Which vitamins are best during pregnancy 3rd trimester? Prenatal vitamins. Side effects and contraindications

Pregnancy is a special condition for a woman. During this period, she simply must take care of herself, her health, what she eats and drinks, what medications she takes. In addition, during this period, a woman’s needs also change, because her body must supply nutrients, vitamins and oxygen not only to itself, but also to the unborn child. This article will talk about complex vitamins for pregnant women, the advisability of taking them and the difficulty of choosing.

To take or not to take vitamins for pregnant women is a complex issue and still causes a lot of controversy. On the one hand, the lifestyle of the average woman today, unfortunately, is not conducive to a healthy, balanced diet. This means that she, by definition, receives fewer vitamins and minerals than necessary.

But this has a detrimental effect on the condition of the woman’s body, let alone the child. On the other hand, an excess of vitamins can be no less harmful for both than their deficiency.

In addition, the need of each specific woman for a particular vitamin is very individual, and depends on a lot of factors, including the woman’s diet, her state of health, lifestyle and even the time of year. And vitamin complexes are formulated in such a way as to satisfy the needs of a woman in any condition, in any season. Naturally, with this approach, excesses occur with the composition.

So should you take vitamins during pregnancy? It is definitely difficult to answer this question. Some are an ardent fan of taking vitamins both at the planning stage of conception and throughout pregnancy. Others believe that taking vitamins can cause serious pathologies, which means they should absolutely not be taken. Whose side is the truth on?

As always, she is somewhere in the middle. If it happens in summer, and the pregnant woman is correct and eats a varied diet, eats a lot of fruits and vegetables, then she most likely does not need an additional complex of vitamins for pregnant women. You may need to take some vitamins separately, but this should be determined by your doctor. If she had all the signs before pregnancy vitamin deficiency and things are happening in winter, then you can’t do without multivitamins.

As a result, it turns out that, like various medications, vitamin complexes for pregnant women must be taken for a reason, but only after consultation with a doctor. And, perhaps, the most important thesis that women should remember: it is best to receive vitamins from food. Of course, there are much fewer nutrients in products than in tablets. However, most natural vitamins are absorbed many times better, which means it’s easier to get the daily requirement with them.

A set of vitamins for pregnant women

Before you figure out which vitamin complexes are best, you need to understand how many and what vitamins does a pregnant woman need? woman. Considering that another, albeit small, but already human is developing in her body, her need for vitamins increases.

The norm of vitamins during pregnancy or a set of vitamins for pregnant women are also compiled without taking into account individual characteristics, but you can still rely on them to understand which vitamins for pregnant women are better.

On average, the daily intake of vitamins for pregnant women increases by 15-20%. However, you need to understand that vitamin standards differ by trimester. After all, at different periods of a child’s development, he needs different vitamins and microelements.

Vitamins when planning pregnancy

Some experts and many women believe that vitamin complexes for pregnant women should be taken at the stage of pregnancy planning. However, this issue is also worth understanding in more detail. First of all, when we are just planning a pregnancy, the need for vitamins has not yet increased, which means that if we take vitamins, we will certainly not for pregnant women, because an excess of vitamins affects the body no less harmfully than their deficiency.

Should you even take vitamins to prepare for pregnancy? The answer to this question is also individual and requires consultation with a doctor. In the end, if you have already decided to consciously prepare for pregnancy, then you are unlikely to do without a visit to the doctor. So check with him which vitamins are best for you to take before pregnancy.

In most cases, women during this period experience a deficiency of substances such as iodine and folic acid. It makes sense to drink them at the planning stage. If there are general signs of vitamin deficiency, then the doctor may prescribe a regular multivitamin complex to normalize the condition.

Vitamins in the 1st trimester of pregnancy

Which vitamins are the most important for early pregnant women? Usually the answer to this question is the same folic acid, as well as vitamins A and E. Let's try to understand in more detail why these vitamins are so necessary and how much of them are needed.

Let's start with vitamin E , because it is about him that the most heated debates usually take place. The dose of vitamin E during pregnancy is 15 mg. It regulates the production of female sex hormones, normalizes the menstrual cycle - this is all before conception. In the early stages, it participates in the formation of the placenta and also protects against miscarriage.

Now let's move on to folic acid . The second name for folic acid is vitamin B9 . Its use also begins three months before the planned conception, and ends at the end of the first trimester. The choice of dosage should be made by the doctor, depending on the condition of the individual woman. On average it is 0.4 to 0.8 mg per day.

Folic acid promotes rapid cell division, which has a positive effect on the development of the fertilized egg in the early stages. In addition, it promotes the correct transmission of genetic information, like vitamin E, participates in the formation of the placenta, and “insures” against miscarriage and frozen pregnancy. Folic acid plays an important role in the synthesis of hemoglobin, and with its deficiency, anemia can develop. This condition has a detrimental effect on the child, because it is hemoglobin that carries oxygen throughout the body of the mother and fetus.

This mainly concerns the mother’s body. But also in fetal development vitamin B9 takes an active part. In particular, it is very important to receive it in the first 4 weeks of pregnancy. It is at this time that the neural tube is formed, and the brain then develops from it. If there is not enough folic acid, various malformations of the brain may occur, including neural hernias.

