Do I need a pregnancy multivitamin?

During pregnancy, your nutrient needs increase to support the proper development of your baby. 

From weeks 1 to 40, these nutrients are pivotal for every aspect of your baby’s growth, and your body will always prioritise nutrients for this purpose, which may lead to you feeling depleted. 

The aim is always to support these increased needs through adequate nutrition. However,  it's incredibly tricky to get all your nutrients from diet alone in pregnancy due to:

1. Increased nutrient demands: particularly for Folate for neural tube development, Vitamin D for immune and musculoskeletal support, Iron to meet increased blood volume and Iodine for infant growth. 
   

2. Dietary challenges: morning sickness, food aversions and cravings can all affect a balanced diet and leave us low in certain nutrients. 
   

3. Nutrient density: eating enough calories doesn’t always mean we are also consuming the right amount of nutrients. 

This is where a good-quality pregnancy multivitamin can provide vital backup for the increased nutrient demands of this life stage. Pregnancy supplements provide optimal nutritional support for your body as it grows and develops your baby, while protecting your health during this time of increased need. 

Supplements should never be a replacement for healthy eating, but with its 29 nutrients, our Pregnancy + New Mother Multi can provide a reassuring safety net when nutrient status matters most.

Increased nutrient demands

During both pregnancy and postpartum, your nutrient needs increase. Look for a supplement that provides the key nutrients your body and baby need, like Folate, Iron, Iodine, Choline, Vitamin D, B vitamins, Magnesium, Zinc and Selenium. All essential for healthy development, energy, mood and recovery through every stage.

Some nutrients are indeed better known than others for supporting your baby's development, such as Folate, Vitamin D and Omega 3. However, there is a wider suite of nutrients which are also crucial in all trimesters, including Choline, Iodine, Zinc and B vitamins, to name a few. These nutrients are needed for important developmental processes including neural tube formation, brain development, thyroid function and bone formation, among others. 

Yet it isn’t always possible to obtain all of these in adequate amounts through food, which is why a pregnancy multinutrient is handy. The Pregnancy + New Mother Multi is designed for every stage of your pregnancy, including postpartum, where nutrient needs can vary.

Dietary challenges & nutrient density

Worryingly, we're seeing increasing evidence that a high percentage of the population is low in essential nutrients. A study by the University of Southampton highlighted that 90% of women in high-income countries experience nutritional shortfalls during preconception and pregnancy. 

Focusing on a nutrient-rich diet of whole foods, fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and protein is always the best place to start. But for many reasons, appetite and food choices can be affected in pregnancy, meaning there are often shortfalls in nutrient status. 

While a pregnancy multivitamin is never designed to replace a nutritionally dense diet, it provides a robust safety net to support nutrient status during pregnancy. 

Study here

 

Find the right support for you

Every pregnancy is different, and your nutritional needs can change throughout pregnancy and after birth. You may still have questions about which supplements are right for you and whether you need additional support.

If you're unsure where to start, our pregnancy & new mother check-ins offer personalised guidance from a qualified nutritional therapist. They can help you understand your individual needs and recommend the right support for your exact stage of pregnancy.

For expert guidance tailored to you and your journey, get in touch today.