During pregnancy, taking vitamin supplements is sometimes necessary for pregnant women. Which vitamins to take and which to avoid? When can you start a vitamin cure while pregnant? We take stock with the advice of Giuliana Faure, midwife.
Vitamins are useful during pregnancy, such as vitamin D or vitamin C. In pregnant women, some vitamin supplements make it possible to avoid the risks of anemia or to contribute to the good baby development, especially to strengthen his bones. However, not all vitamin tablets are created equal and taking them is not compulsory during pregnancy. Often, a diversified diet is enough to meet the needs of a pregnant woman. Which vitamins to avoid and which to take during pregnancy? When can you start a vitamin cure? The point with Giuliana Faure, midwife in Paris as well as the recommendations of the health authorities.
What are the vitamins to avoid during pregnancy?
- Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Due to the risks for the fetus and an immuno-allergic risk, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) has banned medicines based on fluindione (Préviscan), warfarin (Coumadine) or acenocoumarol (Sintrom, Minisintrom). “All AVKs are now contraindicated during pregnancy, except for women with a mechanical heart valve at high risk of thrombosis for whom there is no more effective therapeutic alternative”, specified the ANSM in its communicated published in November 2018 and updated in March 2021.
- Vitamin A in the form of retinol, at high doses.
Why is vitamin A contraindicated in pregnant women?
“Vitamin A is not completely prohibited during pregnancy, it must be used sensibly. Foods rich in vitamin A (black pudding, calf’s liver) should be eaten no more than once a week. recommends Giuliana Faure, who recalls that an overdose of vitamin A in the form of retinol would be toxic and could increase the risk of malformation in the fetus.
What are the vitamins to take during pregnancy?
Vitamin D
Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption and therefore the good consolidation of the baby’s bones. In addition, the body makes it itself when you expose yourself to sunlight. If your pregnancy takes place in winter, your doctor will surely prescribe some to supplement these often insufficient intakes. “You can supplement with vitamin D up to 4 drops a day or take one ampoule in the 6th month of pregnancy”, a period during which the baby develops its frame, advises the specialist. Namely that a vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy may increase the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or premature labor in some expectant mothers.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps fight fatigueand increases resistance to infections, accelerates the healing process and repairs fractures. During pregnancyit also guarantees the good behavior of the placental membrane. Namely, the body cannot store large reserves of vitamin C.
Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
Folic acid, folate or vitamin B9is given by medical prescription. “In theory, you should start taking folic acid three months before a pregnancy project and up to three months of pregnancy to avoid an anomaly of the neural tube of the baby, so that his spine is formed well”, says the health professional. Vitamin B9 therefore plays an important role in cell formation and baby growth. In addition, half of women unknowingly present a folic acid deficiency. Vitamin B9 is not produced by the body, so it must be taken from your diet.. But the diet does not always cover the woman’s needs, hence vitamin B9 supplementation with tablets, always under the advice of a doctor.
Vitamin B6
“Vitamin B6 is involved in the synthesis of red blood cells, precisely in the formation of hemoglobin in the bone marrow, to avoid being anemic” during pregnancy, says Giuliana Faure.
The iron
THE lack of iron increases the risk of anemia for the mother, premature birth and fetal hypotrophy. To replenish iron during pregnancy, once again, all you need to know is what to eat (dried fruits, pulses, oilseeds…). Foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin B9 and copper will also allow you to double or triple your absorption capacity. On the other hand, avoid excessive tea and coffee which slow them down! Remember that iron of animal origin is more easily assimilated by the body.
Can you do a vitamin cure during pregnancy?
A vitamin cure can be carried out during pregnancy in the event of symptoms or deficiencies, noted by a doctor. But “Vitamins are not going to replace a good diet. Ideally in first intention, it is necessary to have a balanced diet on a daily basis, choosing foods rich in vitamins, rather than taking pills”, explains Giuliana Faure. Each vitamin having specific actions, you should not take just any vitamin. It is better to get closer to your practitioner to get his opinion on what you need or not.
“Vitamin supplements are not going to replace a good diet.”
When can you start taking vitamins while you are pregnant?
In principle, if a pregnant woman has specific symptoms, she can start take vitamins from the start of pregnancy, depending on their needs. But again, be careful to check the medical prescription made by the doctor beforehand to know the precise duration, as well as the instructions for use of the vitamins to make sure to start when taking the supplements.
Can vitamins reduce pregnancy nausea?
“No, there are no vitamins that can calm nausea. On the other hand, essential oil of lemon, hydrosol of chamomile, acupuncture, homeopathy or even on medical prescription, the drug cariban (used in the symptomatic treatment of nausea and vomiting, editor’s note) when necessary “, says the specialist.
Are vitamins useful against fatigue during pregnancy?
Certain vitamins, such as vitamin C, can sometimes help with fatigue, but nothing is miraculous. “Generally, pregnant women are recommended to have reasonable working days, go to bed early, take a nap when possible and eat a vitamin diet,” details Giuliana Faure.
In which foods are the vitamins and trace elements hidden?
| Vitamins and minerals | Food |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Green vegetables, raw vegetables, parsley, coriander, citrus fruits, kiwis |
| Vitamin B9 | Green leafy vegetables (cabbage, lettuce, leeks) and dried vegetables, fermented cheeses, whole grains, melon, strawberries… |
| Vitamin D | Fatty fish and cod liver oil, egg yolk, cheese, whole milk, butter… |
| Iron | Lentils, white beans, spinach, watercress, meat, fish, mackerel, tuna, sardines, eggs, black pudding, kidneys, veal liver, dried fruits, oilseeds, chocolate etc. |
Thanks to Giuliana Faure, midwife.
Sources: Food supplements and pregnancy: ANSES recommends avoiding the multiplication of sources of vitamins and minerals in the absence of established needs. ANSES (June 2017)