Selkirk Medical Group
Information for Parents -to-be
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Should I be taking vitamin supplements in pregnancy?
Vitamin supplementation (taking prenatal vitamins) should not be considered a magic remedy and it is
important to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Research has shown that the following micronutrient intake is
important in pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins include such micronutrients, or they can be taken separately.
Folic Acid
Calcium
Vitamin D
Omega-3
fatty acids
To prevent neural tube defects (ie. spina bifida).
Rx 0.4 – 1mg of folic acid throughout the pregnancy
Dietary intake is recommended to be 1000mg in pregnancy,
most women fall far short. Calcium intake in pregnancy has
been shown to decrease the risk of pre-eclampsia (rare
autoimmune disorder against the placenta).
Rx 1500-2000mg daily (taken at a different time than
prenatal vitamin)
Important for bone health, glucose regulation, immune function
and uterine contractibility in labour. Due to our northern climate
it is difficult to make adequate amounts through sunlight during
most seasons of the year.
Rx 1000 IU daily supplement
Play a role in development of important hormones in pregnancy
(eicosanoids) as well as brain cells in the baby and protects
against asthma for babies
Rx 2 servings of omega rich fish/wk (with low mercury level)
or use omega-3 supplements
Should I avoid certain foods in pregnancy?
Few foods need to be avoided in pregnancy. It is important to cook meat, poultry and eggs to reduce the
risk of bacteria. Listerosis, a bacteria mostly found in unpasteurized dairy can cause problems in
pregnancy. All dairy products bought in supermarkets
in Canada have been pasteurized, including soft
cheeses. Other bacteria to avoid can be found in
processed deli meats and raw sprouts. Fish high in
mercury should also be avoided. There is no evidence
that avoiding specific foods in pregnancy reduces the
risk of the baby developing allergies later in life. Also,
new research has not shown strong evidence between
caffeine intake and miscarriage. If there is an effect,
large amount of caffeine would need to be consumed
(over 3 cups of drip coffee a day).
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