Pregnancy supplements: nutrition for you and your baby

During pregnancy, it's critical to pay close attention to your changing nutritional needs so that your baby can grow safely and healthily. It can be difficult for expectant mothers to know what' is best, particularly with so much information available. From conception to breastfeeding, you'll get the most up-to-date health tips from us.

There are well-researched guidelines for which supplements to take and which to avoid during pregnancy. Specific nutrients will help you during different trimesters, which is why we tailor your supplement regimen as your pregnancy progresses, ensuring that you and your baby get the nutrients you need.  

We've listed the nutrients which may be included in your personalised supplements, depending on whether you're attempting to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding. Our pregnancy supplements include food-state vitamins and minerals, which are not only highly absorbable but they're also gentle on the digestive system during pregnancy. 

Folate

It's best to begin taking folic acid (folate in its active form) as soon as you begin trying for a baby or discover you're pregnant. Folic acid is important for your pregnancy because it it can help avoid birth defects and help the baby develop a healthy spine. You can also find folate in broccoli, spinach, beans and pulses (1).

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common and supplementing is highly recommended for everyone, especially during the winter months. It is also especially important during pregnancy, with links to a number of health benefits including fertility, immunity, bone and mood support. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight as well as achy muscles while pregnant (2). 

Our nutritionists reviewed the most recent studies and expert advice to ensure that our pregnancy supplements contain optimally supportive amounts of vitamin D3.

Iron 

The Vitl pregnancy formulations include 5mg of iron, which is needed in higher levels during pregnancy.

Chromium and B6

Blood sugar balance is essential for morning sickness symptoms, which is why we have included chromium and B6 in our pregnancy supplements.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has been shown to protect your baby’s developing cells.

Probiotic

Although digestive issues are common in the general population, they are often intensified during pregnancy. If this happens to you during your pregnancy, we can include a probiotic within your personalised pack (friendly gut bacteria) to help alleviate your symptoms. Studies show that your baby is passed on your gut flora at birth, which is vital for the development of your baby's digestive and immune system. Taking a probiotic during the third trimester and when breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of childhood allergies, eczema and asthma (3). 

Calcium and magnesium

Calcium and magnesium are two essential nutrients needed during the third trimester.Calcium is needed in large quantities for the baby's bone development. Whilst it's unlikely that your baby will be deficient in calcium, it's vital to keep your calcium reserves topped up in order to keep your bones and teeth strong and healthy. Magnesium aids muscle relaxation, which can help alleviate aches and pains as well as restless legs at night, as the pelvis expands.

Omega 3

Taking an omega 3 supplement during pregnancy, particularly one high in DHA (rather than EPA), is especially beneficial to your health. Since DHA is essential for your baby's brain growth, your body will prioritise providing it for the baby, leaving you exhausted. Omega 3 supplementation during pregnancy has also been linked to a reduction in antenatal depression and anxiety (4). A vegan omega 3 supplement will be included in your personalised pregnancy pack. Our pregnancy supplements are made with healthy levels of vitamins for your pregnancy and do not contain any contraindicated ingredients, such as vitamin A or E.

To ensure your supplement regimen changes with your pregnancy, we recommend that you retake the free consultation every 3 months. You'll also get free, in depth nutritional tips to help you and your new baby stay healthy during and after your pregnancy with the postnatal pack. For vegan pregnancy supplements you can complete our online consultation here. 

1. https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/super-supplements
2. http://www.babycenter.com/0_vitamin-d- in-your- pregnancy-diet_661.bc
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24947281
4. http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0067617