Vitamins for pregnant women: which ones should you choose and why?

A pivotal period in a woman's life, pregnancy is an adventure that requires paying particular attention to nutrition. The pregnant woman's body goes through a multitude of changes in preparation for the conception of a little human being, which requires very specific vitamin and mineral intake !

If it were just a matter of following sudden cravings for strawberries or cheese, it would be a bit too easy, right? In reality, each stage of pregnancy requires a focus on certain nutrients, and it's not always easy to know where to start!

Even within our offices, it must be said that the issue has been discussed at length to meet the vitamin needs of pregnant women (we have mothers on the team) ! 🙌

So, which vitamins should pregnant women choose ? What are their benefits? Explanations, and an interesting combo at the end of the article. 👀

Before presenting in detail which vitamins for pregnant women to choose, it is necessary to recall the different stages of pregnancy. Each trimester has its functions, therefore well-defined eating habits and nutritional intakes!

The first trimester, often referred to as the “critical” period, is when most of the fetus’s growth takes place.

➡️ The baby's vital organs, such as the brain, heart and spine, are forming at an impressive speed.

The first trimester is also the time when the pregnant woman's body prepares for the months to come, increasing its energy and nutrient needs . It is also the sensitive (or even uncomfortable) period for the mother-to-be, often struggling with the famous morning sickness.

These common surprise guests at the beginning of pregnancy can impact the morale and energy of the pregnant woman, hence the importance of adopting a balanced diet and suitable supplements to support both the body and the mood of the mother, and the life she carries.

The ideal vitamins for the first trimester:

✅ Folic acid , which is our good old vitamin B9, is the best ally during the first weeks. It is known to participate in the proper development of the fetus. Another advantage, folic acid is beneficial for reducing fatigue! (which, we agree, is not a luxury for expectant mothers).

✅ Vitamin B6 helps fight fatigue and maintain normal energy metabolism.

The second trimester is often experienced as a time of calm: nausea subsides, the belly begins to round out, and the baby gains weight.

➡️ Its rapid growth requires an armada of nutrients intended for the growth of the baby, and just as much to support the body of the pregnant woman, which requires more energy.

Ideal vitamins for the second trimester:

✅ Calcium helps ensure the proper development of the baby's bones, while strengthening the mother's joint comfort and resistance.

✅ Vitamin D will be useful for optimizing calcium absorption, while contributing to the maintenance of normal bones.

✅ Iron becomes essential at this stage: the needs of the mother and the fetus increase, as well as the blood volume. A drop in iron levels can lead to a feeling of increased fatigue, well known to people prone to iron deficiency.

Are you tempted by spinach and calf's liver? 😀 Otherwise, a good iron supplement is a simple and effective alternative to compensate for the risk of insufficiency!

This is the vitamin that all expectant mothers must have heard about! Folic acid is certainly present in food, but remains considered THE essential vitamin for pregnant women.

Folic acid is the special vitamin for pregnant women . Vitamin B9 actually includes a family of molecules including folates present in food, and folic acid , a synthetic form added to certain foods and food supplements .

Involved in cell renewal and tissue growth , folic acid prevents, among other things, the risk of malformations of the embryo's nervous system. Its role is all the more important at the beginning of pregnancy! But its role does not stop there...

The benefits of folic acid for pregnant women:

👉 Tissue renewal and development: Folates contribute to the growth of tissues in the woman's body during pregnancy and the formation of the fetus;

👉 Supports blood circulation: Folates ensure the proper functioning of homocysteine ​​metabolism, facilitating blood flow in the body and venous return. Not to mention ensuring the formation of red blood cells;

👉 Regulation of stress and sleep: folates contribute to normal psychological functions, acting on the nervous system and the regulation of hormones;

👉 Tonic: folates contribute to the normal synthesis of amino acids and to reducing fatigue, acting as an immune shield.

Apart from folic acid, other vitamins for pregnant women ensure that the pregnancy is carried out in optimal conditions .

If you are lucky enough to live under generous sunshine, you will naturally have more vitamin D. But for many, the intake of this vitamin remains insufficient, hence the importance of supplementation.

☝️ Note that around 58% of the population lacks Vitamin D, which is essential for many functions!

Vitamin D ensures the absorption of calcium , essential for the bone health of the mother and baby, and the normal use of phosphorus. In other words, it is the assurance of normal muscle function, the maintenance of the skeleton and teeth.

✅ The team's advice: focus on oily fish and eggs, on getting enough exposure to daylight and on a suitable supplement to compensate for any risk of deficiency during pregnancy!

👉 Vitamin D3 is our highly absorbable, plant-based supplement , with each dose providing 2000 IU of Vitamin D3.

For all pregnant women, especially those on a vegetarian or vegan diet, Vitamin B12 should not be neglected. This Vitamin participates in the formation of red blood cells and the proper functioning of the nervous system , and contributes to normal psychological functions.

A lack of Vitamin B12 can lead to a feeling of chronic fatigue for the mother and neurological risks, both for the pregnant woman and for the fetus.

✅ Team advice : remember to ask your doctor to have your Vitamin B12 levels checked and to take supplements if your dietary sources are limited.

👉 Discover our Vitamin B12 : formulated in an active and highly bioavailable form, to be taken throughout pregnancy.

The immune system of the expectant mother needs even more of a boost, especially during pregnancy! It is one of the vitamins for pregnant women that is relevant to take in addition to a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin C, in addition to helping to better absorb iron of plant origin , strengthens natural defenses and contributes to the formation of collagen.

And we can't do without collagen ! Joint comfort, beautiful skin and all that...

✅ The team's advice : citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli... vary the sources and the pleasure, and if necessary, opt for a Vitamin C supplement to strengthen your general tone!

👉 Learn more about our patented pure Vitamin C , the star of energy during pregnancy.

Iron is an equally important nutrient throughout pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, when a pregnant woman's needs explode.

Iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, normal oxygen transport in the body and normal functioning of the immune system .

🔍 Good to know , Vitamin C and Iron work in synergy ! Taking these two supplements together helps to optimize their benefits. Regarding the form to favor, iron bisglycinate has the advantage of being highly assimilable, and very well tolerated by the body.

✅ Team tip : Focus on foods rich in iron, such as red meat, green vegetables and legumes.

👉 Our Iron Bisglycinate is combined with Vitamin C to ensure optimal assimilation.

Calcium, one of the other nutrients essential for the proper development of the baby's bones and teeth, as well as for the bone strength of the pregnant woman.

✅ Team advice : depending on your digestive tolerance, focus on dairy products (especially hard cheeses) and plant-based sources of calcium .

As you will have understood, it takes nine long months to conceive life, and an army of vitamins… which have a cost.

At Novoma, we have decided to offer packs adapted to the most frequent requests of our customers and available by subscription, allowing you to make savings! 🫂

As you will have understood, vitamins for pregnant women will be your allies to get through this period in style and in great shape, without forgetting to adopt a healthy and varied diet, before, during and after!