Must-have natural supplements to use during pregnancy

Maintaining an optimal level of health during pregnancy is not only essential to your well-being but can also have a prominent effect on the health of the baby. One of the easiest ways to ensure your health is in the best condition during pregnancy is to make sure you are consuming all of the essential vitamins you need each day. Supplements designed for pregnancy include all key vitamins and nutrients that you need to support the development of the foetus as well as prevent any nutritional deficiencies to the carrier during pregnancy. 

We have an extensive range of natural and organic nutritional supplements designed specifically for pregnancy that are scientifically proven to support every stage of pregnancy, from fertility and pre-conception to pregnancy and postpartum. Keep reading as we discuss the most important vitamins to take during pregnancy and the best natural pregnancy supplements available here at Planet Organic.

What are the most important supplements for pregnancy?

Ensuring your body is getting the right amount of nutrients is important at every stage of life and is even more critical during pregnancy as you are responsible for nourishing another life as well as your own. This means that your intake of micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals will need to grow significantly as well as the amount of macronutrients in your diet including protein, carbohydrates and fats[3]. By following a well-planned, nutritionally balanced eating plan you can meet the growing demand for these nutrients, however, this can be a challenge, which is where pregnancy supplements come in.

Pregnancy supplements have been specifically designed to ensure the pregnant person is getting all of the essential nutrients they need every day to support the growth and development of the baby and their health. Before we discuss the most essential pregnancy supplements, it is important to say that you should consult your GP before beginning to take any supplements to ensure it is safe for you and your baby. According to NHS guidelines, the most important vitamins to ensure you have daily when pregnant include:

Folic acid

Folic acid is a man-made B vitamin called folate, which plays an important role in producing red blood cells and ensuring the proper development of your baby’s neural tube[4]. Your baby’s spine grows very early on in pregnancy, therefore taking a folic acid supplement before and during pregnancy can help your baby’s spine and brain develop properly and prevent conditions such as Spina Bifida from occurring. Ideally, you should take 400mcg of folic acid per day, 12 weeks before conceiving and for at least the first 12 weeks of pregnancy[1].

Iron 

Consuming iron daily throughout pregnancy is needed to help with the production of haemoglobin in red blood cells, which is essential for the health of both you and your baby. As your baby develops they will take the iron they need from you, which in turn depletes your supply. Therefore supplementing iron is necessary to prevent maternal anaemia and also help to reduce the risk of low birth weight[5]. 

Pregnant women should consume twice the amount of iron as they did before pregnancy. Iron can be easily attained through foods such as leafy green vegetables, lean meat and nuts, however, for some, this may not be enough and an iron supplement containing at least 27 mg of iron should be taken daily[6]. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is another essential vitamin when it comes to maintaining health during pregnancy. Both you and your baby need a sufficient amount of vitamin D each day to keep your heart and bones healthy. Vitamin D is naturally given through sunlight, however, depending on the time of year you are pregnant and where you live, getting this vitamin naturally can be difficult. 

If you and your baby don't get enough vitamin D there is a potential for issues to occur such as preeclampsia, bone fragility, increased likelihood of autoimmune diseases[11]  and your baby may be susceptible to seizures after they are born[8]. It is recommended that pregnant women consume 10mcg of vitamin D per day which they can also continue to take regularly after pregnancy[2].

Iodine

Iodine is an essential mineral needed for the body to produce thyroid hormones that help control your metabolism and help your baby’s bones and brain develop[9]. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is an increased need for iodine due to heightened thyroid activity. It is recommended that a pregnant woman take 150 mcg of iodine per day[10], which can not only be found in supplemental form but also in foods such as dairy products, eggs, meats and certain pregnancy-safe fish and seafood.

Remember to always consult your doctor or midwife before taking any prenatal supplements to ensure you are getting adequate amounts to suit your body and your baby’s needs.

Other important vitamins to take daily include vitamin C, vitamin b12, calcium, probiotics and many more which can all be found in a combined prenatal multivitamin. However, when it comes to taking a combined multivitamin, be sure to note how many milligrams and micrograms of each vitamin are included to ensure you are not consuming an excess amount of a certain vitamin. It’s especially important to be aware of how much vitamin A you are consuming as too much has the potential to cause malformations in the foetus[7]. This includes the use of beauty and skincare products that contain vitamin A such as retinol [7].