Vitamin B9 is found in animal liver, spinach, asparagus, lentils, Brussels sprouts, beans and wholemeal flour. However, it is absorbed very poorly from food, no more than 50%. That is why it is prescribed to almost all pregnant women.

But don't start taking folic acid on your own. Remember that the dosage must be prescribed by a doctor.

Vitamin A taken in the first 2 months of pregnancy, as well as in the last 2 months. There is no need to take it in the second trimester. In the 1st trimester of pregnancy, vitamin A should be taken no more than 2500 IU per day. Before pregnancy, this figure is twice as high – 5000 IU. Exceeding the dosage is dangerous because it causes the development of heart defects in the fetus and impaired development of the nervous system.

At the same time, a lack of vitamin A can be fatal, because it is involved in the development of the skeleton, vision and nervous system.

Vitamin A is found in fish oil, animal liver, sea buckthorn, rowan, apricots, rose hips, carrots, peaches, celery and spinach. Please note that vitamin A is fat-soluble, which means that in order for it to be absorbed, all these foods must be consumed in combination with fats.

Vitamins in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy

In the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, the following vitamins and microelements are needed: iodine, calcium and iron.

Iodine pregnant women are usually prescribed in the first trimester. However, it is of particular importance in the second. The only contraindication for taking drugs containing iodine may be some diseases of the thyroid gland. Its daily dose is 250 mg per day.

Iodine takes an active part in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and they, in turn, participate in the formation of the child’s skeleton, as well as in his mental development.

Lack of iodine in pregnant women causes metabolic disorders, namely its slowdown. As a result, expectant mothers begin to gain weight and become weak.

Iodine is most easily obtained from seafood and sea or iodized salt. However, it is worth remembering that iodine is destroyed by temperature, which means that after heat treatment the amount of iodine in products decreases sharply.

Daily dose calcium for pregnant women is 1500 mg per day. And there is no point in talking about why calcium is needed in the second half of pregnancy, everyone knows this: calcium is needed for bone formation. In addition, it is involved in the formation of the endocrine system and kidneys.

However, an overdose of calcium preparations will not lead to anything good, because it has the ability to accumulate in the placenta.

Calcium is found mainly in fermented milk products. At the same time, animal fats make it difficult to absorb calcium, so preference should be given to low-fat foods. Calcium is also found in plant foods, in particular in broccoli, cabbage, kohlrabi and the like. Chocolate, coffee and sparkling water reduce calcium absorption.

Since calcium is very poorly absorbed from food, it is still recommended to take vitamins with calcium for pregnant women. The third generation drugs, such as Kalcemin, are considered the best. In addition to calcium, these preparations include vitamin D, zinc, manganese, boron, copper and magnesium, which promote the absorption of calcium.

No less important for a pregnant woman in the second trimester iron . The average daily dosage is 30-60 mg. In some cases, this amount may be higher: if the woman’s iron reserves were initially low.

Iron is necessary, first of all, to prevent anemia. After all, it is part of hemoglobin, which, as we have already found out, carries oxygen throughout the body of the mother and child. In addition, iron is involved in protein synthesis, which is involved in the formation of muscle tissue. Lack of iron can lead to increased uterine tone.

If a woman is at risk of miscarriage, then her blood iron level must be checked. Normally it is 15.

Iron contains in meat, especially in veal, turkey, hare, pork and beef. There is iron in plant foods, but from there it is absorbed much less well.

Vitamins in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy

In the third trimester, vitamins such as A, C, D and iron are most relevant. We have already written about iron and vitamin A above. Therefore, now we will talk about vitamins C and D.

Vitamin C It is especially important during this period, although in some cases it may be prescribed during the planning period, for example, if a woman smokes. The dose of vitamin C during pregnancy is 90-100 mg.

Vitamin C has a strong effect on the immune system, but has an interesting feature: when overabundance of this vitamin in a woman’s blood, the placenta begins to perceive it as a hostile element and filter it out. That is, the higher the vitamin C intake, the less the child receives.

It is known that vitamin C is contained in citrus fruits, but they provoke the development of allergies, so pregnant women are not recommended to consume them. It is much more advisable to eat potatoes, herbs, sweet peppers, currants, carrots, and cabbage. When exposed to air, vitamin C is destroyed.

Vitamin D necessary for bone development. Therefore, in the third trimester it is prescribed to prevent rickets in the baby. The daily intake of vitamin D is 400 IU.

Vitamin D is found in food in too small quantities, so it simply doesn’t make sense to talk about it. But it is easily synthesized in the human body under the influence of sunlight. That is, in the summer, instead of taking individual medications, you just need to be in the sun more often.

Which vitamins are better?

Taking vitamins during pregnancy is not at all mandatory, however, if you still decide to take them or your doctor prescribed them to you, then you will face a difficult problem: how to choose vitamins during pregnancy?

The fact is that there are now a lot of different manufacturers of vitamin complexes in general, and multivitamins for pregnant women in particular. Almost all of them are good in their own way, so how can you determine which vitamins to take during pregnancy?

1. The content of vitamins and microelements in a particular complex, and in almost all complexes it is different.
2. Individual reaction of the body to specific drugs.

