The Daily Recommended Vitamin Dosage For Pregnant Women

When pregnant, both your calorie and vitamin needs change. You require additional calories and nutrients to support the health and growth of your fetus and to maintain your own health. Eating a balanced and healthy diet can help you meet these increased needs. In addition, your doctor will also recommend that you take a prenatal vitamin.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it is stored in the body; it is necessary for growth and bone development. During pregnancy, your vitamin A requirements increase from 700 IU per day to 770 IU per day. Food sources of vitamin A include eggs and fortified milk.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is another fat-soluble vitamin, which helps you absorb calcium and assists with bone mineralization. Vitamin D needs do not change during pregnancy, and you need 600 IU a day to meet your daily needs. Food sources include eggs and fortified milk.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E needs also do not change during pregnancy; the recommended dosage is 15 mg a day. As an antioxidant, vitamin E protects cells from oxidation. Wheat germ and almonds are good sources of vitamin E.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K assists with blood clotting. Pregnant women need 90 micrograms a day, the same amount when not pregnant. Food sources include leafy greens, soy oil and liver.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble, which means your body cannot store it; you must consume this vitamin on a daily basis to meet your needs. During pregnancy, the recommended vitamin C dosage is 85 mg a day, an increase from 75 mg. Adequate intake supports growth and development as well as the immune system. Food sources include citrus fruits, peppers and leafy greens.

B Vitamins

The B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins needed in very small amounts that help extract energy from the food you eat, and make new red blood cells. During pregnancy, your needs for most of the B vitamins increases. Your dosage for thiamin and riboflavin increases from 1.1 to 1.4 mg. Your daily niacin needs increase from 14 to 18 mg, and vitamin B6 from 1.3 to 1.9 mg. Vitamin B-12 increases from 2.4 to 2.6 micrograms, and pantothenic from 5 to 6 mg a day. Adequate intakes of folate prevent neural tube defects, and during pregnancy you need 600 micrograms a day, an increase from 400 micrograms. Your biotin dosage, also known as vitamin B7, does not change during pregnancy, and you need 30 micrograms a day. The B vitamins are found in a number of different foods including meats, grains and vegetables.