Vitamins for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

It’s imperative that expecting mothers consume a nutritious diet during conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Her diet should balance carbohydrates, fats and proteins and include lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Where dietary intake is inadequate, supplementation of vital nutrients including folic acid, Omega 3 fish oil, Iodine, Iron, Calcium and Vitamin D may be necessary.

There is significant evidence to suggest that the risk of a child being born with fetal neural tube defects can be significantly reduced if the mother consumers 400ug of folic acid per day for up to three months prior to conception.
Omega 3 Fish Oil is another vital nutrient that plays a special part in the development of a baby’s brain, nervous system and eyesight. Pregnant women should consumer 900mg of fish oil per day during pregnancy.

Iodine deficiencies in the developing baby can lead to stunted growth, diminished intelligence and retardation. It’s recommended that pregnant mothers consume at least 200ug of iodine per day either via supplementation or by eating lots of seafood.

It’s important for pregnant women to obtain at least 27mg of ion per day to ensure that she does not get anaemia due to the increased blood supply she produces to support the growing foetus.

Calcium and Vitamin D are important for maintaining the bone integrity of a pregnant women and supporting the skeletal development of the foetus. Pregnant women should consume 1200mg of calcium and 10iu of vitamin D per day.

Whilst all of these nutrients and vitamins are said to have benefits for mother and child, you should not under any circumstances substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this article. The author does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so.

For more information visit Australia's vitamin information website. Navigate to HealthyComparisons.com.au' Vitamins for Pregnancy page for more information about vitamins and to compare vitamins for pregnancy.

© Kristy Lee 2008. You are welcome to reproduce this article as long as URLs are active and no changes are made to the text.