The list of vitamins for pregnant women is very extensive, and it is very difficult to understand all this variety. To facilitate this process, we want to provide a comparative table of vitamins for pregnant women.

Nicotinamide (vitamin PP) 20 mg

Many people have a question, Do pregnant women get free vitamins?? Vitamins are indeed required, especially if a woman has indications for this. However, you should understand that you will be given very specific vitamins for free and you will not have the opportunity to choose. Bearing in mind that many women do not like to work with tables and numbers, below we will look at the most common vitamin complexes and give a brief description of them.

Vitamins for pregnant women Pregnavit : today this is perhaps the most popular complex among pregnant women in our country. However, it lacks iodine and some trace elements. When choosing it, it is important to take this point into account.

Vitamins for pregnant women Elevit : This vitamin complex has a high magnesium content, so it is often prescribed to women at risk of miscarriage. However, the complex does not include such a trace element as iodine.

Vitamins for pregnant women Alphabet : the complex differs in that different vitamins and elements in it are divided into different tablets, painted in certain colors. This allows you to separate the intake of substances that conflict with each other over time. In addition, this allows you to simply refuse one of the tablets if you have an allergy. The complex of vitamins for pregnant women contains iodine, which is clearly its advantage.

Vitamins for pregnant women Vitrum Prenatal Forte : These prenatal vitamins contain iron in required amounts. Therefore, the complex is very useful for women suffering from anemia. Equally important is the presence of folic acid in the vitamins, and such important microelements as iodine and antioxidants (selenium, manganese, molybdenum).

Vitamins for pregnant women Complevit Mom : in the complex the content of iodine, vitamin A, D and vitamins B6 and B12 for pregnant women is significantly lower compared to other vitamins. On the one hand, this can be considered a minus of the complex. On the other hand, this complex is suitable for those who are sure that they get all these vitamins from food.

Vitamins for pregnant women Centrum Materna : one of the few complexes that contains folic acid and iodine, but it contains a high content of vitamins A and B, which means you should not take it without consulting a doctor. Those who are prone to allergies should not opt ​​for these vitamins.

Vitamins for pregnant women Multi-tabs Prenatal : the complex can be considered basic, suitable for a normal pregnancy without pathologies.

Vitamins for pregnant women Femibion : This is a new vitamin complex that contains a special, easily absorbed form of folic acid. It does not contain iron and vitamin A, since the former will not be absorbed with every vitamin. But vitamin A is too dangerous in case of overdose, and, according to European doctors, there must be additional reasons for prescribing a drug containing it.

Vitamins for pregnant women Amway : These vitamins cause a huge amount of controversy: some are completely delighted with the use of these vitamins, others are confused by the fact that they are not sold in a pharmacy, but by people without medical education. It makes sense to familiarize yourself with all the certificates, composition, and so on, and make a decision on this basis. The convenience of vitamins from Amway is that almost all the vitamins in them are divided into different tablets, and a woman can select an individual composition.

Vitamins for pregnant women Emfetal : vitamins are new on the Russian market, and therefore raise many questions. Many women are afraid to purchase something new and prefer old and proven products.

Vitamins for pregnant women Pregnakeya : also new and inexpensive vitamins. Reviews about them are still very controversial and ambiguous. These vitamins contain almost all the necessary vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, iodine and iron.

In conclusion, I would like to say once again that it is best to try to balance your diet in such a way that taking vitamins is simply not necessary. However, if a lack of vitamins still bothers you, be sure to consult your doctor.

Don't forget that you can always run into problems individual intolerance certain vitamins. This is usually expressed in weakness, nausea and other similar sensations. In this case, it is better to stop taking vitamins and ask your doctor to prescribe you a new drug. Approximately 2/3 of all negative reviews about any vitamins are due to cases of individual intolerance.

In addition, do not forget that synthetic vitamins greatly increase the load on the liver. Therefore, it is recommended to take vitamins in courses: drink for 1 month, take a break for 1-2 weeks, and only then resume taking vitamins. Be healthy!

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Features of the second trimester

In the second trimester of pregnancy (from 13 to 26 weeks), the most active growth of the baby occurs. All the internal organs of the child are already formed, he is gaining weight well, which will not slow down the impact on the woman’s figure. Due to significant progress in fetal development, a woman may experience problems with the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system.

From the point of view of pregnancy, the 2nd trimester is considered the safest. However, the body needs an increased amount of nutrients, it's time to reconsider your diet.

The most essential vitamins and substances

What vitamins do you take in the second trimester?

Drug rating

Which prenatal vitamins are best to take in the 2nd trimester:

Food Sources of Vitamins

List of natural sources of vitamins and minerals:

• E (tocopherol). Contained in vegetable oils (olive, corn, sunflower, sea buckthorn, flaxseed). Vitamin E is also found in greens, tomatoes, nuts, dried fruits, legumes, and cereals. It is found in small quantities in meat, offal and milk.
• C (ascorbic acid). The main sources of vitamin C are: citrus fruits, rose hips, black currants, sea buckthorn, sweet peppers, cabbage, carrots, lettuce.
• D (calciferol). Contained in fish oil, cod liver, sardines, salmon, herring. Vitamin D can also be obtained from dairy products and eggs.
• B vitamins. Most are found in products of animal origin - meat, offal, dairy products. Also sources of vitamin B are cereals, green vegetables, and legumes.
• Calcium. To obtain calcium, pregnant women should include eggs, dairy products, and all types of cabbage in their diet.
• Iodine. A significant amount of iodine is found in seafood, dried figs, seaweed, and iodized salt. It must be taken into account that heat treatment destroys iodine.
• Iron. Iron is found in large quantities in meat products, cream, sour cream, and chicken egg whites. Its sources are also apples, pomegranates, persimmons and other fruits.

