What are the best vitamins for pregnant women to take in the 2nd trimester?
It is during this period of active growth that vitamin capsules come to the rescue. A complex of vitamins for pregnant women in the 2nd trimester includes all the nutrients that the mother and child may lack during this important period of development. It becomes easier for the mother to tolerate the new condition; it is at this time that the question arises about choosing the best vitamins for pregnant women in the 2nd trimester.
Femibion during planning . This is a useful vitamin complex that will saturate the body with the necessary substances to prepare it for the birth of a new life. Another favorite is Elevit Pronatal. Like Femibion, the vitamin complex is designed both to prepare for this difficult period and to maintain health during it.
Features of the 2nd trimester
During the 2nd trimester (from the 13th to the 26th week), toxicosis ceases to torment, and the risk of miscarriage decreases. At this stage, parts of the fetal body are formed. Systems, tissues and internal organs are actively developing, which will further ensure their autonomous operation.
The weight of the fetus increases, which is reflected in the figure of the pregnant woman. The active development of the baby can provoke some disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system.
In the 2nd trimester, complex vitamins for pregnant women are often prescribed. Unlike the first weeks of pregnancy, taking medications during this period is safe for the expectant mother and child. Typically, the daily requirement for vitamins in the 2nd trimester increases compared to the first.
How to choose the best vitamins for pregnant women in the 2nd trimester?
On the Internet, everyone praises their favorite vitamins, talks about their benefits for pregnant women in the 2nd trimester, and writes reviews on this matter. But you don’t need to trust the forums one hundred percent. Each case is individual, so listen to your body and regularly consult with your doctor. Your doctor will tell you how to take prenatal vitamins for the 2nd trimester, which ones are best to choose and what you should pay attention to when choosing them.
Definitely, complex vitamins for pregnant women in the 2nd trimester should be prescribed by the attending doctor. You place great risk and responsibility on your shoulders if you undertake to self-medicate. The wrong dosage can harm both you and the baby. Therefore, it is important to approach the purchase of medications with caution and trust the doctor.
The necessary complex of vitamins in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy
Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
It seems that there is no one who does not know that during pregnancy a substance such as folic acid or B9 is necessary. This component is very important, as it takes part in the formation of the placenta around the fetus. It is she who is responsible for the nutrition and breathing of the baby in the womb. Its deficiency can negatively affect the child’s nervous system. To prevent negative consequences, doctors carefully select the required portion, because an overdose will also not bring benefit.
Vitamins B6 and B12
Other vitamins of the same group (B6 and B12) are also key. As in the body of an adult, in the body of a baby they are:
- regulate metabolism;
- ensure complete absorption of nutrients that come from the mother’s body;
- promote the development of the baby’s nervous, immune and cardiovascular systems;
- ensure complete processing of vitamin B9, that is, folic acid;
- are responsible for the synthesis of protein, which will become the building material for the baby’s cells.
Solar Vitamin D
Another good vitamin is D3. It is produced by the body itself due to exposure to sunlight. It is for the sake of its synthesis that expectant mothers are advised to take walks more often. This substance helps absorb phosphorus and calcium, the lack of which can increase hair loss and fragility of teeth and bones. It is also called anti-rickets.
If conception occurs in winter, the likelihood of vitamin D deficiency in a woman’s body increases sharply. This occurs due to the lack of natural light and short daylight hours. To prevent delays in formation, it is recommended to compensate for this deficiency.
An irreplaceable source of beauty - vitamin E
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and takes care of cell respiration. Its deficiency causes fatigue and muscle pain. Vitamin E also promotes stable blood pressure and good blood circulation. It keeps your skin youthful and radiant even during such an exciting period of your life.
Prenatal vitamins Femibion are very popular . They contain all the necessary components, which is why doctors often recommend them to patients after a thorough examination.
Vitamin A
This substance is also responsible for the overall development of the child and his nutrition. A deficiency in the mother's body can cause vision impairment and the newborn's weight will be lower than normal. Unfortunately, it is impossible to get the entire amount of the necessary vitamin from food, so complexes that take into account the daily need for all vitamins of the mother and future baby help cope with the lack of nutrients.
Vitamins in the second trimester of pregnancy
All mothers - both present and future - try to give their child the best and carefully care about the health of their baby. For newborn babies, the best protection and optimal vitamin and mineral complex of substances is found in breast milk. And the crumbs that are still in the mother’s tummy can get everything they need along with the food that is included in the diet of the expectant mother. But not all useful substances can always be obtained only from food. In this case, complex vitamins come to the rescue, which are most often taken throughout pregnancy.
And many people think that this “magic” pill will provide a complete set of macro and microelements, vitamins and minerals for the health and full development of the fetus. But in reality everything is much more complicated. In different trimesters of pregnancy, the body of both the developing baby and the expectant mother needs completely different substances, so let’s look at what vitamins the expectant mother needs to take in the second trimester of pregnancy.
If the pregnancy proceeds without complications, then from 13 to 27 weeks (this is how long the second trimester lasts), the expectant mother should take vitamins daily.
If the complex of vitamins that a pregnant woman takes lacks some substances, then doctors advise additionally taking these substances separately. Most often, iodine, calcium, and iron are taken as monotherapy. When taking them, it is important to monitor whether an allergic reaction occurs and in case of any suspicious symptoms, stop taking them and be sure to report everything to the doctor who prescribed these microelements. Tamine-mineral complex, which contains 60 mg of iron, 0.4 mg of folic acid acid and 50–150 mcg of iodine.
