The load on the female body during pregnancy increases significantly, therefore, the expectant mother needs more nutrients than an ordinary woman. One of the most important vitamins for pregnant women is ascorbic acid. Such a beneficial compound can be obtained both from food and from a variety of vitamin supplements.
Benefit
Ascorbic acid enhances the body's defenses and helps to neutralize toxic substances that are produced by pathogenic microbes. Such a compound enhances the phagocytosis of pathogens, stimulates the production of interferon, reduces the activity of inflammation and makes the body more resistant to infections.
Without the participation of vitamin C, the synthesis of connective tissues, in particular proteins called elastin and collagen, is disrupted. They are the basis of cartilage, and are also part of the structure of the skin, vascular walls and bones.
Vitamin C is famous for its antioxidant properties, thanks to which it is able to protect tissues and cells from various harmful effects. In addition, it has a positive effect on liver function, normalizes capillary permeability and is involved in blood coagulation.
Ascorbic acid has the ability to accelerate the healing of a variety of skin lesions, including burns, cuts and stretch marks. It contributes to a faster recovery of the body after injury or surgery. Taking vitamin C prevents fat metabolism disorders that cause atherosclerosis. In addition, such a vitamin compound has a positive effect on the functioning of the pancreas.
Ascorbic acid improves the absorption of iron and folic acid, what is used in the treatment of anemia. In addition, under the action of such a compound active forms of vitamin D are produced and glucose is better absorbed.
What is the threat of a deficit?
A lack of vitamin C can be suspected when:
- very fast fatigability;
- bleeding gums;
- impaired appetite;
- dryness and pallor of the skin;
- frequent bruising;
- lethargy;
- hair loss;
- frequent bleeding from the nose;
- impaired wound healing;
- irritability;
- frequent colds;
- joint pain;
- depressive mood.
An unbalanced diet leads to a deficiency of ascorbic acid, when the needs for such a vitamin are not fully met. This is facilitated by stress, physical activity, infectious diseases, injuries.
Natural sources
Ascorbic acid is found most of all in berries and various fruits, as well as in all types of greens and vegetables. This vitamin can be obtained from:
- red pepper;
- rose hips;
- black and red currants;
- rowan;
- strawberries;
- lemons, oranges and other citrus fruits;
- sauerkraut;
- potatoes;
- kiwi;
- apples;
- gooseberry;
- spinach;
- parsley, dill and green onions;
- green peas.
Unfortunately, long-term storage and heat treatment of such products leads to the destruction of a certain percentage of vitamin C, so it is best to consume them fresh.
Pharmacy preparations
Ascorbic acid can be the main active compound or be part of a multivitamin complex, where it is supplemented with other important vitamins, as well as micro and macro elements. Monopreparations based on ascorbic acid are produced in such dosage forms.
- Round tablets white, orange or pink. The dosage of vitamin C in such one tablet can be from 25 to 500 mg. Depending on the manufacturer, dextrose, sucrose, crospovidone, lactose, dyes and other substances are added to it.
- Dragee, which have a yellow color and a spherical shape. They often contain 50 mg of ascorbic acid.
- Effervescent tabletswhich, when dissolved in water, form a sweet lemon or orange drink. They usually contain 500-1000 mg of active compound.
- Powder, which is diluted with water for internal use. It is represented by white or colorless crystals, packaged in packages of 2.5 and 1 gram. This powder contains only ascorbic acid.
- Solution, which is used for intramuscular or intravenous administration. Such vitamin C is represented by a clear 5-10% liquid, poured into 1-2 ml ampoules. In addition to the active substance, it contains sodium bicarbonate, disodium edetate, cysteine and other compounds.
Features of use by pregnant women
The recommended daily dose of ascorbic acid during the period of gestation is 70-100 mg. The maximum intake of such a vitamin during pregnancy is 2000 mg per day.
Despite all the benefits of ascorbic acid, taking such a vitamin in the 1st trimester should be treated with extreme caution. Doctors do not recommend drinking vitamin C-based pharmaceutical preparations in the early stages, so as not to provoke an abortion.
The fact is that the strengthening of the defenses during this period can cause rejection of the embryo if the mother's body begins to perceive it as a foreign body. For this reason, in the first trimester, vitamin intake from food is sufficient.
In the 2nd trimester, under the influence of vitamin C, the elasticity of the skin will improve, which will reduce the risk of stretch marks on the skin due to an increase in abdominal size. The increased blood volume during this period increases the load on the vascular walls. Vitamin C strengthens capillaries and reduces the likelihood of varicose veins, protects against bleeding from the nose and gums, and also reduces the risk of placental exfoliation.
In the 3rd trimester, vitamin C will strengthen the immunity of the expectant mother, normalize vascular permeability and help prevent anemia. Thanks to such properties, it will not only increase the woman's resistance to colds and bleeding, but also prevent the onset of childbirth too early. In addition, by increasing the elasticity of the muscles, they will stretch more easily during labor.
Most often, expectant mothers are advised to supplement their diet with ascorbic acid with glucose. These tablets are sweet and have different tastes. Glucose enhances the effect of the vitamin and gives an additional reserve of strength, but requires caution if a pregnant woman develops gestational diabetes, is overweight or has problems with carbohydrate absorption.
Sometimes expectant mothers are prescribed injections with vitamin C. This type of medicine is needed in case of bleeding, infections, fractures, intoxication and other dangerous conditions. The solution can be injected into muscle tissue or into a vein as an IV drip. The dosage is selected individually.
Preparing for conception
Planning for pregnancy is the same crucial period as gestation, during which a woman should create favorable conditions for the development of the baby. And saturation of the body with vitamins can be called one of the key points for a healthy pregnancy.
The use of ascorbic acid is especially valuable for expectant mothers who previously smoked and decided to give up this nasty habit before conception.
Besides, improvement of iron absorption under the influence of vitamin C will prevent anemia, early toxicosis and vascular disorders in the very first weeks after fertilization.
Potential harm
Ascorbic acid is contraindicated in thrombophlebitis, hypersensitivity, elevated hemoglobin levels, severe kidney disease and some other problems, therefore it is not worth taking pharmacy supplements with such a vitamin without consulting a doctor.
There are also frequent cases of an allergic reaction to ascorbic acid, which most often occur in the form of rashes, itching and redness. Additionally, vitamin C supplements can cause other adverse reactions such as diarrhea, insomnia, swelling, nausea, urinary tract stones, dizziness, and so on. Often they are caused by exceeding the recommended doses, violation of instructions for use, or too long intake.
The daily dose and duration of vitamin C intake suitable for a particular expectant mother should be checked with the doctor who monitors the woman for the entire period of gestation.
Reviews
On drugs that contain ascorbic acid, they respond mostly positively. They are liked by expectant mothers for their pleasant taste and are considered useful in the cold season. The pluses of ascorbic acid also include an affordable price and a variety of dosage forms. Such a vitamin supplement is generally well tolerated, but occasionally it provokes allergies and other side effects.
