Pregnancy is that unique time in a woman's life, which is full of joy and expectation. It demands proper care for the smooth progression of both the mother and the baby. Nutrition thus becomes a very crucial criterion during this time. Proper nutrition has become a significant aspect of a successful pregnancy, and pregnancy supplements can be an excellent addition to the prenatal diet.

Importance of Supplements During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time that enhances the nutritional requirements. While an equilibrium diet is very vital in pregnancy, it is always challenging to get all the required nutrients considering the dietary needs of a pregnant woman. Supplements for pregnant women can bridge the nutritional gaps by helping them attain some essential vitamins and minerals fundamentally required for their health and that of the baby developing inside.

Why do we need supplements?

• Closing the nutritional gap: Nutritionally, the ideal diet can't come close to providing all the needed quantities of essential nutrients. So, the best available pregnancy supplement will do the trick for the mother, too, and the baby.
• Fetal Development: Some of the nutrients, such as folic acid, contribute to the proper development of the baby. Folic acid prevents any type of neural tube disorder; it triggers severe anomalies in the development of the baby's brain and spinal cord.
• Preventing Deficiencies: During pregnancy, some nutrients are needed in larger quantities example, iron, calcium, and iodine. Supplements during pregnancy can prevent related deficiencies and ensure the health of the mother and the baby.
• Encourages maternal health: It ensures proper nutrition overall, which implies that the pregnant woman is getting herself into great health, thus easing pregnancy and the subsequent demands on her physical and physiological body.
• Reduces complications: Proper supplementation has the benefit of reducing the risk associated with pregnancy complications like preeclampsia-a condition known to arise due to deficiencies in essential nutrients such as magnesium and calcium among others.

Best Pregnancy Supplements

Some of the best pregnancy supplements include key nutrients that stand out.

Let's see those basic supplements and learn what their benefits are.

1. Folic Acid: Folic acid plays a critical role in the formation of the neural tube. The baby's brain and spinal cord are formed from the neural tube. Supplements containing folic acid, taken before conception and during pregnancy, specifically in the first trimester, dramatically decrease the chances of neural tube defects. Folic acid can be found in green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and fortified cereals.



Required Dosage: A pregnant woman should have 400-800 mg of folic acid in her diet per day.



2. Iron: Iron helps increase blood volume and helps in the production of red blood cells for both mother and baby. Iron deficiency will lead to anemia, and it also causes many other complications such as laziness. Therefore, an iron supplement is a compulsory prescription during pregnancy to fulfill the rising demands of iron.



Dosage Recommendations A pregnant woman should take at least 27 milligrams of iron in a day.



3. Calcium: It is crucial for the development of a baby's bones and teeth. Additionally, it helps you maintain your bone health during pregnancy. Some excellent sources of calcium include dairy products, fortified plant-based milk, tofu, almonds, and leafy greens.



Dosage Recommendations A pregnant woman must take at least 1000 milligrams of calcium in a day.



4. Vitamin D: Vitamin D and Calcium ensure proper bone health in the baby. It also helps in the effective functioning of the immune system as well as cell division. Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight, fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks. Doctors typically prescribe supplements for vitamin D during pregnancy to reach adequate levels.



Recommended Dosage: A pregnant lady must take 600 IU of vitamin D a day.



5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These fatty acids, particularly DHA, are essential for your baby's maturation process in the eyes and the brain. They also greatly support your maternal heart health. For these, Iodized salt, seafood, dairy products, and eggs can provide rich sources of omega-3, while prenatal DHA supplementations ensure you receive the required dose daily during pregnancy.



Dosage: 200-300 milligrams DHA per day.



6. Iodine: It is recommended to use iodized salt seafood, and dairy products, along with eggs, to provide a balanced amount of iodine.



Iodine is an essential element your thyroid must have to function well; in turn, it will make your metabolism regular and ensure proper brain and nervous system development of your baby.

Recommended Dose: 220 micrograms per day.

Pregnancy Supplements During the First Trimester

The first trimester of baby development is the most important stage. The right intake of supplements by a pregnant woman can lay a solid foundation for a healthy pregnancy.

Supplements to Take During Pregnancy

• See Your Doctor First: Before beginning any new supplement, consult your doctor to ensure that the supplement is safe and right for you.
• Balanced Diet: As supplements should complement a healthy diet, it's essential to eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods.
• Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water will help you stay hydrated and support good nutrient absorption during pregnancy.
• Take With Food: Some supplements taken during pregnancy like iron cause stomach upsets if taken without food. Hence, it is good to take these supplements in the presence of food.

Trimacare – The best pregnancy supplement for Indian pregnant women

Trimacare Prenatal Tablets are specially designed for pregnant women taking care of each trimester for the holistic development of babies. Being a one-stop solution, Trimacare delivers more than 20 essential nutrients recommended during pregnancy through its advanced prenatal multivitamins. This three-stage prenatal nutrition course meets the unique needs of each trimester. The expertly formulated pregnancy vitamin tablets by Trimacare, keep WHO and ICMR guidelines in mind for maximum health benefits for both the mother and her fetus.

Conclusion

Therefore, the necessary supplements like DHA, folic acid, and iron in prenatal vitamins will make a great impact on the health of the mother as well as the baby throughout the pregnancy. The pregnant mother is sure to face her needs with surety and ease in consultation with the doctors.