The group of B vitamins includes several compounds that play an important role in maintaining the health of the expectant mother and in the proper development of the baby in the tummy. With their shortage in food, various problems arise, therefore, in order to prevent deficiency, it is recommended that pregnant women take these vitamin substances additionally.
Benefit
Particularly valuable for expectant mothers, the representative of B-group vitamins is B9, which is more familiar to us as folic acid... It is this substance that regulates cell division and affects DNA synthesis, therefore, prevents serious pathologies in the fetus. Folic acid is also important for protein metabolism and blood formation.
The need for such a vitamin during the waiting period for the baby increases significantly (up to 400-800 mcg per day, and sometimes more), and the deficiency significantly affects the development of the baby, therefore its additional reception is recommended not only in the early stages up to 12 weeks, but also before conception.
Other vitamins from group B are no less significant.
- IN 1, another name for which is thiamine, takes a key part in metabolic processes and is especially important for the central nervous system, heart and digestive tract.
The need for such a substance during childbearing is from 1 to 2.5 mg (an average of 1.7 mg).
- AT 2called riboflavin, is important for energy metabolism, the formation of blood cells, nervous system, skin and mucous membranes. It affects vision and adrenal function. Under the influence of riboflavin, the color of urine turns bright yellow, but this should not cause concern.
The expectant mother should receive it in a dose of at least 2 mg per day.
- IN 3, which has several other names (PP, niacin, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide), affects the formation of hormones, the synthesis of certain enzymes and the course of metabolic processes in cells. Such a substance is necessary to support the health of the cardiovascular and nervous system.
The daily need for it for pregnant women is at least 20 mg.
- AT 4, better known as choline, is used by the body to metabolize lipids. It is needed for good memory and liver function.
Expectant mothers should consume it in the amount of 700 mg per day.
- AT 5, which is also called pantothenic acid and is often included in multivitamin complexes in the form of calcium pantothenate, promotes rapid restoration of damage to the skin and mucous membranes. Such a substance is necessary for the myocardium, normal immunity and the production of hormones.
Its daily intake by a pregnant woman should be 10 mg.
- AT 6, also called pyridoxine, is involved in amino acid metabolism, hemoglobin synthesis, glucose maintenance, and acid-base homeostasis. Thanks to this compound, immunity is strengthened and excess fluid is removed. It is important for the development of the baby's brain, reduces the symptoms of toxicosis, and also lowers the tone of the uterus when it rises.
Its average daily dose for women in position is 2.5 mg.
- AT 7, which is more often called vitamin H or biotin, affects collagen synthesis, therefore it is important for skin, hair and nails. It also participates in the production of enzymes and lipid metabolism, contributes to the development of the infant's digestive system.
The expectant mother should receive it at a dose of 150-300 mcg every day.
- AT 12, whose second name is cyanocobalamin, is involved in the division of various cells and metabolic processes. Such a substance is important for normal sleep, immunity, and the formation of genitals.
Its daily dose for pregnant women is 2 to 8 mcg.
What is the threat of a deficit?
Unlike fat-soluble vitamin compounds (A, E, D), there are practically no reserves of B vitamins in the human body. They easily dissolve in water and leave the body, and also quickly break down under the influence of various factors (heating, nicotine, ultraviolet light, alcohol, defrosting), therefore, they must come from outside every day.
If the expectant mother does not receive enough B vitamins, this will lead to the development of hypovitaminosis, which can be identified by the following symptoms:
- dry skin;
- deterioration of attention and memory;
- acne;
- nervousness;
- insomnia;
- decreased appetite;
- weakness;
- pallor;
- deterioration of vision;
- hair loss;
- flatulence;
- dyspnea;
- stomatitis;
- inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes;
- chest pain;
- anemia.
