Pregnancy supplements

Nutritional needs evolve throughout pregnancy. Depending on the stage and how one feels, some people choose to add a pregnancy supplement to support their intakes, always in discussion with their doctor or midwife.

In the 1st trimester

The body adjusts quickly and uses a great deal of energy. The focus is often on:

• The methylated folate (5-MTHF) (vitamin B9), essential from conception;
• A choline-based food supplement, just as essential as vitamin B9;
• Gentle solutions such as ginger or certain suitable herbal teas to help with nausea, with vitamin B6.
  

In the 2nd trimester

Blood volume increases, and needs are multiply and foetal development accelerates. Certain nutrients and minerals become more in demand:

• DHA (omega-3),
• iron,
• iodine,
• selenium,
• magnesium.

It all depends on diet, individual reserves, and lifestyle.

In the 3rd trimester

The body draws on many resources for the baby's growth. It is common to pay attention to:

• the fatigue management (iron, magnesium…),
• the muscle tension,
• theoverall energy,
• vitamins D3 and K2,
• sometimes the calcium, depending on needs.
  

Every situation is unique

Pre-conception, pregnancy, postpartum… Needs vary from person to person.
Some feel well with their everyday diet, others appreciate:

• a multivitamins,
• or some targeted pregnancy food supplements to cover a specific need or prevent a deficiency (such as a zinc-based supplement or iron).

The important thing is to stay attentive to your body and to speak with a healthcare professional to identify what suits you best.

It is not compulsory to take pregnancy vitamins, but many pregnant people choose vitamin support based on their current needs: a less varied diet, fatigue, unpredictable digestion, vegetarianism, a busy lifestyle, or a desire to secure their intake.

Health authorities do, however, recommend vitamin B9 (folates) from preconception and in early pregnancy. Requirements are very high, and a deficiency can go unnoticed without appropriate supplementation.

Why can a multivitamin be useful?

A multivitamin supplement allows several essential nutrients to be combined in a single dose, such as:

• the folates,
• the B vitamins,
• the choline,
• the vitamin D,
• theiodine,
• or sometimes the DHA.

It is a practical option when diet or daily life do not always allow optimal intake to be reached, especially when appetite changes or fatigue sets in.

How to choose wisely?

The ideal is to opt for:

• a product specifically formulated for pregnancy,
• dosages consistent with official recommendations,
• good digestive tolerance,
• and a clear composition, with no superfluous ingredients.

If in doubt, a conversation with a doctor or midwife can help determine whether a pregnancy vitamin supplement suits you, and which is the most appropriate for your situation.

The vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, is one of the most important nutrients in preconception and during early pregnancy. Needs increase very quickly and are difficult to meet through diet alone. This is why health authorities recommend supplementation to support intake and prevent a deficiency, even when the diet is balanced.

Why is DHA important?

The DHA is an omega-3 found in certain oils, microalgae and oily fish. During pregnancy, maternal needs increase as DHA contributes to several biological processes linked to foetal development. The body does not produce enough on its own, and diet is not always a source regular.

A pregnancy omega-3 supplement can therefore help maintain adequate intake, especially if consumption of oily fish is low, if appetite varies or if certain food aversions develop.

Why do these two nutrients come up so often?

Because their roles are:

• well documented,
• essential from the very start of pregnancy,
• and linked to needs that increase rapidly.

Dosages can vary from one product to another. It is therefore best to check the formulations and discuss them with a healthcare professional to find what best suits your situation.

aMany pregnant women turn to so-called natural solutions, such as pregnancy herbal teas, some plants or gummies. It's an approach that seems gentler, but bear in mind that "natural" doesn't always mean suitable during pregnancy.

What sometimes raises questions

Some plants are well tolerated, while others are not recommended because they can be:

• too stimulating,
• too concentrated,
• or simply insufficiently studied.

That's why it's important to check every ingredient, especially in natural pregnancy supplements.

What is generally recommended

Products formulated specifically for pregnancy offer a safer framework, because:

• dosages are carefully controlled
• the chosen plants are known for their good tolerability,
• the formulations are designed to avoid any unnecessary risk.

For example, our keratin food supplement for hair is safe during pregnancy.

For herbal products in particular, personalised advice from your GP, midwife, or a naturopath trained in perinatal care can really help.