ESSENTIAL VITAMINS GROUPS FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS

Expectant mothers know that during pregnancy, their body need to be supplemented more nutrients for both maternal and fetal nourishment?
 
During a period of 9 months and 10 days, the baby is constantly growing inside the maternal uterus, the baby's nutrition is absorbed from the mother's own nutrition. The supplement of vitamins in the body becomes extremely important to ensure comprehensive fetal development.
 
Below is some indispensable prenatal vitamins and mother and baby’s roles. Let's refer to plan for adding in daily maternal diet!
 
► The first trimester:  

The first trimester is the period of fetal formation. The majority of development and differentiation of fetal vital organs occur within the first 12 weeks. If there is a factor influences the stage of fetal development, especially drugs or radiation, birth defects can occur. During this stage, pregnant women should focus on sufficient supplement of vitamins to minimize the risk of birth defects, miscarriage, premature delivery... and limit the risk of postpartum infection, specifically as follows:

• Folic Acid: Folic acid supplementation during pre-pregnancy and early stage of gestation is very important and can prevent 40–80% of neural tube defects in the fetus, because the neural tube develops during the first 4 weeks of pregnancy. In addition to a rich- folic acid diet, mothers should also add 600 micrograms of folic acid from oral supplements to meet the needs of fetal neural tube formation.
• Iodine: during the first trimester, thyroid hormone production increases by 50% and iodine  excretion by kidneys increases by 30-50%, Maternal thyroid hormone helps to regulate important processes in the development of fetal brain and nervous system.

► The second trimester:

All body’s organs and parts are completely developed and this is the stage of fetal length development. From 3rd to 6th month, the fetal length is 70% of birth length. This is the period of fetal growth, so the maternal nutritional needs also increase to meet the fetal needs. Mothers should remember in addition to maintain adequate nutrition of 4 groups: Protein, Fat, Starch, Fiber; they also need to meet:

• Iron: Helps to increase maternal red blood cell count, meets fetal iron needs, and reserves iron to compensate for its loss at delivery (eg, blood loss at birth). In addition, iron also plays an important role in transporting necessary oxygen to maternal and fetal cells.  
• Zinc: Zinc deficiency during pregnancy is associated with immunodeficiency, prolonged labor, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, low birthweight infants, and gestational hypertension. 
• Calcium: Helps to strengthen bones, avoid osteoporosis when the mother turns to the age of menopause. Simultaneously, it supports the development of fetal skeletal system in the second trimester. In addition, sufficient calcium supplement can reduce Intrapartum adverse risks such as pre-eclampsia, hypertension, postpartum haemorrhage, premature birth,...,
• Vitamin B: deficiency of these vitamins can affect cell growth as well as nervous tissue development.
• Vitamin A: Supports the development and maintenance of fetal tissues, provide a reserve for the fetus and support the mother's metabolism.
• Vitamin D: helps to optimize maternal and fetal bone strength by increasing calcium absorption.

► The third trimester:

This is the time that a fetus gains body weight. Fetus grows quickly, especially in the last three months of pregnancy, from 700g in the second trimester, gain 200g per week in the third trimester. During this period, fetal nutrition is supplied through the maternal placenta. If the mother is undernourished or poor weight gain or has a problem with the placenta, the neonate is prone to low birth weight and high mortality. Premature birth is prone to occur in the last trimester because the placenta is no longer a steady barrier to protect the fetus. Mothers should adequately supplement the above nutrients so that their fetuses can receive nutrients sufficiently before birthing.

Individual eating habits and favourite are different, so diet and exercise modes need to be individualized for each person rather than a general menu or diet applies to all.

At the Department of Nutrition - American International Hospital (AIH), the procedures of nutritional examination and counseling for pregnant women are scientifically developed  from examination, menu development and nutrition practice guideline. The nutritionists will accompany with mothers throughout pregnancy, helping them getting sufficient nutrition knowledge about nutrition in order to provide the best maternal and fetal care.

We hope that the above information will help you have a safe and healthy pregnancy!