Reception features

Important features of taking vitamins:

• In the 2nd trimester, the expectant mother should receive at least 100-200IU of vitamin E. An overdose of tocopherol is dangerous. This is a fat-soluble vitamin that can accumulate in the body. High doses of drugs can cause allergic reactions and oxygen starvation in the fetus. The first symptoms: headache, nausea, pain in the right hypochondrium.
• The norm for vitamin C is 90-100 mg. With an excess of ascorbic acid, a pregnant woman may feel fatigue, nausea, and frequent headaches. High doses may worsen diabetes or cause kidney stones. The excess has almost no effect on the baby, since the placenta carefully filters out the excess.
• Vitamin D should be consumed in a dosage of 400-600 IU. It is synthesized when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet light. Hypervitaminosis can be accompanied by cramps, joint pain, and dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract). In case of an overdose, insoluble calcium salts can be deposited in a woman’s body, the concentration of urea in the blood increases, and blood pressure rises.
• Iodine during pregnancy should be consumed 150 mcg. Iodine is quite toxic and can cause miscarriage or thyrotoxic crisis. Main symptoms: thirst, cough, tachycardia, enlarged thyroid gland, dizziness.
• Calcium should be taken 800-1000 mg per day. An overdose can cause calcification of the placenta.
• The optimal dose of iron is 30-60 mg. If you have anemia, your doctor may prescribe additional medications. During pregnancy, an overdose of iron can provoke premature birth, increased blood pressure, and preeclampsia. Obvious signs of overdose: glandular taste in the mouth, nausea, lack of coordination.
• An overdose of B vitamins is rarely recorded, since they are water-soluble and are easily excreted from the body in the urine. However, you should not abuse the drugs.

It is necessary to take vitamins in the second trimester of pregnancy as prescribed by your doctor. The best time to take it is the first half of the day. You need to drink them with clean water. You should not take pills on an empty stomach. Be sure to follow the prescribed dosage.

Only a doctor can determine whether there is a need for pharmaceutical vitamins and dietary supplements based on the tests performed. You can take vitamins only in the specified dosage, following the manufacturer’s instructions. The drugs are especially indicated in the following cases:

• If a woman is malnourished or suffers from severe toxicosis.
• If you have previously had diseases associated with a lack of vitamins or minerals (for example, anemia).
• If there is a history of interrupted pregnancy or pathologies in fetal development.
• Under unfavorable climatic or environmental conditions.

Multivitamins for pregnant women should be taken wisely, since hypervitaminosis can negatively affect the development of the fetus and worsen the well-being of the expectant mother.

If nausea, dizziness, skin rashes and other unpleasant symptoms occur while taking vitamin preparations, you should stop taking vitamins and consult a specialist.

The pregnancy planning stage and the entire subsequent gestational period is a time when a woman needs to monitor her diet more than ever in order to provide her baby with all the necessary substances. But, unfortunately, it is not always possible to consume healthy foods in the right quantities, and a woman simply needs to take vitamin complexes. Today there are many vitamin preparations with an impeccably balanced composition, for example, Femibion ​​pregnancy vitamins. Why do gynecologists increasingly prefer this particular complex, and how does it affect conception and the course of pregnancy? Let's see how Femibion ​​differs from similar multivitamins and how it is taken during pregnancy.

Femibion ​​is a multivitamin complex for those planning to conceive a baby, as well as for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The drug is produced by the Austrian pharmaceutical company Merck and is famous for its impeccable quality.

This drug is not classified as a medicine, since the concentration of beneficial substances has an exclusively preventive effect and is not able to correct a severe deficiency of any vitamins or minerals. Therefore, Femibion ​​is sold as a biological supplement to the diet and is available without a prescription.

The multicomplex is produced in two forms - Femibion ​​Natalcare 1 and Femibion ​​Natalcare 2, which have different compositions and indications. This biological supplement is of high quality and reasonable cost, so every woman can afford to take Femibion ​​during pregnancy. The price of complex No. 1 is about 600 rubles, and complex No. 2 is approximately 1200 rubles.

Let's look at how they differ from each other.

Composition and pharmacological action of Femibion ​​1 during pregnancy

Femibion ​​Natalcare 1 is a drug in the form of oval tablets. Its optimal composition is intended for planning and pregnant women until the end of the 12th gestational week. The nutrients included in the composition are intended for easy correction of the diet, which often does not provide the pregnant woman with the necessary vitamins.

Important! Taking Femibion ​​1 in the early stages of pregnancy does not eliminate the need for adequate nutrition and serves only as a supplement to it.

