Unsure about which prenatal supplements and vitamins to take? Relax! Here's a handy list of the benefits these recommended supplements have for your pregnancy and your baby:
Helps your baby's brain and eye development
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid): Take 300mg of this omega-3 fat daily.
Lowers risk of neural tube birth defects
Folic acid: Folic acid prevents abnormalities in your baby's brain and spinal cord, such as spina bifida. Take 5mg or at least 400 to 800mcg a day.
Increases your iron intake to form red blood cells and prevent anaemia
Iron: Anaemia is a common issue in pregnancy. To manage this, the recommended dosage is 27mg of iron supplementation.
Increases absorption of iron
Vitamin C: Vitamin C aids iron absorption, so have a glass of orange juice or eat a bowl of cereal more often. Alternatively, you can take some vitamin C supplements. The daily recommended dosage is 100 to 200mg.
Builds your baby's bones and teeth
Calcium: Calcium helps with the baby's bone development while maintaining the mother's bone density in pregnancy. The daily recommended dosage is 1000mg.
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By Associate Professor TAN Thiam Chye Head & Senior Consultant, Dr TAN Shu Qi Senior O&G Resident, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital
Sources:
The New Art and Science of Pregnancy and Childbirth 2008, World Scientific
Healthy Start for your Pregnancy 2012, Health Promotion Board Singapore
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