Are vitamin supplements necessary?
Studies have shown that a lack of folic acid in the first trimester can increase the risk of some defects in the baby. Vitamins, iron, and calcium are essential in a pregnant woman’s diet. In fact, most doctors also recommend daily supplements of folic acid and vitamin B12 starting from the first month of pregnancy. Iron and calcium should be included into the diet after the first trimester, especially iron-fortified multivitamin supplements formulated for pregnancy and lactation. Although most supplements are over-the counter medicines, you should make sure that you discuss them with your doctor first. Whether a woman is pregnant is not, a healthy diet includes proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and plenty of water. Doctors have published a number of dietary guidelines that can help you determine how many servings of each kind of food to eat every day. Eating a variety of food in the proportions indicated is a good step toward both you and your baby staying healthy. He