Femibion ​​contains vital vitamins and iodine. The most important among them is folic acid. Numerous studies have shown that its deficiency at the time of conception threatens irreversible pathologies in the fetus. At the same time, it was found that prophylactic intake of a synthetic form of this vitamin can reduce the risk of developing abnormalities to a minimum.

In addition to folic acid, Femibion ​​includes:

• B1 - supports metabolic processes at the required level, participates in energy supply, promotes the synthesis of enzymes;
• B2 is an important link in lipid metabolism, necessary for the full functioning of the nervous system, supplies cells with oxygen;
• B6 - takes part in the absorption of proteins, provides the body with important amino acids;
• B12 is an element of the hematopoietic system and also regulates the functioning of the nerve center. Necessary for the rapid formation of red blood cells, supports immunity, participates in DNA division;
• vitamin C - strengthens the immune system, is necessary for complete absorption of iron and hemoglobin synthesis, takes part in the formation of tissues;
• Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from aging and helps the body get rid of free radicals;
• biotin - essential for skin health, normalizes glucose levels, converts carbohydrates into glycogen;
• pantothenate is a regulator of most metabolic reactions;
• nicotinamide - participates in metabolism, improves the protective properties of the skin;
• Iodine is responsible for the proper functioning of a woman’s thyroid gland and the mental development of the fetus.

Composition and pharmacological action of Femibion ​​2 during pregnancy

Femibion ​​Natalcare 2 is prescribed to maintain a successful pregnancy and the full development of the baby (in utero and while breastfeeding). All nutrients are divided into two groups, which are enclosed in gelatin capsules with fats and regular tablets with vitamins and minerals. Femibion ​​is indicated during pregnancy, starting from the 13th gestational week until the end of the lactation period.

Femibion ​​2 contains the same vitamins and iodine as in the first complex, however, their concentration is optimized for a later gestation period.

But in addition, the complex contains polyunsaturated fats in the form of docosahexaenoic acid. It is needed for the correct functioning of the brain, the functioning of the nervous system, as well as for the prevention of atherosclerosis and metabolic disorders. In addition, the capsules contain alpha-tocopherol (one of the derivatives of vitamin E), which is essential for all oxidative reactions and cell renewal.

Additional components included in Femibion ​​Natalcare 1 and Femibion ​​Natalcare 2 are:

• titanium dioxide;
• microcrystalline cellulose;
• magnesium salts;
• starch;
• iron oxide;
• hydroxypropyl methylcellulose;
• glycerol;
• maltodextrin.

Femibion ​​2 capsules contain sorbitol, monoglycerides, glycerin, as well as starch and malthiol.

Femibion: instructions for use during pregnancy

According to the annotation for the drug, preventive use of Femibion ​​from the moment of planning conception until the day when the woman stops breastfeeding her baby ensures full ovulation, successful pregnancy, normal intrauterine development of the baby and his health after birth.

Femibion ​​during pregnancy - indications

Taking this vitamin supplement when planning pregnancy helps prepare the body for fertilization and the transfer of healthy genetic material. The experience of using Femibion ​​in women before pregnancy shows that preventive vitamin therapy not only allows you to conceive more quickly, but also reduces the risk of spontaneous miscarriage.

Taking Femibion ​​2 during the 2nd and 3rd trimester supports pregnancy and also prevents the occurrence of abnormalities in the fetus, which are often incompatible with life. As a rule, this is improper formation of the neural tube, heart defects, and diseases of the nervous system.

A rich vitamin composition, including iodine and fats, helps prevent the following complications during pregnancy:

• congenital defects in the baby;
• borderline vitamin deficiency;
• anemia caused by a lack of B vitamins;
• hypothyroidism;
• diabetes mellitus (gestational type);
• intrauterine developmental retardation;
• chronic or frequently exacerbating respiratory tract pathologies;
• spontaneous miscarriage;
• postpartum hemorrhage;
• hypoxia;
• gestational hypertension;
• dysfunction of the female endocrine system.

Important! Femibion ​​1 is often prescribed to a woman’s sexual partner to improve sperm quality and ensure the transfer of a good gene pool.

Femibion: how to take during pregnancy

The instructions for the drug contain a detailed method of use and dosage of the Femibion ​​supplement during pregnancy.

• In most cases, the doctor follows the manufacturer's recommendations and prescribes the woman one Femibion ​​Natalcare 1 tablet daily until the 13th gestational week. It is advisable to take the tablet at lunchtime, immediately after eating. The tablet is swallowed without damaging the integrity of the shell, washed down with plenty of water.
• If you take the supplement before meals, a pregnant woman may experience attacks of nausea, heaviness in the stomach, and pain. Over time, irritation of the mucous membrane decreases and unpleasant symptoms go away, but it is better to take the tablets after meals to avoid this discomfort. The appearance of these signs is not a reason to discontinue the drug and only require correction of the rules for its administration.
• It is prohibited to exceed the recommended dose at your own discretion, since hypervitaminosis can be just as harmful during pregnancy as a lack of vitamins. But with clinical confirmation of an acute vitamin deficiency, the doctor can change the daily dose of Femibion ​​based on the current circumstances.
• You can take vitamins early in the morning if a woman has no symptoms of toxicosis, but in no case should this be done in the evening, since Femibion ​​has a tonic effect and problems with sleep patterns may arise.
• Femibion ​​Natalcare 2 is taken according to a slightly different scheme. The daily doses of vitamins and fats are separate from each other, so you need to take 1 tablet and 1 yellow capsule daily. You can swallow them at the same time or with an interval between doses. This will not affect the bioavailability of the supplement. The supplement should be swallowed whole in the first half of the day with clean water.

