Healthy Pregnant Women and Healthy Children

Healthy children come from healthy mothers. That is why pregnant women should take in more vitamins and essential nutrients to nurture satisfactorily the fetus in her womb.

Through the National Research Council of the FNBNAS (Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences), had issued an RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) that could be used to determine the amount needed for proper nutrition.

For pregnant women, the regular intake of food is oftentimes not sufficient to provide food for both her and child, resulting to malnutrition and insufficiency of significant vitamins. This is because the nutritional needs of the growing fetus would add to that of the mother. That is why the pregnant mother would have to take in additional vitamins.

What are these essential vitamins that she should take in?

The primary vitamin requirements are Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, folic acid, and Vitamin C and in some instances, Vitamin E , D and K..
In the case of Vitamin A, this particular substance should be taken in correct amounts (less than 2,000 IU) as an excess would lead to abnormalities in the baby, just like how a deficiency would.

Vitamin B12 are very important in pregnancy too as their deficiency would lead to neural tube defects and improper growth and development of the baby. This vitamin also help the immune system fight of infection and disease.

Vitamin B6 is needed in the body's metabolism, brain development and in strengthening the immune system. More than ever, this is needed by the fetus. Daily intake maybe increased by taking in drug supplements.

Vitamin C is very important for the prevention of scurvy and for its anti-oxidant properties.

Folic acid is very important as an essential vitamin for pregnant women as it helps in the growth and development of brain cells and other organs of the fetus. It decreases the risk of neural tube defects or spina bifida , " A congenital defect in which the spinal column is imperfectly closed so that part of the meninges or spinal cord protrudes, often resulting in hydrocephalus and other neurological disorders." From (http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/spina %20bifida). The pregnant woman must understand the importance if this vitamin in the wellness of her baby; that her diet must be fortified with folic acid and be given as a supplement because ingested food is not enough to provide the required amount for both mother and baby.

The pregnant woman must be aware of the pros and cons of taking in these essential vitamins. She must understand that these vitamins are important, but should not be taken in excess. To ensure correct dosage, a doctor or obstetrician should be consulted. We must remember that no stone should be left unturned if we want to ensure the health of our babies.