Vitamins During Pregnancy: What Really Matters

Reading time: about 7 minutes
Category: Mother & Child, Nutrition, Dietary Supplements
Tags: Pregnancy, Vitamins, Folic Acid, Vitamin D, Iron, Iodine, Omega-3, Dietary Supplements, Switzerland

Pregnancy places new demands on the body

Pregnancy is one of the most extraordinary phases in a woman’s life—and at the same time, it’s a time when the body has a significantly increased need for certain nutrients. Not because anything is missing, but because two people now need to be nourished.

The tricky part is that many critical stages of a baby’s development—especially in the first few weeks—take place before most women even know they’re pregnant. So if you’re planning a pregnancy, you should ideally even before conception Start with a targeted nutrient regimen.

In this article, you'll learn which vitamins and minerals are truly important during pregnancy, why they're needed—and when you should start taking supplements.

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): The Most Important Vitamin Before and During Early Pregnancy

Folic acid is the top priority—and for good reason. It is essential for cell division and the development of the neural tube, from which the baby’s brain and spinal cord develop. This neural tube closes as early as the Weeks 3 through 4 of pregnancy – often before the pregnancy was confirmed.

A folic acid deficiency during this stage can lead to severe birth defects such as spina bifida (open spine).

Things to keep in mind:

• The recommended daily dose is 400 µg of folic acid – at least four weeks before conception and through the end of the first trimester
• Diet alone is hardly enough to meet the increased need—synthetic folic acid from dietary supplements is absorbed much more effectively
• Natural sources of folate: spinach, broccoli, lentils, wheat germ—useful as a supplement, but not sufficient on their own

Vitamin D: For Bones, the Immune System, and More

Vitamin D is important during pregnancy for the same reasons it is important at other times—but the body’s need for it increases. It supports the development of the baby’s skeletal system, strengthens the mother’s immune system, and plays a role in regulating calcium metabolism.

Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in Switzerland—especially during the winter months. Pregnant women who already have low levels should take this particularly seriously.

Recommendation:

• 1,000–2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily during pregnancy
• Ideally, it should be taken in combination with vitamin K2 (MK-7), which directs calcium to the bones rather than the blood vessels—read more about this in our article Vitamin D3 + K2: Why This Combination Is So Important
• Have your doctor test your vitamin D levels before starting supplementation

Iron: Especially critical starting in the second trimester

A mother's blood volume increases by about 50 percent during pregnancy—and her need for iron rises sharply as a result. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency during pregnancy—about one in three pregnant women is affected by it.

Symptoms of iron deficiency:

• Persistent Fatigue and Exhaustion
• Paleness, dizziness
• Concentration problems
• Increased susceptibility to infection

Things to keep in mind:

• The recommended daily intake of iron increases from 15 mg to 30 mg daily during pregnancy
• It's best to take iron with vitamin C—this significantly improves absorption
• Coffee, tea, and dairy products inhibit iron absorption and should be consumed at separate times
• Supplementation should in consultation with the doctor be performed—a blood test will reveal the actual need

Iodine: For the baby's thyroid and brain development

Iodine is a mineral that is commonly deficient in Switzerland—the soil is low in iodine, and the typical diet often does not fully meet the body’s needs. Iodine is especially important during pregnancy, as it is essential for the Thyroid Function the mother's and the Brain Development is essential for the unborn child.

Recommendation:

• 200 µg of iodine daily during pregnancy and while breastfeeding
• Iodized salt and saltwater fish are good natural sources—but they are often not enough
• Women with thyroid disorders must be sure to consult their doctor before taking any medication

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA): For the Baby's Brain and Eyes

The omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an essential building block for a baby’s brain and eye development—especially during the last trimester and the first few months of life.

Since the body can produce very little DHA on its own, it must be obtained through food or dietary supplements. Fatty ocean fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) are the best natural source—but not every pregnant woman wants to or is able to eat fish regularly.

The options:

• Fish Oil Capsules high in DHA
• Algae oil – the vegan alternative that even fish get their DHA from
• The following are recommended as a minimum: 200 mg of DHA daily during pregnancy

Magnesium: For Cramps and Muscle Relaxation

Magnesium deficiency during pregnancy often manifests as Calf Cramps, sleep problems, and fatigue. Since magnesium is involved in over 300 metabolic processes and the body’s need for it increases during pregnancy, it is important to ensure an adequate intake.

Magnesium also helps relax the uterine muscles and may play a role in cases of preterm labor—however, you should consult your doctor before taking it.

Vitamin B12: Especially Important for Vegans

Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal-based foods. Pregnant women who follow a vegan diet are at particularly high risk of developing a deficiency—which could affect their child’s neurological development.

Recommendation: Vegan pregnant women should take B12 must be supplemented – ideally in the form of methylcobalamin, which is easily absorbed.

Calcium: For Bones and Teeth

Calcium requirements increase significantly during pregnancy—the baby literally draws calcium from the mother’s bones if her intake is insufficient. Dairy products, nuts, green vegetables, and fortified plant-based milks are good sources. Supplements are only necessary in cases of actual deficiency.

Summary Table: Key Nutrients at a Glance

Multivitamins or individual supplements?

Specially formulated prenatal multivitamins offer the advantage of providing the most important nutrients in a balanced combination. However, they do not always meet all individual needs—especially in cases of a confirmed deficiency, targeted single-ingredient supplements are more appropriate.

Important: Not all vitamins are completely safe to take during pregnancy. Vitamin A In high doses (from retinol, not beta-carotene), it can harm the unborn child. Discuss any dietary supplements with your obstetrician or midwife.

Why buy vitamins for pregnant women at Kanela.ch?

At Kanela.ch, you’ll find vitamins and dietary supplements for pregnant women in certified Swiss quality—carefully selected for people who want the best for themselves and their babies.

• Premium Swiss quality – carefully selected and inspected
• A wide range of products for every stage—from trying to conceive to breastfeeding
• Carefully selected ingredients with no unnecessary additives
• Fast shipping within Switzerland

Discover our selection of products for expectant mothers at Kanela.ch—and give yourself and your baby what you really need.

Vitamins for Pregnant Women – Discover Them Now

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This article is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have persistent symptoms or are taking medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.