Important! Prescribing the Femibion ​​Natalcare complex to a pregnant woman does not mean that you can neglect nutrition. This supplement does not replace, but complements a daily balanced diet.

What are the contraindications and side effects of Femibion ​​during pregnancy?

The only contraindication to taking Femibion ​​at any gestational age is individual intolerance to its composition. It is also prescribed with caution to women with a high risk of developing allergic reactions, as well as with acute renal failure and confirmed hypervitaminosis.

Side effects from vitamin supplements are rare and are usually associated with exceeding the indicated dose or hypersensitivity. Sometimes pregnant women experience the following complaints after taking Femibion:

• peeling, rash, itching and other allergic manifestations on the skin;
• hyperemia of the mucous membranes;
• nausea, vomiting;
• apathy.

In case of an overdose, a wide variety of phenomena are possible, depending on which vitamin enters the female body in excess. It could be a simple allergy, severe excitability, sleep or digestive disorders.

If there is an excess of B vitamins, a woman may experience headaches, muscle pain, and vomiting. An overdose of ascorbic acid causes skin redness, bleeding, and dizziness. And if too much tocopherol enters the body, fatigue and brittle bones are possible. If any complaints occur, it is recommended to replace Femibion ​​with another vitamin complex.

Analogues of Femibon during pregnancy

There are no absolute analogues of Femibon on the pharmaceutical market that have the same composition. However, you can select a lot of high-quality vitamin and mineral supplements, whose concentration of nutrients is very close to Femibion, and they also have identical indications and therapeutic effects.

Especially often, a woman is offered a choice of Femibion ​​or Elevit during pregnancy. These are the two most suitable complexes for gestation, which have received a worldwide calling. Elevit is also indicated for planning, pregnant and lactating women. In addition to vitamins, it contains magnesium, zinc, D3, phosphorus, iron, manganese.

Femibion ​​also has other analogues. So, Femibion ​​Natalcare 1 can be replaced with the following drugs:

• Pregnavite;
• Alphabet;
• Theravit Pregna;
• Multimax;
• Materna;
• Complex Trimester 1;
• Vitrum Prenatal.

Analogues of Femibion ​​Natalcare 2 are:

• Complex Trimester 2 and 3;
• Complimentary Mom;
• Multimax for pregnant and lactating women;
• Pregnakea;
• Centrum Materna.

Important! Any analogue of Femibion ​​can be prescribed only by an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Femibion: reviews during pregnancy

Most reviews about the Femibion ​​supplement are positive. As obstetric practice shows, the drug is almost always well tolerated, without causing obvious side effects or any discomfort to patients. Women note that the tablets are easy to swallow, and after taking they do not feel any complaints from the digestive system.

There are also responses that indicate that Femibion ​​helps get rid of toxicosis, improve appetite, restore strength and mood. Also, a great advantage of this complex is the presence of iodine, which eliminates the need for additional intake of Iodomarin. In addition, Femibion ​​contains B9 in a bioavailable form, which is absorbed by 99%.

Almost all responses contain information that thanks to taking Femibion ​​throughout the entire gestational period, women’s nails become stronger, skin color improves, and hair growth accelerates.

Well, the last stage of this difficult journey called pregnancy has arrived. Left behind are nausea, intolerance to smells, worries about the first movements and first contact with the baby. Now you communicate with him several times every day, most likely know his gender, have seen his photos and choose rompers and bodysuits in pink or blue. What a happy time! Well, except for nighttime leg cramps, heartburn, problems with the toilet, swelling and constant heaviness throughout the body. But if it’s not entirely possible to eliminate all these ailments, then at least it will definitely be possible to alleviate them!

Changed hormonal levels are responsible for this or that ailment. To help the body cope with the additional load, in the third trimester of pregnancy you need to exclude some foods, and add others or increase their consumption. Let's figure out which vitamins and microelements will help us, and what we should remove from the menu.

1. In the third trimester, special attention should be paid to intake vitamin D- for the prevention of rickets in a child and for the proper formation of the skeleton, iron- for the prevention of anemia in the expectant mother and good circulation of oxygen in the blood and vitamin C- to maintain the immunity of mother and child.

• Vitamin D found in foods such as fatty fish, cod liver, herring, mackerel, milk, butter, egg yolk.
• Vitamin C strengthens the walls of blood vessels and helps the newborn adapt to new conditions. The largest suppliers vitamin C are black and white currants, rose hips, citrus fruits, sauerkraut, tomatoes, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi and herbs (especially parsley).
• Iron At this stage, it is extremely necessary for the mother’s body - it will help cope with blood loss during childbirth. The best thing iron absorbed in products of animal origin - meat, poultry, seafood, eggs.

