Can You Take Hum Vitamins While Pregnant

The Best Vitamins To Take While Pregnant

Gaby Vaca-Flores, RDN, CLE, shares recommended vitamins to take while pregnant. Plus: additional supplements for a healthy pregnancy, other prenatal nutritional needs, and vitamins to avoid during pregnancy.

Is it safe to take vitamins during pregnancy? How about while breastfeeding?

These are two of the most common questions that dietitians get from expectant and new mothers. Its no secret that proper nourishment can better optimize your pre and postnatal care. But exactly which vitamins and supplements should you take during pregnancy?

In this article, were bringing things back to science-backed basics. When it comes to supplements and pregnancy, heres the information you need to have a safe and healthy term.*

*This information should not be used in lieu of professional medical advice. Always follow guidance from your OB-GYN and/or primary care physician.

Warning Signs To Watch For

Most companies selling fertility supplements are honestly trying to provide a quality, reasonably priced product, but others are attempting to scam you. Dishonest people and companies know how desperate couples with infertility can be to conceive and will take advantage of it to make money.

Here are some warning signs that indicate a supplement could be low-quality or even a scam.

• Claims to be research-proven but does not list the studies.Always look up any research claims a manufacturer makes on third-party websites .
• Makes mega-promises. No supplement or vitamin can cure infertility .
• References scientists or doctors but does not list names. Without a full name, you cant be sure the experts standing behind the supplements even exist. Not only should the experts names be clear, but their credentials should also be listed .
• Website contains poor grammar or spelling mistakes. Carelessly put together websites or emails are major red flags that a product could be a scam.

When Should I Start Taking A Prenatal Vitamin

The best time to begin taking prenatal vitamins is before you conceive. The folate in a prenatal vitamin taken before conception significantly reduces the chances of neural tube irregularities like spina bifida.

A babys neural tube, which will develop into both the brain and spinal cord, develops during the first month of pregnancy. That could happen before you even realize youre pregnant.

If you arent already taking a daily prenatal vitamin, start taking one as soon as you find out youre expecting. Youll continue taking your prenatal vitamin every day during your pregnancy.

Your doctor might also recommend you continue to take prenatal vitamins after delivery, especially if you decide to breastfeed.

If you have pregnancy complications or other health concerns, your doctor might recommend a prescription prenatal supplement. Otherwise, over-the-counter vitamins are available at the pharmacy or online.

While there are many brands available, youll want to choose a prenatal vitamin that includes:

Most pregnant people dont get enough choline, so its important to include choline-rich foods like egg yolks in your diet or take a supplement that contains this vital nutrient.

Choline is important for your health and is essential for fetal brain development and placental function.

Some supplements also contain DHA, which is important for your babys brain tissue growth and function especially during the third trimester.

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Common Discomforts Of Pregnancy

Many healthy women experience a variety of symptoms or discomforts during pregnancy, such as urinary frequency, fatigue, palmar erythema and heartburn. Most of these accompany the normal physiological changes as a woman’s body adapts to pregnancy. Whereas some of the symptoms continue throughout pregnancy, others are temporary. HCPs need to provide women with information about potential discomforts in advance and offer practical solutions. Women should be counselled on what to do if symptoms become more intense and do not improve, or if multiple discomforts are present.

What If I Do Not Eat Animal Products

Mothers who are vegan or vegetarian might be at risk for vitamin B-12 deficiency. As long as you are maintaining a diet that fills your daily need of vitamin B-12, calcium and zinc then your baby will reap all the benefits of a healthy diet as well. Breastfeeding while maintaining a vegan diet is in no way harmful to your baby – it has been noted that vegans have very healthy pregnancies and children. For more tips on a vegan lifestyle while pregnant, check out this article by the Vegetarian Resource Group on Pregnancy and the Vegan Diet.

