of probiotics supplements.
Vitamin D
One of the vitamins vital for good bone health, improved immunity and cell division is Vitamin D which is a fat-soluble vitamin. For adequate nutrition in pregnancy, it is recommended to take a minimum of 15 mcg of Vitamin D per day or even high, if there is a requirement.
The deficiency of Vitamin D may put you at risk for preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, cesarean section, and preterm delivery. You may consult your gynecologist regarding Vitamin D screening and adequate quantities for sufficient supplementation.
Nanhe Kadam – A complete women and children department at Sohana Hospital is a reliable name when it comes to consulting the best gynecologist for nutritional needs during pregnancy. Our gynecologists employ their knowledge and coordinate with our experienced nutritionists to plan your diet and intake of supplements during pregnancy.