2. Calcium has not lost its relevance in the third trimester, BUT it is better to reduce its use by the due date. Too strong bones in the baby’s head during childbirth can put quite a strain on the mother and add extra “work” to her. Calcium found in all dairy products - especially cottage cheese, whey, yogurt and kefir.

3. Vitamin E reduces the risk of premature birth and prepares the baby's lungs for independent breathing. But there is also a danger here - an overdose of this vitamin can increase blood loss during childbirth. if you accept vitamin E in tablets, then a month before the expected date of birth you should stop taking it. An overdose of this vitamin can contribute to labor muscle tension, which is undesirable during childbirth. Vitamin E found mainly in wheat germ, cold-pressed oils, bran and whole grains.

4. Vitamin K regulates blood clotting, thereby preventing significant blood loss during childbirth. It actually saves the life of a woman in labor (clottes and stops the blood). Mostly comes vitamin K enters our body with food, but is also partly synthesized by intestinal microflora. Vitamin K found in all green vegetables, salads and fruits, whole grains (oats, wheat, rye). Also, rosehip drink and green tea are suppliers of this vitamin.

5. Iodine is considered a trace element of intelligence: for the long term, you need to take care of it now. Iodine found in all marine flora and fauna. Iodized salt is also a great addition! Just don’t buy iodized salt if it also contains fluoride.

6. If leg cramps bypassed you in the second trimester, then the third trimester is the most vulnerable to this unpleasant phenomenon. Based on the pregnant woman's complaints, your supervising doctor may prescribe Magnesium in tablets. But it can also be obtained naturally. By eating nuts, seaweed, buckwheat, oatmeal and millet porridge, legumes and mustard, you can always replenish your body with this element.

• Calcium, vitamin E And vitamin D And WITH should be consumed, but not exceeding the dosage recommended by your practitioner.
• In the last weeks of pregnancy, eliminate salt from your diet. This way you will avoid swelling, stress on the heart and kidneys. If you can’t remove salt at all, then at least reduce its consumption to a minimum and exclude salt only in the evening meal.
• Now the main meal should be breakfast, dinner should be light. For dinner, protein foods, salads, and vegetables are suitable. Avoid drinking a lot of water or eating watermelon in the evening.
• Drink at least 2 liters of water per day. Amniotic fluid is constantly renewed, so you simply need clean water. Again salt. If you eat too salty or spicy foods and at the same time drink a lot of water, then swelling is guaranteed. In order not to resort to compression tights, eliminate the salt!
• The swimming pool will help you cope with the heaviness in your body. Sign up for days for children and pregnant women.
• Fiber will help you with problems with hard stool. Whole grain bread, bran, most fruits and vegetables (especially beets, celery stalks, greens) will help you! By eating a piece of whole grain bread daily, stool is restored. Also try to eat hot food or soup at least once a day. Express help with hard stools can be provided by: prunes, dried apricots, soft pears.
• Eliminate meat and mushroom broths from the menu.
• It is recommended to reduce to a minimum the consumption of simple carbohydrates, such as sugar, flour, pasta and bakery products made from premium white flour.
• Teas and infusions of rosehip, nettle and cranberry juice help with swelling.
• In the last trimester, it is recommended to avoid consuming mint and sage, as they can reduce placental blood circulation and cause uterine tone.

Be healthy and have an easy birth!

The pregnancy period is a real test for the body. A woman needs to carefully monitor her health and provide her child with all the necessary conditions for full development. One of the rules for successful pregnancy is maintaining a balanced and maximally healthy diet. It will provide the expectant mother’s body with the necessary vitamins and minerals, and if there is a shortage, you can use special pharmacy complexes.

Ideally, care should be taken to replenish all necessary substances in the body at the planning stage. Responsible parents will definitely check their health, treat chronic diseases, and also start taking special vitamins and minerals. If the daily diet is varied and provides all the necessary substances, this item can be removed, but if there are problems with conception, it is better for the expectant mother to prepare in advance.

Taking vitamins when planning and at the beginning of pregnancy:

• Folic acid (vitamin B9) will ensure the successful development of the child in the 1st trimester, and will also help prepare the body for the future “test of strength.” Most folic acid is found in leafy greens and vegetables, currants, cherries, gooseberries and persimmons. Liver, eggs and some types of meat also contain this essential element. If it is impossible to obtain vitamin B9 from food, you can purchase a folic acid complex at the pharmacy.
• Vitamin A It is also extremely important for the formation of the nervous system, musculoskeletal and visual apparatus of the child. Most of all it is found in vegetables, vegetable oil and some types of cereals.
• Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system, as well as the formation of protective forces in the baby’s body.
• Vitamin E ensures the normal course of pregnancy, reduces the threat of miscarriage and takes part in the formation of the placenta.
• Among microelements, a special role also plays iodine. It prevents fetal defects and helps the proper formation of the child’s nervous and endocrine systems, so it is definitely recommended to be taken during pregnancy.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, it is necessary to continue taking these vitamins; they help reduce the risk to the development of the child, and also contribute to a successful pregnancy.

Vitamins for pregnant women in the second – third trimester

A growing fetus develops rapidly and for this it needs more and more vitamins and nutrients. Already in the 2nd trimester, the load on the mother’s body becomes more significant, so doctors recommend including more healthy and varied foods in the body, and, if necessary, using vitamin complexes.

