Are Supplements During Pregnancy Safe or Not?

Pregnancy is a critical time when a woman’s nutritional needs are higher to support the growth and development of the baby. While a balanced diet is essential, certain supplements during pregnancy can help ensure the mother and baby get the necessary nutrients. In this blog, we will discuss in detail the supplements in pregnancy, exploring their benefits and safety considerations. Here we discuss about safe supplements during pregnancy, focusing on essential nutrients like iron, calcium, DHA, folic acid, Vitamin D, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Iron Supplement for Pregnancy

Iron plays a crucial role in the formation of haemoglobin, which is the key factor for transporting oxygen in the blood. The blood volume increases during pregnancy, which leads to a higher demand for iron. Iron supplements for pregnancy are crucial to prevent anaemia, which can cause fatigue and complications in delivery.

Trimacare Iron supplements for pregnancy are safe when taken as directed by a doctor. The usual recommended dose is 2 tablets per day one in the morning and the other in the evening. However, excessive iron intake can lead to issues such as constipation and nausea.

Calcium Supplements for Pregnancy

Calcium is a very important nutrient during pregnancy that supports the development of a baby’s bones and teeth. Pregnant women require about 1,000 mg of calcium per day. If dietary intake is insufficient, a calcium supplement for pregnancy can help in meeting required daily calcium demands.

Trimacare Calcium supplements for pregnancy are considered safe. Because it follows the ICMR guidelines. However, excessive calcium intake can hinder the absorption of other minerals such as zinc and iron. It is best to divide the doses when consuming more than 500 mg of calcium at once.

DHA Supplement Pregnancy

DHA plays a key role in the development of the baby’s brain and eyes in pregnancy. Trimacare DHA pregnancy supplements are safe and highly beneficial during pregnancy. These support the cognitive and visual developments within the foetus and reduce the risk of preterm births. Still, pregnant women should be very selective while using DHA supplements due to the mercury and other contaminant presence. Pregnant women are recommended to take a daily dose of 200-300 mg of DHA during pregnancy.

Folic Acid Pregnancy Supplement

Folic acid is a B vitamin to prevents defects in the developing fetus’s neural tube. The neural tube develops in the fetus’s brain and spinal cord. Proper intake of folic acid is required for the early stages of pregnancy. It is recommended that pregnant women take folic acid supplements before conception and during the first trimester.

At this stage, a pregnant woman is further advised to take between 400-800 mcg of folic acid every day. Supplements of folic acid during pregnancy are considered safe and very beneficial. They decrease the risk of NTDs by up to 70%. Foods contain high levels of folic acid in leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals, but supplementation ensures that it reaches the recommended amount.

Vitamin D Supplement for Pregnancy

For instance, Vitamin D is necessary for the process of absorbing calcium and otherwise maintaining healthy bones. In addition, Vitamin D functions in augmenting immune functions. Therefore, a Vitamin D supplement taken during pregnancy can ensure the mother has a sufficient level of Vitamin D to ensure her well-being. Furthermore, she can pass on some of these advantages to the baby as well.

A pregnant woman is recommended to use 600 IU of vitamin D a day. Supplements of vitamin D during pregnancy are safe if they are used as prescribed. It may also prevent complications like preeclampsia and low birth weight, but high quantities can cause vitamin D toxicity; hence, it should be taken in the prescribed quantity.

Iodine Supplements during Pregnancy

Iodine is used for the production of thyroid hormones essential for the proper development of a baby’s brain. Low intakes of iodine lead to the most severe developmental problems a baby may have. Therefore, iodine supplements during pregnancy are vital, especially in areas with frequent iodine deficiency.

Iodine supplements during pregnancy are safe in most cases. The purpose of this supplement is to prevent cretinism and impairments of the baby’s intellect. Therefore, making use of iodized salt and consuming foods that contain iodine such as dairy products and seafood is a good way in addition to supplementation.

Omega-3 Supplements in Pregnancy

Although the fetus gets the necessary levels of these essential fats during development, many doctors believe that supplementation of omega-3s, particularly EPA and DHA, can ensure proper levels during pregnancy.

The average dose for omega-3 while pregnant is about 500 mg, and it must have at least 200 mg of DHA. Omega-3 for pregnancy is deemed safe and effective; they help develop a fetal brain and might also decrease the probability of postpartum depression.

Safety Tips When Taking Prenatal Supplements

Even when taking supplements, caution is still needed at such a pregnancy term. Here are general safety tips:

1. Consult with Doctor: Before using any new supplement, talk to your doctor first. They can advise you on the appropriate dose, and they can check whether it would interfere with some prescription drugs that you may be using.
2. Quality of Supplements: Only buy supplements from brands which test the purity and quality on a third-party test. This way, you are assured of getting safe and effective supplements to consume.
3. Balanced Diet: Supplements should supplement a balanced diet, not replace it. Nutrition and very healthy diets abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats should be provided.
4. Reduce Side Effects: Pay attention to side effects or adverse reactions at the beginning of taking a new supplement. Commonly, people feel gastrointestinal discomfort, allergies, or changes in energy levels.
5. Dosage and Timing: Dosage could be taken strictly according to the recommendations given by doctors as mentioned on the label of supplements. This is essential not to exceed those dosages to avoid any form of harm caused.

Trimacare: Safe, Effective, and Recommended by Gynaecologist

Trimacare Prenatal tablets are designed specifically for Indian pregnant ladies to help alleviate the complications during pregnancy while ensuring good healthy growth of the foetus. With each prenatal pill containing more than 20+ important micro-nutrients, the Trimacare Prenatal tablet can be counted as a complete prenatal solution. Formulated by experts in line with the recommendations made by the WHO and ICMR, Trimacare is a brand of multivitamin tablets endorsed by the top gynaecologists in the country.

Trimacare pregnancy supplement is purely vegetarian. It contains a perfect ratio of 2:3 of omega-3 (EPA) which is well suited for prenatal needs. Omega-3 contents in Trimacare prenatal vitamins have no side effects that bring burps and fishy odour. Therefore, it is best for vegetarians or for women sensitive to omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, or fish oil which are common in most prenatal supplements.