How do natural and organic pregnancy supplements compare to other pregnancy supplements?

Pregnancy supplements using organically grown ingredients ensure that the product does not contain any potentially harmful ingredients to the mother and baby. Natural and organic supplements are free from chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, GMOs, heavy metals and artificial flavours. They are also excipient-free, meaning they do not contain any harmful flow agents, fillers or emulsifiers traditionally used during the manufacturing process, ensuring that only the essential vitamins are being absorbed.

All of the recommended natural pregnancy supplements available here at Planet Organic contain a safe and effective dose of each vitamin and nutrient that is aligned with NHS guidelines to help support a healthy pregnancy. They all undergo extensive quality checks to make sure they are consistent, controlled and have high-quality manufacturing standards. This includes the process of purity testing in which all raw materials used are tested for potentially harmful contaminants. We also ensure that all of our pregnancy supplements use raw materials that are sustainably sourced and that all packaging is plastic-free, recyclable or biodegradable to make our products as eco-friendly as possible. 

What are the best natural pregnancy supplements?

The best natural pregnancy supplements will include all of the essential vitamins and minerals you need each day, to ensure your health and your baby’s health are in the best condition possible. Our range of natural fertility and pregnancy supplements includes organic, vegan and gluten-free options to ensure there is a natural supplement suited to your dietary needs. Some of the best natural pregnancy supplements we recommend include:

Together WholeVitT Pregnancy Multivitamin & Minerals and Viridian Pregnancy Complex £30.49 

This Together WholeVitT Pregnancy Multivitamin contains the essential folate mineral (folic acid) which contributes to maternal tissue growth, vitamin D which helps the maintenance of normal bones and teeth and selenium which contributes to normal thyroid function. This comprehensive blend of natural vitamins and minerals provides all of the balanced nutritional support you need through all trimesters of your pregnancy. Suitable for vegetarians, this multivitamin isit’s designed to reduce tiredness and fatigue, support your hormones and healthy foetal development, and also contains essential B vitamins, iodine and probiotics.

Suitable for those abiding by a vegan or gluten-free diet, the Viridian Pregnancy Complex contains 100% active, natural vitamins and minerals that provide the nutritional building blocks for mother and baby. Including the daily recommended amount of 400mcg of folic acid, as well as essential B vitamins, vitamin D, iodine and iron, this multivitamin should be taken twice per day to help support foetal growth and development. Viridian also offers an individual folic acid supplement for those looking for a simple folate solution or for those who may require a higher dosage if advised by their doctor.

Nature's Plus Source of Life Garden Prenatal Supplements £45.59 and Optibac For Pregnancy £20.99 

If you’re looking for a fully organic pregnancy supplement, suitable for those following a vegan diet, this Nature's Plus Source of Life Garden Prenatal Supplement is the perfect comprehensive nutritional solution for you. Containing 35 organically grown whole foods, this prenatal multivitamin provides all of the essential nutrients needed to support all stages of pregnancy including, vitamin D, folic acid, selenium, calcium and vitamin B12.

Not only is it necessary to ensure you are getting all of your essential vitamins daily when pregnant but as your body is going through many hormonal changes, your gut health may be affected. Having a correct balance of healthy gut bacteria is essential during pregnancy for the health of both you and your baby, which is why Optibac For Pregnancy probiotics are designed for before, during and after pregnancy. Containing three powerful strains of gut-friendly bacteria; Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Lactis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14, providing over 12 billion friendly bacteria that all work together to ensure your gut and vaginal health is maintained throughout pregnancy. 

Ensure a healthy pregnancy with Planet Organic

If you’re looking for more natural and organic supplements to support you throughout all stages of motherhood, browse through the full collection of fertility and pregnancy supplements today. Alternatively, take a look through the full range of vitamin and mineral supplements available here at Planet Organic to find the right combination of micronutrients to support you and your baby.