The need for B complex vitamins increases during pregnancy. Find out the benefits of taking the B complex vitamins in pregnancy.In your pregnancy you must have been advised to take plenty of B complex vitamins for the safe progress and a healthy pregnancy. You must be wondering how important it is to take these B vitamins and if at all you are getting the required amount daily. Here we have attempted to answer most of your queries. Read along for all that you are looking for.
Vitamins are constituents of diet other than carbohydrate, fat, protein and inorganic salts and are necessary for the normal metabolic functions of the body.
| Products: | Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12 and C. |
| For Children: | Dose to be as per direction of physician |
| For Pregnant Women: | Safe |
| For Breastfeeding Mothers: | Safe |
| Contra-indications*: | ----------- |
| Caution: | ------------ |
* Not to be used in the conditions stated, because it could cause complications. Pregnant women should not take any vitamins or medicines without consulting her doctor.
While you may be taking all those foods rich in B complex vitamins, you may also have to take the
supplements to meet your daily requirements. This however, shall be suggested by your healthcare provider. Remember, just like too much of nothing is good, too much of vitamins too can pose risks in your pregnancy. Thus, you must always rely on the suggestions offered by your doctor.
Benefits of Taking B Complex Vitamins in Pregnancy
Below are stated the benefits of taking the B complex vitamins in pregnancy:
Brain Development of Foetus
Vitamin B1 or Thiamin helps in development of the brain of your little one. This vitamin ensures normal functioning of heart, nervous system and muscles too. During
pregnancy you must get 1.4mg of B1 vitamin every day under the supervision of your doctor.
Development of Vision
B2 vitamin shall help development of good vision and develop healthy skin for your baby. A pregnant mother must take 1.4mg of Riboflavin or B2 vitamin daily as prescribed by your doctor.
Production of Sex Hormones
Vitamin B3 or Niacin helps production of hormones related to sex. You must take around 18mg of this vitamin daily in pregnancy after consulting your doctor.
Pantothenic acid or B5 vitamin helps in production of cholesterol and hormones. It helps to metabolise fats, proteins and carbohydrates. You must take around 6mg of this vitamin every day under your doctor’s supervision.
Coping with Morning Sickness
Pyridoxine or B6 vitamin promotes normal growth and function of the brain. Around 30mg of this vitamin every day can also help you cope better with morning sickness. You must take it only after consulting your doctor.
B7 vitamin is known to treat skin rashes, brittle nails and promote hair growth in babies. You need to consume around 30mg of this vitamin every day after consulting your doctor.
Preventing Birth Defects
B9 vitamin of
folic acid is said to be one of the most important micronutrient that you need this time. Chances of birth defects reduce with intake of this vitamin. It is important that you take around 400mg of folic acid daily after consulting your doctor.
DNA Synthesis
B12 vitamin helps in proper red blood formation and DNA synthesis. If you are a vegetarian, you may be suggested additional supplements of this vitamin. It is essential that you take around 12.6mg of this vitamin daily after consulting your doctor.
Vital Considerations to be Kept in Mind
You need to keep in mind that all B complex vitamins are water soluble and thus should be taken every day as per your doctor’s supervision. Your body cannot retain these vitamins because of their water soluble nature.
Apart from the supplements, you may also get sufficient amount of these B complex vitamins from sources like legumes, green leafy vegetables, poultry, meat, fish and eggs. If you have any concerns or questions, do make sure to get in touch with your doctor. He or she shall be the right person to answer all your queries.
Since you would not want to invite any troubles during pregnancy, do enjoy a
healthy diet. Do keep in mind all safety guidelines so that both of you enjoy this phase of pregnancy. Since you will want nothing but the best for the little life developing inside you, do consult with your doctor before you incorporate anything new to your every day diet.
Why the requirement for B vitamins increases during pregnancy? What are sources of B vitamins for pregnant women? What are risks associated with deficiency of B vitamins during pregnancy? Discuss here. 