Lack of B vitamins is also dangerous for the baby. It can provoke developmental delay and various anomalies. For example, with a deficiency of thiamine, the risk of miscarriage increases, the development of the central nervous system of the baby will be disrupted, and the weight gain will be insufficient. With hypovitaminosis of riboflavin, a violation of the bookmark of the organ of vision and skin is possible, pathologies of the hematopoietic and nervous systems will arise.
If enough cyanocobalamin does not enter the body of the pregnant woman, which is often found with a vegetarian diet, this also threatens the underdevelopment of the baby's nervous system.
Potential harm
Since vitamin B compounds are water-soluble, when using prophylactic dosages, they do not accumulate and do not harm in any way, even if taken in a small excess. Overdose is possible only when using a very high dose, for example, if injections are used.
The tolerance of B vitamins, judging by the reviews, is generally good. However, some women experience allergic reactions and other side effects, such as nausea, increased blood pressure, dizziness or flatulence.
With such negative symptoms, the use of vitamin products will have to be abandoned.
Natural sources
An expectant mother can get vitamins that are included in group B from:
- dairy products;
- meat;
- different cereals;
- whole grains and bran;
- beans, peas and soybeans;
- chicken;
- offal;
- eggs;
- mushrooms;
- greenery;
- nuts;
- fresh vegetables;
- hard cheese;
- fishes;
- grapes, plums, berries and various fruits;
- seaweed.
The content of individual vitamin substances in them differs, for example, there is a lot of riboflavin in spinach, buckwheat and green peas, choline is found in egg whites, trout, sunflower and liver, sources of vitamin B12 are any dairy and meat products, as well as fish dishes and eggs.
In order for the expectant mother to receive the norm of B-group vitamins from food, it is important to eat varied and complete. If this is not possible, special additives will help out.
Pharmacy preparations
Vitamins from group B are found in a fairly large number of multivitamins, including in special supplements for pregnant women. Since individual members of the group reinforce each other's action, they are usually included in the composition as a whole complex. They are found in popular multivitamins for expectant mothers:
- Femibion 1, both complexes, contain a special form of folate (it is easier to digest), B1, nicotinamide, B6, B2, pantothenic acid, B12, biotin;
- Elevit Pronatal includes calcium pantothenate, nicotinamide, 800 mg of folic acid per daily dose, and vitamins B12, B1, H, B6 and B2;
- "Complivit Mama", all complexes "Complivit Trimestrum", "Pregnavit", "Multi-tabs Perinatal" - give pregnant women vitamins B1, B6, B2 and B12, as well as calcium pantothenate, folic acid and nicotinamide;
- Vitrum Prenatal and Pregnakea are the source of B1, B2, nicotinamide, B6, folic acid and B12;
- “Mom's Health Alphabet”, “Minisun Mama”, “Vitrum Prenatal Forte”, “Lonopan”, “Solgar Prenatal Nutrients”, “Doppelherz for Pregnant Women” - contain 8 key B vitamins.
Since these complexes are intended for the prevention of deficiency, the dosage of individual B-group vitamins in them is usually 25-100%. Separately produced drugs with a higher content, intended for the treatment of various neurological diseases, for example, "Milgamma", "Kombilipen" or "Neurobion". During the period of bearing a baby, they are contraindicated.
Injections of certain vitamins (thiamine, nicotinic acid, riboflavin) are rarely prescribed for pregnant women. They are indicated for severe hypovitaminosis, pathologies of the nervous system, the risk of genetic diseases in the fetus, problems with the assimilation of food in a woman and in some other cases. Such use without a doctor's prescription is prohibited.
It is also worth mentioning such a popular drug during pregnancy as "Magne-B6"... It is presented with an oral solution containing 10 mg of pyridoxine and 100 mg of magnesium in each ampoule, as well as coated tablets, from which the expectant mother will receive 5 mg of vitamin B6 and 48 mg of magnesium. Such a remedy is prescribed for increased fatigue, spasms, irritability, problems with sleep. It is safe for the baby, so it can be used at any stage of pregnancy.
For more information on whether to use vitamins during pregnancy, see the next video.
