Pregnancy is an incredible journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and a lot of changes - especially when it comes to your body’s nutritional needs. As your baby grows, so does the demand for specific vitamins and minerals that support healthy development.
While a balanced diet is the foundation of good nutrition, pregnancy supplements play a vital role in ensuring you and your baby get everything you need. Read on for why these supplements are so important and which ones you might want to consider.
Why Are Supplements Important During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your body works overtime to nourish not just you but also your growing baby. This can sometimes lead to deficiencies, even if you’re eating well. Pregnancy supplements are designed to fill those micronutrient gaps, ensuring you get the right nutrients in the right amounts.
For example, folic acid is one of the most well-known supplements recommended during pregnancy. It’s crucial for preventing neural tube defects, which are serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Since it can be challenging to get enough folic acid through diet alone, a supplement ensures you’re covered.
Key Supplements to Consider
There are several key supplements that are often recommended during pregnancy:
Folic Acid
As mentioned, folic acid is vital for your baby’s brain and spinal cord development. Women are advised to take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, starting at least one month before conception and continuing throughout the first trimester. Taking folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy can reduce the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70%.
Iron
Pregnancy increases your blood volume, which means you need more iron to help carry oxygen to your baby. Iron supplements can prevent anaemia, which is common during pregnancy. Anaemia can leave you feeling tired, weak, and increase the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight.
Calcium
Your baby needs calcium to develop strong bones and teeth and it also helps regulate the baby's heartbeat and muscle function. If you’re not getting enough, your body will take it from your bones, which can lead to osteoporosis later in life. Good dietary sources of calcium include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods such as cereal and orange juice, and a calcium supplement can help keep your bones strong.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D works hand-in-hand with calcium to support your baby’s bone development. It’s also essential for your immune system. Many prenatal vitamins include Vitamin D, but depending on your levels, you might need an extra boost.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in blood clotting, which is particularly important during pregnancy to prevent excessive bleeding during delivery. Vitamin K also supports bone health by helping to regulate calcium, which (a above) is important for both your bones and your baby’s developing skeleton. While it doesn’t get as much attention as other vitamins like folic acid or iron, ensuring adequate Vitamin K levels is important for both you and your baby’s health.
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is crucial for your baby’s brain and eye development. It’s found in fish, but if you’re not a fan of seafood or are concerned about mercury, a DHA supplement is a great alternative.
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, and they can also help prevent constipation - which is common during pregnancy. Some studies have also suggested that probiotics may reduce the risk of preterm birth and preeclampsia. Pregnant women can consume probiotics through fermented foods such as yoghurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, or through a supplement.
Are There Any Risks?
While supplements are beneficial, it’s important to take them as recommended by your healthcare provider. More isn’t always better as some vitamins and minerals can be harmful in high doses - for instance, too much vitamin A can cause birth defects, so it’s crucial to stick to the recommended amount.
So, which brand should you choose?
With the right supplement, you can support a healthy pregnancy journey, but choosing the right pregnancy supplement is crucial for you and your baby’s health. Look for a prenatal vitamin that includes key vitamins and nutrients in their natural forms, plus extra, to ensure a comprehensive supplement. Consider any dietary restrictions or allergies you might have, opt for supplements that align with your preferences, like vegetarian or gluten-free options, and always follow the recommended dosage to avoid excess intake, which can be harmful.
Barefoot Nutrition Barefoot Mum’s – Pregnancy Support Formula is the comprehensive daily nutrient support for before, during and after Pregnancy. Our supplement is designed to support healthy foetus development and optimum maternal health in healthful, safe doses and is made using bioactive ingredients in their natural forms. It includes 21 beneficial ingredients and nutrients that most other prenatal formulas overlook, ensuring comprehensive care, such as:
Beta Carotene
In its natural Dunaliella Salina form - Converts to vitamin A on an as-needed basis by the body. Vitamin A is essential for the development of your baby, but excess intake may be harmful. Beta carotene is a safe alternative.
Pantothenic Acid (B5)
Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. We use calcium pantothenate, the most stable form of vitamin B5.
Lutein
A carotenoid that is only included in premium formulas – it plays a role in foetal visual health and development.
Choline Bitartrate
Hard-to-meet adequate daily intake through our diets - supports healthy foetal brain development and is one of the most essential nutrients for breastfeeding.
CoQ10
A powerful antioxidant.
As well as the above, to ensure thoughtful supplementation we decided to use folic acid in its useable form: Methyl Folate.
Why Methyl Folate?
It is important that we use folic acid in its useable form because 20% of people have the MTHFR gene mutation which means they can't convert folic acid into its useable form: Folate.
Having Methyl Folate means you have it already in its useable form, so it doesn't matter if you have the gene or not!
In a market place so over run with cheap, low quality options, Barefoot Nutrition Barefoot Mum’s – Pregnancy Support Formula really does stand out as a thoughtful, comprehensive pregnancy supplement - made with bioavailable, high-quality ingredients, including essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy pregnancy.
To ensure all the key supplements are taken, and to compliment Barefoot Nutrition Barefoot Mum’s – Pregnancy Support Formula, we recommend using our Omega 3 Ultimate and our Probiotic – Advanced Live Culture, both of which are safe for during pregnancy.
Barefoot Mum’s is 100% vegan, free from synthetic additives and comes in 100% recyclable packaging.
Pregnancy is a time of incredible change, and ensuring you get the right nutrients is key to a healthy pregnancy. While a balanced diet should always be your first step, supplements can help fill in the gaps and support both you and your growing baby. Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement to ensure it’s safe and right for your specific needs.
By taking care of your nutritional needs with the right supplements, you’re giving your baby the best possible start in life—and that’s something to feel good about!
Visit our ‘Products’ page for more information on our Barefoot Mums - Pregnancy Support Formula, Omega-3 and Probiotic supplements!
https://barefootnutrition.co.uk
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vitamins-supplements-and-nutrition/
https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/pregnancy/vitamins-and-supplements-in-pregnancy/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/supplements-during-pregnancy
https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/pregnancy/folic-acid
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