What elements are needed during this period:

• Iron as a preventive measure for anemia. Lack of iron can lead to increased uterine tone and the threat of miscarriage.
• Calcium provides the child with strong bones and also promotes the formation of good teeth.
• Vitamin D participates in the process of calcium absorption.
• Magnesium ensures the correct formation of the cardiovascular system, and also prevents premature birth.

The need for vitamins becomes critical in the 3rd trimester, so taking special complexes is very necessary. If there is a lack of nutrients, the mother’s body will suffer, and the child may have developmental defects.

The pharmacy complex of vitamins for pregnant women includes a whole set of vitamins and minerals. Reception should be carried out with caution and only as directed by a doctor. The basis is the treatment and prevention of vitamin deficiency of the expectant mother, a poor diet and lack of necessary food products (for example, in winter).

Nutrition during pregnancy

The best way to provide nutrients to the body of the child and mother during pregnancy is to provide adequate nutrition. To do this, the expectant mother’s diet must contain all the important vitamins and minerals, as well as enough proteins, plant fiber and amino acids. The nutrition of pregnant women has received a lot of attention on thematic forums and various websites, and our article provides a list of the main food groups containing vitamins that are beneficial for mother and child.

What you should definitely include in your diet:

1. Lean meats, liver, heart.
2. Sea fish, seafood (if there are no allergies).
3. Eggs, dairy products.
4. Vegetables and fruits in any form.
5. Greens, leafy vegetables.
6. Fresh fruits, berries.

It is worth limiting the consumption of confectionery and flour products. They are sources of simple carbohydrates, which provoke hunger and cause problems with excess weight. A reasonable approach to this issue will help saturate the body with energy, without harm to the figure.

Rating of the best vitamin complexes

The pharmacy chain offers many similar drugs, differing in composition, manufacturer and cost. You should not blindly trust advertising or the advice of a pharmacist; it is better to choose multivitamins together with your doctor. An overview of popular vitamin complexes for pregnant women is presented below.

The best vitamins for pregnant women:

• Vitrum prenatal- inexpensive and very effective vitamins for pregnant women. They contain a large amount of iron, so they are often used to prevent anemia.
• Pregnavite- a fairly good vitamin complex, unfortunately, does not contain iodine. It must be taken according to a special regimen, which takes into account the duration of pregnancy and possible deficiency of nutrients.
• Elevit copes well with the prevention of vitamin deficiency, and also contains an impressive complex of minerals. The disadvantages are the rather large size of the tablets, as well as the ability to cause constipation, which is very undesirable in this period.
• Alphabet for pregnant women is available in the form of three separate tablets, so you can independently regulate the consumption of one or another category of substances. The only complaint is the insufficient amount of folic acid, so after the first trimester additional medication is required.
• Materna It has a well-balanced composition, but in the early stages it can cause a negative reaction in the body.
• Femibon has two release forms that provide comfortable use throughout pregnancy. The only drawback is the rather high cost.

It is necessary to take vitamins according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, in no case without violating the dosage. It is usually enough to take one tablet a day after your morning meal to meet all your vitamin and mineral needs for the day. Any medications should be taken in courses no longer than three to four weeks, after which a two-week break should be taken. This scheme will allow you to avoid addiction and reduce the effectiveness of the capsules. It is also necessary to be regularly examined for possible anemia in order to adjust the diet in time or take additional medications.

Myths and real facts about vitamins during pregnancy

1. It is necessary to start taking vitamins from the first day, or better yet, a month before pregnancy. In some cases, this is exactly what happens (difficulty conceiving, malnutrition, problems in previous pregnancies). But if there are no medical indications for taking vitamins, the simplest drugs (folic acid, vitamins A and E) will do.
2. The more expensive the vitamins, the more effective they are. The choice of a suitable vitamin complex must be agreed upon with a gynecologist. Ideally, it is necessary to first undergo a detailed blood test to determine a possible lack of micro- and macroelements. Uncontrolled intake can lead to the opposite condition - hypervitaminosis, and sometimes to a severe allergic reaction to such an “excess”.
3. Vitamins for pregnant women are an advertising ploy by cunning manufacturers; regular Revit is quite enough. The well-known Revit pills contain only vitamins A, B1, B2 and C. This is clearly not enough for a full-fledged pregnancy.
4. Vitamins should be taken for the entire nine months. Typically, this rule applies to women who have previously had problems bearing a child, with the threat of miscarriage, during the mid-season period or multiple pregnancies. If all tests are normal, the woman has a nutritious diet and is in excellent health, prenatal vitamins may be needed only in the last stages.
5. Vitamins compensate for insufficient nutrition. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to adjust your diet in accordance with the wishes of specialists. At the same time, taking pharmaceutical vitamins is not a panacea, because these are synthetic analogues of real organic compounds. It would be optimal to combine the principles of a healthy diet with taking special medications, and not to replace the lack of nutrients with medication.

A lack of vitamins during pregnancy has an extremely negative impact on the well-being of the expectant mother and poses a threat to the health of the unborn child. To prevent this from happening, a pregnant woman’s diet should be as healthy and varied as possible. At different times, according to medical indications, it is recommended to take vitamin preparations.