Week 13 and more
Pregnant woman sitting on her bed and taking her daily dose of vitamins.

Dietary supplements for the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy

How to choose dietary supplements for the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, your doctor has probably recommended that you take prenatal vitamins. These are dietary supplements that are specifically designed for pregnant women to provide their bodies with all the necessary vitamins and minerals crucial for a healthy pregnancy. What vitamins and minerals should women take in pregnancy and why? 

When to start taking prenatal vitamins? 

Experts agree that it is ideal to take prenatal vitamins before conception. Why? The right vitamins can help you get pregnant by providing the nutrition your body needs to be ready for pregnancy. 

During pregnancy, the requirements for certain vitamins and minerals change, so it is a good idea to adapt your supplements to the different stages of pregnancy to meet the current needs of your body and your baby. 

The need for vitamins and minerals in pregnancy 

Getting the necessary nutrients is important at every stage of life, but it is even more important during pregnancy, because not only the mother's body needs to be nourished, but also the growing baby. What vitamins and minerals to focus on in pregnancy

Pregnant woman sitting on her bed and taking her daily dose of vitamins.

Folic acid

One of the most talked-about vitamins in pregnancy is folic acid. It is especially essential in the first trimester, but it is ideal to start taking folic acid 3 months before the planned pregnancy. Enough folic acid in pregnancy ensures proper development of the baby as it contributes to the growth of tissues, blood formation and proper cell division. 

Folate, or the natural form of folic acid, which belongs to the B vitamins, is mainly found in leafy greens, asparagus, avocados, or peas. To ensure sufficient intake of folic acid, reach for pregnancy vitamins containing bioactive form of folic acid known as methyl folate

Iron supplements for pregnancy 

During pregnancy, the need for iron increases significantly. However, research has shown that up to 52% of pregnant women are iron deficient. Iron deficiency during pregnancy is one of the main causes of anaemia in infants. Moreover, iron is crucial for oxygen transfer and healthy growth and development of the baby and placenta. The recommended intake of iron is 27 milligrams per day, which can be obtained from most prenatal vitamins. However, if you are iron deficient, you are likely to need higher doses. 

Vitamin D 

Vitamin D is also very important in pregnancy, as it is crucial for bone health, cell division and the immune system. A deficiency of this vitamin can lead to an increased risk of both caesarean section and premature birth.

Vitamin C

In pregnancy, the need for vitamin C also increases, by 10 mg per day. Low vitamin C levels are associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia, which can have serious consequences for both mother and baby.  

Lemon in the shape of alarm clock as a reminder to take vitamin C during pregnancy.

Magnesium supplements for pregnancy 

Studies have shown that magnesium metabolism works differently during pregnancy, with expectant mothers excreting larger amounts of magnesium than usual, making it harder to meet their magnesium needs. For example, the German Society for Nutrition recommends 300 mg of magnesium per day for pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, some new studies have found that the need for magnesium is even higher, ranging around 360 to 400 mg of magnesium per day. Insufficient magnesium intake can worsen morning sickness and may even cause premature birth.

Calcium supplements for pregnancy 

Especially during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, it is necessary to provide the body with enough calcium. Calcium helps build and strengthen bones. If a pregnant woman does not consume enough calcium, it is taken from the bones of the expectant mother. The baby is also at risk of having reduced bone mass or dental problems as an adult.  

TIP: Mabelle dietary supplements

How can you ensure that you provide your body with everything it needs before pregnancy, during the first, second and third trimesters and during breastfeeding? By taking dietary supplements that match the body's requirements at different stages of pregnancy. These specially designed dietary supplements include Mabelle products, which can be taken from the planning of pregnancy to the end of breastfeeding. 

Sources 

Pregnancy
Food supplement

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mabelle 3 · PREGNANCY

Provides your body with important substances that your body needs specifically from the second trimester (starting from … read more [+]

Provides your body with important substances that your body needs specifically from the second trimester (starting from 13. week) until the end 
of your pregnancy. Supports your health 
and a healthy development of your baby.


Supplementation with folic acid is recommended to all women during pregnancy to reach a protective folate level in order to reduce risk factor of baby’s neural tube defects and supplementation with DHA supports your baby´s brain development.

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