Pregnant women are not only eating for two. They are also supplementing for two, taking care to get the proper recommended intake of vitamins, minerals and protein for their health and their developing baby's. However, some vitamins and minerals are more critical than others during certain developmental stages.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is one of the most important nutrients a pregnant woman can get. Folic acid is especially critical early during pregnancy, when the baby's neural tube develops. In addition to reducing the risk of neural tube defects, folic acid plays a role in both blood and protein production during pregnancy. Folic acid is so important early during pregnancy that the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or ACOG, recommends any woman of childbearing age get at least 400 micrograms every day through a supplement in case of a surprise pregnancy. Pregnant women need between 600 and 1,000 micrograms of folic acid daily: ACOG recommends 600 micrograms, while the Cleveland Clinic advises moms-to-be to aim for 800 to 1,000 micrograms. Check with your doctor for recommendations based on your own specific needs.
Iron
Iron is another important prenatal nutrients and is necessary throughout a woman's entire pregnancy. Iron is critical for oxygen supply, as it helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, including to the baby. In addition, it contributes to the baby's blood cell and muscle development. Pregnant women need more iron than the average woman. ACOG recommends 27 mg daily, while Cleveland Clinic recommends pregnant women aim for 30 mg. Pregnant women who do not get enough iron through their diet or supplement are at risk for pregnancy-related anemia.
Calcium
Calcium is the last of the three most critical pregnancy nutrients. An unborn baby requires calcium for healthy bone and teeth development. Calcium also plays a role in the function of the nervous system and circulation. Because a baby must grow a skeleton, it has to have calcium, and will take it from any source necessary. Pregnant mothers who do not get enough calcium in their diet or through a supplement may actually lose bone density to their baby. ACOG recommends pregnant women get at least 1,000 mg of calcium every day.
Vitamin D
While not one of the three main critical vitamins, vitamin D does play an important role later in pregnancy. Vitamin D intake is especially important during the last trimester. Like calcium, vitamin D plays a role in bone and teeth development, helping the absorption of calcium. According to the Mayo Clinic, many prenatal vitamins do not contain enough vitamin D for a woman to meet her daily guidelines. ACOG recommends pregnant women get between 200 and 400 international units, or IUs, of vitamin D every day.
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