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Recommended Lab Testing For Those Newly Diagnosed Celiac Disease

• CBC
• IgA-tTG
• TSH
• Bone mineral density test -usually done 12 months after starting the gluten-free diet talk to your doctor about the timing for BMD test and pregnancy
• Other labs : Fat soluble vitamins , zinc, selenium, magnesium, etc.

Melinda Dennis, MS, RD, LDN, is nutrition coordinator for the Celiac Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and owner/founder of Delete the Wheat Nutritional Counseling. Melinda is also coauthor of the bookReal Life with Celiac Disease, AGA Press, Bethesda, MD, 2010.

Nuun Hydration Sport + Caffeine Vegan Drink Tabs

Drop one of these tablets into a glass of water for a bubbly caffeinated drink that also provides you with much-needed electrolytes. It only has one gram of sugar and is gluten-free, vegan, and contains no GMOs. Its made with magnesium, the same mineral you get from many fruits and vegetables.

4 of 12 Image Credits: Amazon

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

In a population-based registry study of 850 women and their children born in 19881989, Strom et al. found no indication that maternal 25D concentrations < 50 nmol/L versus 5075 nmol/L at gestational week 30 were associated with higher risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder disorder, defined as prescription of psychostimulant medication, among offspring during 22 years of follow-up. On the contrary, by analysing data from 1,650 mother-child pairs embedded in the INMA birth cohort in Spain, Morales et al. found that the number of ADHD-like symptoms in preschoolers aged 45 decreased by 11% per 10 ng/mL increment of maternal 25D3 at 13 weeks of gestation. The inverse association was observed in the inattention subscale as well as in the hyperactivity-impulsivity subscale. Consistently, results from the Greek Rhea birth cohort have also shown that higher maternal levels of vitamin D in early pregnancy is associated with reduced hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms and total ADHD-like symptoms in offspring at age 4.

What Is The Role Of Folate And Folic Acid In Pregnancy

Folate is important in red blood cell formation and for healthy cell growth and function. The nutrient is crucial during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine. The recommended daily amount of folate for adults is 400 micrograms . Women who are planning pregnancy or could become pregnant are advised to consume 400 to 1,000 mcg of folic acid a day.

Folate is found mainly in dark green leafy vegetables, beans, peas and nuts. Fruits rich in folate include oranges, lemons, bananas, melons and strawberries. The synthetic form of folate is folic acid. Its in an essential component of prenatal vitamins and is in many fortified foods such as cereals and pastas.

A diet lacking foods rich in folate or folic acid can lead to a folate deficiency. Folate deficiency can also occur in people who have conditions, such as celiac disease, that prevent the small intestine from absorbing nutrients from foods .

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Normal Vitamin D Levels In Pregnancy

There is little consensus on what constitutes a normal 25D level in pregnancy. The Institute of Medicine recommendations suggest a normal level of 20 ng/ml in pregnancy, while the Endocrine Society recommends 30 ng/ml or more. However, using mathematical models, Holles et al. suggest that pregnant women should have a circulating vitamin D > 40 ng/ml, irrespective of how it is achieved. They quote data from Luxwolda who states that pregnant tribal African women achieve levels of 60 ng/ml, when compared to their nonpregnant peers, who enjoy mean vitamin D concentrations of 46 ng/ml. The minimum normal level of 40 ng/ml in pregnancy that Holles et al. suggest for optimizing, vitamin D health is meant to support 1,25 2D production by overcoming substrate limitation.

Given the lack of solid, consistent outcome data with higher levels of 25D, we feel that a minimum level of 20 ng/ml would be desirable in pregnancy. This still leaves scope for better outcomes with higher levels, and further data is awaited.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Cold During Pregnancy

A cold usually begins with a sore or scratchy throat that lasts for a day or two, followed by the gradual appearance of other symptoms, including:

• A runny, then later stuffy, nose
• Sneezing
• Mild fatigue
• A dry cough, particularly near the colds end, which may continue for a week or more after other symptoms have subsided
• Low-grade fever

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Measurements Of The Fasstt Offspring Trial

Cognitive tests

Cognitive performance of the children at age 7years was completed by a trained researcher using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence test 3rd UK edition . This validated clinical instrument for assessing children provides composite scores representing intellectual functioning in specified cognitive domains and an overall score for full scale IQ. Each assessment lasted 4050min and was completed by the same researcher in one session. To provide an appropriate environment for assessing the child, the room was well-lit, ventilated, and free from distractions, with the researcher seated directly opposite the child and the mother outside of the childs view. Both researcher and participants were blinded to treatment allocations in the original FASSTT trial.

