The B-vitamin folic acid is indispensable for all processes of cell division and cell growth and is therefore considered to be the most important vitamin before and during pregnancy.
Folate is contained in many food sources, including fruit and vegetables, but is very sensitive to heat and light and is easily destroyed.
The important protective function of folic acid is particularly evident during early pregnancy. During this time – when most women don’t even suspect they might be pregnant – a low folate level is a risk factor for the development of neural tube defects in the fetus. Folic acid ensures that the neural tube, from which the central nervous system, the spinal cord, and the brain develop, is completely closed in the embryo.
That is why experts recommend the intake of additional folic acid from preconception.
Depending on how fast you want to get pregnant, you should know that building effective protection takes some time: with 800 micrograms daily, you can increase the folic acid content in your body to the required level within four weeks. Take 400 micrograms per day, it will take about 12 weeks.
Important: If you have been taking the contraceptive pill, it may take even longer to achieve a good folic acid status because the pill is a real “folate-thief”.
Folic acid remains very important long after your baby’s neural tube has closed.
Since folate is needed in cell division, it is indispensable for the further physical development of the baby as well.
In addition, folate has other important roles in the body: it contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism and the growth of maternal tissue during pregnancy, supports the immune system, and contributes to normal blood formation.
Other micronutrients, such as iron, iodine, and antioxidants are vital as well. While iron is essential for the transport of oxygen in blood and iodine, being a key element of thyroid hormones, is involved in normal thyroid function, antioxidants such as vitamins C and E can help to protect the cellular DNA, proteins, and lipids from oxidative stress. For maximum effect, Fertilovit® For2 plus DHA contains vitamin C with sustained release.
FERTILOVIT® For2 plus DHA
Protection, support, safety and wellbeing for 2
DHA for the development of brain and eyes
During pregnancy, your baby’s nervous system and eyesight develop at a dizzying speed. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should ensure a sufficient intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids to promote this rapid development. These nutrients are of crucial importance in prenatal and early childhood development of the brain as well as vision. One of the most important omega-3 fatty acids in this context is DHA. Nutrition experts recommend taking 200 mg DHA daily from the second trimester of pregnancy until the end of breastfeeding in addition to the recommended daily dose of 250 mg omega-3 fatty acids from food.
Choline as an important addition to folic acid and DHA
Choline is a building block for cell membranes (in the form of phosphatidylcholine) as well as for a neurotransmitter in the brain (in the form of acetylcholine), and thus also plays a central role in the neuronal development of the unborn child. The need for choline is significantly increased during pregnancy and breastfeeding and, unfortunately, an undersupply of pregnant and breastfeeding women is very common. Choline is also important for homocysteine metabolism as well as liver function of the future mother. Deficiency during pregnancy can lead to increased homocysteine levels, which in turn are a risk factor for pregnancy complications.
Avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy
During pregnancy, safety of mother and child comes first. For the sake of the baby, cigarettes and alcohol should be avoided, but also unnecessary allergens and additives. That’s why Fertilovit® For2 plus DHA is free from artificial colors, lactose, gluten, and preservatives, as well as genetically modified organisms.
Gently counteracting fatigue and morning sickness
Pregnancy is associated with additional stress for the mother-to-be, which is often reflected in increased fatigue. Listen to your body and take a nap if you feel like it!
Getting enough oxygen and exercise are important as well – why not go for a nice walk during your lunch break?
During pregnancy, your body needs more precious vitamins and minerals. The vitamins C, riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid, B6 and B12, as well as magnesium and iron gently contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Triggered by hormonal changes, nausea and vomiting are other frequent side effects of pregnancy. Particularly during the first trimester, this can be an issue. Remember all those movie scenes, when the female (pregnant) protagonist rushes to the bathroom?
The good news is that usually this problem vanishes anyway after approximately 12 weeks. Until then, a few small tricks can help you cope: Make sure you get enough sleep and opt for many small meals throughout the day. Avoid spicy and rich meals, as they might worsen symptoms.
Especially when you have been sick, make sure you drink enough (at least 2 l daily). A traditional remedy is ginger tea and many women find that acupressure helps well, too. For this, stimulate the inside of your lower arm, underneath your wrist.