Frequently Asked Questions about Pregnancy

Question 1

What are pregnancy supplements?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy supplements often refer to multivitamins specifically designed for pregnant women. The difference between a general multivitamin and a pregnancy multivitamin primarily lies in the composition and quantities of the ingredients. These are formulated to support your body and the growth of your baby. Each pregnancy multivitamin is slightly different, but the most significant differences compared to a general multivitamin are seen in the amounts of folate, vitamin D, iodine, iron, calcium, and vitamin A.

Question 2

What pregnancy supplements are available?

Accepted Answer

For women who wish to conceive, are pregnant, or breastfeeding, the body's nutritional needs are higher than usual. You require certain nutrients to support your body and the growth of your baby. 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 multivitamin for pregnant women is higher. This ensures that your folate status is 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 multivitamin for pregnant women.
Iodine: Iodine is a mineral that we are increasingly getting less of, which is why 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 added to pregnancy multivitamins.
Iron: Another mineral that you may need a bit more of during pregnancy, as it reduces the risk of anaemia. Thus, iron is also found in higher doses in a multivitamin for pregnant women.
Calcium: Calcium during pregnancy lowers the risk of high blood pressure, premature birth, and pregnancy poisoning. It is no surprise then that you will find more of this in a pregnancy multivitamin.
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is a vitamin that pregnant women are particularly cautious about, as too much can be harmful. Therefore, many pregnancy multivitamins contain the precursor to vitamin A, beta-carotene. This can be converted by your body into vitamin A as needed, ensuring that you never have too much vitamin A in your system.

Question 3

When should you start taking pregnancy supplements?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

Do I need a pregnancy multivitamin if I am already taking a general multivitamin?

Accepted Answer

A general multivitamin provides - as the name suggests - general support. These multivitamins are often versatile and not developed for specific needs. If you want to prepare your body for pregnancy, are already pregnant, and wish to support your baby's development, then a specific pregnancy multivitamin can be a wise choice. In a pregnancy multivitamin, you will find the ingredients that specifically support your body during this phase.

General support

Hart & Vaten

Beauty from within

Longevity & Lifestyle

Women

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Sport & performance

Joint & mobility

Digestive health

Relaxation

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Pregnancy