Pregnancy

Pregnancy supplements are often referred to as multivitamins for pregnant women. The difference between a general multivitamin and a pregnancy multivitamin mainly lies in the composition and quantities of ingredients. These are formulated to support your body and your baby's growth. Every pregnancy multivitamin is slightly different, but the greatest differences compared to a general multivitamin are seen in the amount of folate, vitamin D, iodine, iron, calcium, and vitamin A.

For women who wish to conceive, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, the body's needs are higher than usual. You require certain nutrients to support your body and your baby's growth. Important vitamins and supplements during pregnancy include:

• Folate: Folate, the active form of folic acid, is essential before and during your pregnancy. It is important for your baby's growth and the formation of the placenta. Therefore, the amount of folate in a prenatal multivitamin is higher, ensuring your folate levels are at the right level.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for the growth of strong bones and is crucial for the development of cells and tissues. Due to the many benefits of this vitamin, you will often find it included in a prenatal multivitamin.
• Iodine: Iodine is a mineral that we are consuming less of, and it is often added to products such as bread or table salt. Because you may not always get enough iodine, which is important for your baby's growth and brain development, it is often included in prenatal multivitamins.
• Iron: Another mineral you might need extra of during pregnancy, as it reduces the risk of anaemia during pregnancy. Therefore, you will find higher doses of iron in prenatal multivitamins.
• Calcium: Calcium during pregnancy reduces the risk of high blood pressure, premature birth, and pre-eclampsia. It's no wonder you find more of it in a prenatal multivitamin.
• Vitamin A: Vitamin A is a vitamin that pregnant women are particularly cautious about, as too much can be harmful. Therefore, many prenatal multivitamins contain the precursor to vitamin A, beta-carotene. Your body can convert this to vitamin A as needed, ensuring you never have too much vitamin A in your body.

The pregnancy multivitamin might suggest that it's only important during pregnancy, but did you know you can start taking it earlier? As soon as you have an active desire to conceive, it is wise to have a pregnancy multivitamin at home. Opt for a multivitamin for pregnant women with at least 400 micrograms of folate, or choose a separate folic acid supplement. It takes about 4 weeks for folate to be absorbed by your body, and a low folate status in the mother is a risk factor for the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus. That's something you want to prevent! 

A general multivitamin offers - as the name suggests - general support. These multivitamins are often versatile and not developed for specific needs. If you are preparing your body for pregnancy, are pregnant and wish to support your baby's development, then a specific pregnancy multivitamin could be a wise choice. A pregnancy multivitamin contains the ingredients that specifically support your body during this phase.