If pregnancy is a unique and particularly happy time , it is still a trying period for the human body which can present some inconveniences (nausea, cramps, fatigue, irritability, etc.). In addition, for her health and that of her child, the mother must be able to provide a set of essential nutrients to her pregnancy. Indeed, during its development, the fetus needs a large quantity of nutrients which it draws from its mother's mineral reserves. Therefore, a varied diet rich in vitamins and minerals or taking natural food supplements can be beneficial for the pregnant woman, both for the development of the fetus and for the well-being of the mother.
But then what are these nutrients that allow you to pamper your body and create an optimal environment for your child?
What are the essential nutrients for a more peaceful pregnancy?
Many nutrients are recommended to pregnant women by health professionals because they contribute to the normal development of the fetus as well as the physical and mental well-being of the mother . It is essential to avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies during pregnancy, as well as overdoses. Here is a non-exhaustive list of vitamins and minerals with proven benefits for the health of pregnant women and that of their children, which can be consumed in the form of food supplements.
Vitamin B9
Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid , is one of the most important vitamins during pregnancy. It participates in the growth of maternal tissues and is involved in the development of the brain, nervous system and spinal column of the embryo . It is during the first three months of pregnancy that the cells of the embryo develop most rapidly. A folic acid supplement is therefore essential at the start of pregnancy, or even several weeks before. Indeed, a deficiency in this vitamin can cause a malformation of the fetal neural tube , which can cause Spina Bifida . This anomaly very often causes serious after-effects in children, particularly neurological ones. In addition, this deficiency can lead to fatigue , hypertension , headaches , irritability and anemia in the mother.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral salt essential to both the health of the fetus and that of the mother. During pregnancy, women's magnesium needs increase. It is a major component of bones, muscles and nervous tissue . It is therefore necessary for the neurological, cerebral, bone and muscular development of the fetus . It also intervenes at the level of immunity and thus allows the pregnant woman to be better protected against external attacks. It participates in the regulation of transit and muscle contraction and thus makes it possible to considerably reduce the frequency and intensity of cramps during pregnancy. Sufficient intake helps combat fatigue and nervousness, which are common during this period of life. Finally, magnesium helps reduce the risk of prematurity. You should know that a deficiency in this mineral salt in pregnant women results in sleep disorders , severe fatigue , anxiety , digestive problems and muscle pain .
Calcium
Getting sufficient calcium intake is essential for bone health . These contributions are particularly important during pregnancy and increase by 30% . Calcium helps ensure the formation of the fetus' skeleton by attaching to its bones. In addition to allowing the fetus to develop correctly, it ensures the health of both the mother and the fetus by avoiding the risks of bone fragility or high blood pressure . Indeed, if the pregnant woman's diet is not sufficiently rich in calcium, the fetus will draw it directly from the reserves of its mother who may be affected by osteoporosis , hence the importance of a good calcium intake.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D optimizes the assimilation of calcium from food and promotes its fixation on the bones of the fetus . It is therefore essential for the proper development of the child's skeleton . We must still remain cautious about the joint use of these two micronutrients. Indeed, taking vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia in certain pregnant women with a genetic hypersensitivity to vitamin D. This could cause premature birth. Taking vitamin D would stimulate the functioning of the immune system and reduce the risks of gestational diabetes and intrauterine growth retardation .
Iodine
Iodine is a very important nutrient needed to make thyroid hormones , which are essential for bone formation, muscle contraction, heartbeat, and nutrient absorption . However, a large part of the world's population lacks it. These deficiencies are even more serious in pregnant and breastfeeding women whose iodine needs increase considerably. Indeed, the thyroid hormones produced by the mother are essential for the growth of the baby and for regulating the development of his brain and nervous system . Iodine deficiency can slow a child's growth and have negative effects on their mental development. Note that too much iodine can also cause negative effects on the mother and her child by increasing the risk of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or goiter in the newborn.
Vitamin B12
This vitamin is essential for nerve function and red blood cell synthesis . It also works with folic acid to make the genetic material , or DNA, of the fetus. Please note that this vitamin is found exclusively in foods of animal origin. Therefore, women who are vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian should pay particular attention to this. Indeed, a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia and memory problems in the mother and could harm the development of the fetus, sometimes leading to premature births.
The iron
Iron is also an essential mineral for the body during pregnancy. However, it is common for women to have insufficient iron intake before the start of their pregnancy. This is why the doctor systematically measures iron in the blood during the first weeks of pregnancy. This mineral is found in red blood cells . Thus, a sufficient iron intake ensures the transport of oxygen in the blood of the mother and the fetus, and also allows the fetus to build up iron reserves. Iron deficiency increases the risk of premature birth and low birth weight . It can also cause anemia and fatigue in the mother. Note that iron supplementation can be harmful for women who are diabetic, who smoke or who suffer from hypertension.
Your essential: Maternity Essentials
The desire to have a child, pregnancy or breastfeeding are among the most beautiful moments in a woman's life but also represent upheavals for the body that are not always easy to cope with.
So in this context of big changes but also of questions, it seems essential to help your body by providing it with all the nutrients it needs. For this, the Maternity Essential has been specially developed to adapt to the specific needs of pregnant, breastfeeding women or those who wish to have a child . The selected lactic ferments, vitamins, plants and minerals act on the normal development of the fetus and baby as well as on the physical and mental well-being of the mother.
We find vitamin B6 which acts on hormonal regulation and the occurrence of nausea and a strain of lactic ferments Lactobacillus rhamnosus which acts on the mother's digestive discomfort. Magnesium and chamomile have been added to the formula for their relaxing effect and their action on sleep. Then, we find a cocktail of vitamins and minerals essential for the growth of maternal tissues and the proper development of the fetus (thyroid, brain, skeleton, cognitive development): vitamins B9, B12, B1, B2 and D3, iodine, magnesium and iron.
Thanks to their very complete composition, validated by an expert toxicologist , these small capsules will allow you to benefit from all the nutrients necessary for your health and that of your baby while pampering your body. In addition to being super effective, this essential is made up of 92.3% ingredients of natural origin.
To conclude ...
You should know that certain food supplements should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy. Indeed, certain active ingredients can pose problems , notably algae, often rich in heavy metals, caffeine, phytoestrogens and phytosterols.
So before embarking on self-medication, remain cautious and of course consider consulting a health professional to ask their opinion. Do not consume a food or dietary supplement if you are not sure that it poses a risk to you and your child.