Prior to conducting the main assessment of the children at 7years, a pilot investigation of participants at 3years was conducted using the Bayleys Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd Edition , the most frequently used developmental test for infants and young children of 142months, which includes an assessment of cognitive performance, along with other developmental domains such as receptive and expressive communication, and fine and gross motor skills.

Anthropometric measurements of the child

Are You Sure I Can Take A Prenatal Vitamin If Im Not Pregnant

If you’re trying to get pregnant there is absolutely no harm in taking prenatal supplements, but this shouldn’t be instead of eating a healthy balanced diet. The reason prenatal and pregnancy supplements are advised is because the bodys requirements for certain nutrients increase during pregnancy folic acid, calcium, iron, etc but if youre not in this situation, you can achieve the recommended levels through diet.

The NHS has a handy guide to which nutrients are necessary during pregnancy and how to load-up via your diet.

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Vitamins & Other Supplements For Breastfeeding Mothers

If you eat a reasonably-well balanced diet, vitamin supplements are not considered necessary for breastfeeding mothers.

This is even true for mothers who are eating for three during tandem nursing, or while breastfeeding during pregnancy .

According to Nutrition During Lactation :

The evidence does not warrant routine vitamin-mineral supplementation of lactating women Encourage lactating women to follow dietary guidelines that promote a generous intake of nutrients from fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, calcium-rich dairy products, and protein-rich foods such as meats, fish and legumes. Such a diet would ordinarily supply a sufficient quantity of essential nutrients Encourage sufficient intake of fluids especially water, juice, and milk to alleviate natural thirst. It is not necessary to encourage fluid intake above this level Calcium, multivitamin-mineral supplements, or both may be advised when dietary sources are marginal and it is unlikely that appropriate dietary practices will or can be followed.

Vitamin D Nomenclature And Metabolism

There are two forms of vitamin D: D2 and D3. Vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, is made by plants, and fungi such as mushrooms and vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is made by animals, including humans, and both are often referred to as the parent compound. For the remainder of the review, vitamin D will be used as a reference to both compounds unless otherwise noted.

Vitamin D3 is formed in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet light exposure vitamin D3 is also acquired through dietary supplementation along with vitamin D2 with the amount of this supplementation generally the source of lingering controversy.,,, Since we are largely a society that avoids sun exposure, the role of dietary supplementation becomes extremely important. Once in the circulation, vitamin D is then converted into 25-hydroxyvitamin D , which is the major circulating form of the vitamin. This conversion of vitamin D to 25D is achieved primarily in the liver but can also be achieved in a variety of tissues in an autocrine/paracrine fashion. Finally, 25D is converted into the hormonal form of the vitamin1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in the kidney for endocrine function and other tissues for autocrine/paracrine function. This concept is explained in detail elsewhere.

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Location Of Prenatal Visits

The location and organization of prenatal care can be a critical factor in determining whether women choose to access services. Many reasons can interfere with a women’s access to pregnancy care, often linked to such social determinants of health as socioeconomic status, culture, language, age, and geography. Services need to be located and organized in such a way that these determinants do not serve as barriers to care.

Attending prenatal care visits in an HCP’s office or clinic may not work for all women. To minimize barriers, it may be necessary to provide care in the community or at a woman’s home, making a range of services available, including public health, primary care, acute care, mental health, laboratory and diagnostic imaging services, pregnancy community-based programs, transport, and childcare. A number of agencies and services need to be considered in planning a comprehensive system: health units/community health centres, social service agencies, community-based organizations, and services that address specific issues, such as addictions, young mothers, breastfeeding, and smoking cessation.

