During pregnancy, many things change in a woman's body. The body prepares to create life and make a baby. To do this, it needs energy and nutrition and it is important to get enough nutrients. For the health of both the mother and baby, the body needs certain nutrients to stay healthy and support it.

Folic acid

During pregnancy, the body needs more folic acid than you can get from your food. Among other things, folic acid lowers the risk of spina bifida, premature birth, harelip and low birth weight. You can take folic acid from the time you have a desire to conceive. Folate contributes to the growth of the child during pregnancy and helps form the placenta.

Vitamin D

The body also needs vitamin D more than you can get from food. Therefore, it is recommended to take this supplement. Vitamin D supplement helps with the baby's bone structure. During pregnancy, you can take this extra.

DHA

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid. You can find this in fatty fish such as salmon, among others. Maternal intake of DHA is good for brain development of the fetus and breastfed infants. It is important to note that this is a daily intake of 200 mg of DHA in addition to the recommended daily intake for omega-3 fatty acids for adults (250mg). So a total of 450 mg of DHA. This also contributes to the normal development of the (unborn) baby's eyes during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Calcium

According to Maastricht UMC, the advice in the Netherlands is to take calcium daily during pregnancy. Intake of 1 gram of calcium per day reduces the risk of preterm birth, weak bones in the unborn baby and underweight at birth. Calcium can also prevent hypertension in the expectant mother.

Iodine

It is important to get enough iodine in pregnancy. When you have enough iodine, the thyroid gland works better. This helps in the normal growth of children. Iodine can be found in eggs and seaweed, among other foods.

Iron

Iron helps transport oxygen to the growing baby. In addition, a woman's body makes extra blood during pregnancy. This blood is for the placenta, uterus and baby, among other things. To make that blood, the body needs extra iron. This is found in beef, lentils and nuts, among other foods. Vitamin C helps with iron absorption.

So, as you read, the body needs extra of various nutrients. Would you like to supplement your healthy and varied diet with supplements? Then request our free* supplements advice . One of our therapists will make a customized advice for you and will look with you at your situation and wishes. Don't take just anything!