Pregnancy is one of the most exciting but also one of the most confusing processes a woman can experience in her life. Exposure to many different information on the internet, magazines and television programs raises questions in a wide range of areas, from nutrition during pregnancy to mother-baby health. In this article, I will try to answer questions about vitamins and minerals that should be included in the diet during pregnancy.
- Folic Acid:Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is involved in DNA synthesis and the production of red blood cells. It is a vitamin that plays a role in the development and growth of the fetus. Folic acid, which should be used from the early period of pregnancy, is important for the spine development of babies and preventing the formation of neural tube defects.
- Iron:The use of iron supplements during pregnancy is very important for the health of both the expectant mother and the baby. . Both expectant mothers and babies need iron minerals for the production of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Since the baby meets its iron needs from the mother while in the womb, anemia may occur in expectant mothers who do not have enough iron in their blood.
- Calcium:During pregnancy, the baby's teeth, skeleton and bones need calcium to develop and become stronger. If pregnant women do not get enough calcium, the baby begins to meet its calcium needs from the mother's bone structure. Calcium supplements are needed during pregnancy because women who experience calcium deficiency during pregnancy have an increased risk of osteoporosis and various skeletal system problems in the following years.
- Vitamin D: To ensure a healthy pregnancy and One of the vitamins needed for a happy ending is vitamin D. Since the body cannot synthesize vitamin D itself, sunlight is needed. However, the amount of vitamin D that can be obtained from sunlight is limited, so nutrients and supplements are needed. Due to vitamin D deficiency, women during pregnancy experience tooth loss, risk of premature birth, pregnancy blood pressure, etc. They may encounter health problems. Babies may also be at risk due to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy Its frequency can lead to various health problems such as respiratory problems in the fetus, risk of premature birth, growth retardation, mineral deficiency, type 1 diabetes and metabolic bone fractures.
- Iodine: It contributes to growth, tissue development and Iodine, which has many contributions to metabolism, is a mineral that should be added to the diet during pregnancy. In the insufficiency of iodine, which has an important place in energy production and oxygen consumption, congenital anomalies may occur in the baby and risks such as premature birth or miscarriage may occur.
- Zinc: Zinc, which is necessary for a healthy metabolism, may occur. The need continues to increase during pregnancy. Zinc, which is found in the structure of the cell membrane and proteins, also positively affects the baby's intelligence development during pregnancy. When the need for zinc, which is among the essential minerals for a healthy pregnancy, cannot be met, the health of both the baby and the expectant mother may deteriorate.
- B12: In addition to the continuity of neurological functions and blood production, it also plays a role in DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 plays a role in the development of the baby's neural tubes, brain and spine. Vitamin B12, which is also used in the production of red blood cells along with folic acid, also meets the energy needs of the expectant mother. Vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of congenital anomalies.
- DHA: DHA, which is among the omega 3 fatty acids, reduces the risk of premature birth during pregnancy and contributes to the baby's retina and brain development. It prevents the baby from getting stressed. This fatty acid, which is also very beneficial for the mother, can be taken through food or supplements.
*When determining the vitamin and mineral supplements to be used during pregnancy, it is obtained from the expectant mother's blood tests. the results are taken into account. Supplements should not be used unconsciously.
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