All vitamins needed in daily life can be obtained through healthy nutrition. Pregnant women have the following question in their minds from the beginning of pregnancy: “Am I getting enough vitamins?” However, it is not easy to determine whether the intake that will meet the need provides the necessary vitamin levels. Therefore, it is not easy for a doctor to answer the same question. Because the adequate nutrition of a pregnant woman, that is, her balanced consumption of different food groups, is not a variable that can be controlled. In addition to this situation, doctors find vitamin supplements appropriate due to the increased need for vitamins and minerals during pregnancy.
The first vitamin given at the beginning of pregnancy or as of the planned stage is folic acid. A deficiency in folic acid levels in the pregnant woman can cause conditions called “neural tube defects” in the baby, which are disorders in the central nervous system. The only vitamin that is definitely recommended during pregnancy is folic acid. However, in addition to folic acid, iron, calcium, magnesium and vitamin D deficiencies during pregnancy can cause serious problems. For this reason, the use of these vitamins and minerals is generally recommended.
Does anemia develop during pregnancy, how should it be treated?
Since pregnancy is a period when the baby gets its nutrients from the mother, the mother's stores are very important. If the mother's initial nutrient stores are insufficient, the baby will not be able to meet its needs. Iron is the building block of the hemoglobin molecule that carries oxygen in the blood cells (erythrocytes). If the amount of iron in our body is not sufficient, that is, if both our stores are low and our intake is not sufficient, iron deficiency anemia occurs. This is the definition of a type of anemia. It refers to the low number of blood cells.
During pregnancy, both the need for iron increases and the absorption of iron is impaired. All of these pave the way for iron deficiency anemia, or anemia. For this reason, the use of iron preparations is recommended during pregnancy. The symptoms of anemia during pregnancy can be variable; weakness, feeling tired, palpitations, shortness of breath, hair loss, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, etc.
It should be taken on an empty stomach so that it can enter the body through the duodenum, where iron is absorbed. Otherwise, foods disrupt the absorption of iron. Iron medications can color the stool black. They can also cause gastrointestinal complaints and disrupt patient compliance. It is also essential for the mother to receive sufficient iron in order to establish the baby's iron stores. Therefore, it would be correct to use iron from the beginning of pregnancy.
Another cause of anemia during pregnancy is anemia due to folic acid deficiency, called Megaloblastic Anemia. Folic acid drugs are used in its treatment. Another cause of anemia that should be kept in mind is chronic blood loss. Slow and hidden blood loss occurs in hemorrhoids, intestinal polyps or some chronic intestinal disorders. This also prepares the ground for anemia. Unless this problem itself is treated, iron or any other drug will not be beneficial for anemia.
Is calcium supplementation necessary during pregnancy?
Calcium is necessary for the baby's bone and tooth development during pregnancy. The baby, who gets the calcium it needs from its mother, will get it from the mother's bone tissue if there is not enough in the blood. Pregnant women who do not get enough calcium will be at risk for the onset of osteoporosis. It is essential for both the mother and the baby to close this gap.
The main source of calcium is milk and dairy products. Yogurt and cheese should definitely be consumed in abundance by pregnant women who cannot drink milk. In addition, legumes, apricots, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli are rich in calcium.
A balanced diet meets the need for calcium to a great extent, as it does for all vitamins and minerals. However, in the last three months of pregnancy, calcium needs to be supplemented with medications in addition to food for the baby's healthy bone and tooth development. Vitamin D and calcium supplements should be given to pregnant women who do not benefit from sunlight in particular.
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