Regardless of the location of prenatal visits, effective outcomes depend upon innovative interprofessional models that provide high quality, collaborative, integrated, woman- and family-centred, culturally sensitive, and respectful care.

When Should You Take A Pregnancy Test With Pcos

With or without PCOS, it can take several days to a week after conception for your hormone levels to rise enough to be detected on a home pregnancy test. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on your test, but generally it’s best to wait about a week after your missed period. If you have irregular or missed periods because of PCOS, you may want to track your ovulation and conception attempts, taking tests accordingly about two to three weeks after conception.

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Involvement Of Partners And Other Support Persons

Family-centred maternity and newborn care includes welcoming the woman’s support persons and acknowledging them at all points of care. Women who have meaningful social support systems adjust to the changes and stressors of pregnancy and early motherhood better than those without these supports. The woman’s chosen support system might include her partner, immediate or extended family, friends, community, a labour companion or doula, or her spiritual adviser. Generally, women choose support persons who they consider will enhance their physical, emotional, and social well-being, and these individuals can foster the woman’s sense of belonging and safety. Conversely, women with inadequate social support may feel isolated. Lack of social support may also be associated with intimate partner violence and postpartum depression.Footnote 8

It is incumbent on HCPs to determine if a woman has social supports or is socially isolated during pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood. An important part of these assessments is helping the woman develop her support options. This can be done by providing print or web-based information on how to involve her partner, family, or friends and information about community programs and services. Women with inadequate social support should be encouraged to reach out and connect with or create a social network that will meet their needs – HCPs can reinforce this by staying current on what services are offered in the community.

Types Of Prenatal Care

Just as there are different providers of prenatal care, there are also different models of prenatal care, from individual provider, to interprofessional teams, to group prenatal care. A review of research into women’s experiences of prenatal care found that while some women reported respectful, comprehensive, individualized care, others experienced long waits and rushed visits and perceived prenatal care as mechanistic or harsh. Women’s preferences included reasonable waits, unhurried visits, continuity, flexibility, comprehensive care, meeting with other pregnant women in groups, developing meaningful relationships with professionals, and becoming more active participants in their own care.Footnote 28

In addition, some women who live in low income circumstances and are in minority groups, experienced discrimination or stereotyping, as well as external barriers to care. Women expressed a preference for a single provider, for counselling and education , and for being involved in decision-making and anticipatory guidance. Different models of care suit different people, and depending on availability, women should be offered a choice that is evidence-based, women-centred, and reduces barriers to care.Footnote 28,Footnote 29

Individual Care

Interprofessional Model

Group Prenatal Care

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Should Women Take Supplements While Pregnant

It seems there’s an endless amount of online information related to what supplements a woman should take when pregnant. As a result, searching for reliable information related to supplements during pregnancy can be difficult at best.

Here’s a Q& A with some advice on which supplements you can use and those you should avoid during your pregnancy:

Are dietary supplements OK during pregnancy?

It’s recommended that women should not use dietary and herbal supplements during pregnancy. In addition, dietary and herbal supplements should be used with caution in women of reproductive age due to the risk of taking these supplements before knowledge of pregnancy.

Unlike prescription drugs, dietary supplements are not reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety and effectiveness. As a result, they may contain contaminants, like metals, pesticides, chemicals or bacteria, which may pose risks for pregnancy. Also, most supplements are not thoroughly studied, which can lead to issues related to quality standards for ingredients and strength. For example, vinpocetine an ingredient found in a number of dietary supplements, including those marketed for weight loss, enhanced memory, focus, mental acuity or increased energy is not safe during pregnancy. Other commonly used supplements that may cause harm during pregnancy include melatonin and St. John’s wort.

What about meal replacement shakes?

What supplements are OK to take?

What about vitamins during pregnancy?