Many vitamins, including the B vitamins, are needed for the body to repair itself and make new cells. Although vitamin B12 deficiencies are relatively uncommon, they are a potential problem for pregnant women because pregnancy raises the amount of vitamin B12 that your body needs. If you are pregnant you may need to take vitamin B12 supplements to help prevent complications during pregnancy.
Vitamin B12 Sources and Function
Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin and can be found in many foods, particularly meat and dairy products. It can also be found in supplement form. Vitamin B12 can also be found in supplement form where it is sometimes referred to as cobalamin. Vitamin B12 is needed for the body to produce DNA, RNA, lipids, certain hormones and proteins and is particularly important for making new red blood cells and for keeping the nerves working properly.
Vitamin B12 and Pregnancy
The body typically stores large quantities of vitamin B12, so deficiencies in this vitamin are relatively uncommon, especially among non-vegans. During pregnancy, however, the B12 reserves of the mother can become depleted. This is because the developing fetus will use up much of the mother's B12, both in order to develop its own reserves and to make red blood cells and nerve cells. Consequently, pregnant women may need to have their vitamin B12 levels checked regularly.
Symptoms
Mild vitamin B12 deficiencies can cause anemia, which results in the mother feeling chronically fatigued and looking somewhat pale due to a lack of red blood cells. Mild vitamin B12 deficiencies do not typically cause any problems with birth, but a severe vitamin B12 deficiency can be dangerous for the developing fetus. Women with severe deficiencies have a greater risk of having children with severe birth defects, such as spina bifida and other disorders involving the neural tube. Vitamin B12 deficiencies may also increase your risk of having a miscarriage or a preterm baby.
Treatment
There are a number of different ways in which women can increase their vitamin B12 levels if they have a deficiency in this important vitamin during pregnancy. Animal-based proteins, such as chicken breasts, eggs and milk can help supply vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is also present in many prenatal vitamins, so you most likely will not develop a deficiency if you are taking these vitamins. More severe cases can be treated by giving supplements, which can be taken orally or injected. The Mayo Clinic recommends that pregnant or lactating women consume 2.8 micrograms of vitamin B12 per day.
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