About the importance of iodine
Iodine is very necessary for both the unborn baby and his mother. It is thanks to the optimal iodine content in the body that a balanced synthesis of thyroid hormones occurs, which is the key to the proper formation of the skeleton and mental development of the fetus. It is worth noting that scientists have long proven that in those places where the soil and water are poor in iodine, more children are born with health problems and in the future during education they lag behind those children whose mothers did not experience iodine deficiency during pregnancy.
As for the health and appearance of a pregnant woman who has iodine deficiency in her body, the metabolic process in such women slows down and there is rapid weight gain. The state of health worsens, lethargy and drowsiness appear. Skin, hair, nails lose their attractiveness.
Iodine is most often taken only in the first half of pregnancy. The most common dosage is 250 mg per day.
But do not forget that if a pregnant woman has thyroid disease, then taking iodine is contraindicated for her. In any case, this issue should be discussed with the gynecologist leading the pregnancy or with an endocrinologist.
In addition to the tablet form, iodine is present in sea fish, seafood, and seaweed (an excellent source of iodine is kelp or so-called “sea kale”). Regular salt should be replaced with iodized salt. Another tasty thing that contains iodine is figs.
Calcium for expectant mothers
It is recommended to take calcium in courses in the first and second trimester.
The most optimal dosage is considered to be 1500 mg. per day
Calcium plays a vital role in the proper formation of the skeleton, endocrine system and kidneys of the fetus. In order to be sure that the unborn child does not need such an important element, it is worth taking special calcium supplements. Today, the most effective drugs can be called third-generation drugs, which in addition to calcium include zinc, copper, boron, manganese, magnesium, and vitamin D.
In natural foods, calcium can be found in fermented milk products. But due to the presence of animal fats, calcium absorption by the body slows down, so you should choose the lowest-fat foods. Calcium is also present in cabbage (especially a lot in regular white cabbage, kohlrabi, broccoli).
Chocolate, carbonated water, and drinks containing caffeine interfere with the absorption of calcium.
Iron for pregnant women
Iron supplements are usually taken in the second and third trimester.
As for the dosage, it varies from 30 to 60 mg per day, depending on how active the pregnant woman leads and how active she spent her time before pregnancy (athletes, for example, require more iron than those women who Do not play sports before pregnancy and do not lead an active lifestyle.)
A sufficient amount of iron in the body is the key to ensuring that a pregnant woman does not have anemia. In addition, iron is involved in the synthesis of protein, which is responsible for muscle tone and ensures healthy tone of the uterus. With a lack of iron, the normal muscle tone of the uterus decreases, which in turn can lead to the threat of miscarriage.
Doctors advise measuring the level of iron in the blood (ferritin level test). The normal level is considered to be 15, but if the level is below 12, then there is a serious iron deficiency in the body and the doctor prescribes it in the maximum dosage.
Each laboratory may have its own values for determining normal iron levels in the blood, so only a doctor can interpret the test results. You should not self-prescribe any medications!
As for natural sources of iron, look for it in veal, turkey, rabbit, pork and beef. Less iron in fish and eggs. Iron from plant products is absorbed into the body much worse than from animals.
And again, bad news for lovers of strong coffee and tea - the tannin contained in these drinks interferes with the absorption of iron. Instead of tea and coffee, it is better to choose a glass of juice (preferably fresh), for example orange juice - it contains a high level of vitamin C, which promotes the absorption of iron.
The most important vitamins in the second trimester
- Do not forget to take B vitamins, because they are responsible for correct neuromuscular conduction. If the body has a sufficient level of B vitamins, then the risk of seizures is minimized.
- If there is a threat of miscarriage or premature birth, “make friends” with vitamin E.
- The best assistant in strengthening the immune system is vitamin C. It also helps the proper formation of the placenta.
- Vitamin A promotes good hydration and turgor of the skin, promotes the proper formation of the visual apparatus.
- Magnesium is responsible for the proper development of the central nervous system of the fetus and helps a pregnant woman “control herself” and not succumb to mood swings
- Adequate iron levels prevent anemia.
- Calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D are responsible for the fact that the bones of the unborn baby will be strong and even and the milk teeth will grow on time and without problems.
- Zinc and manganese help the sex glands function properly.
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Additional microelements needed in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy
In addition to vitamins, various trace elements and minerals are needed. They are also part of the complexes and are an important component in the development of the child and maintaining the health of the mother.
- Iodine is a mineral that is responsible for the stability of the mother's endocrine system, prevents the risk of low birth weight and promotes the proper development of the nervous system.
- Zinc. Scientists estimate that 80% of pregnant women are deficient in this mineral. Lack of zinc leads to premature birth and the formation of defects in the formation of systems and individual organs. Thanks to balanced complexes, zinc in their composition ensures stimulation of regeneration and cell renewal.
- Lack of iron leads to a disease such as anemia (or low hemoglobin levels). But you should not abuse the elixirs of life in blisters, because the substances accumulate in the body. Excess affects digestion and general well-being.
- Calcium will be needed for the formation of the child’s skeleton, muscles and nervous system.
The list of essential substances is approximately the same for all people, but do not forget that each organism is special. There is no need to self-medicate.
During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant changes, and processes occur inside that you are not even aware of and to which you are not accustomed. At this wonderful time, when you feel the first kicks of the baby and get rid of unpleasant symptoms, it is time to responsibly prepare for the birth of the child.
Your doctor will recommend the best prenatal vitamins for the 2nd trimester. But to do this you first need:
- Come for a consultation or routine examination.
- Get a referral for a blood test, etc.
- Pass all tests.
- After receiving the results and consultation, you will know which vitamins will benefit you and your child and not harm.