Master of Science, Doctor Vuong Thi Huong, from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit at Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic, states that pregnant women's nutritional and micronutrient needs increase to support fetal development and maintain maternal health. Prolonged micronutrient deficiency can directly impact the development of the baby's brain, bones, blood, and immune system.

Many pregnant women remain at risk of micronutrient deficiencies even with a seemingly adequate diet if their eating habits are unbalanced or if they experience prolonged morning sickness. Essential micronutrients for pregnancy, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), include:

Folic acid (vitamin B9)

Women planning to conceive (starting at least one to three months before planned conception) and throughout pregnancy should supplement with 400-600 mcg of folic acid daily. This helps reduce neural tube defects in the fetus and supports a healthy pregnancy. Women can obtain folic acid from leafy green vegetables, legumes, or supplements as advised by a doctor.

Foods rich in folic acid include: broccoli, spinach, asparagus, avocado, whole grains, and nuts.

A doctor advises pregnant women on necessary micronutrients. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*.

Iron

This nutrient is essential during pregnancy because the mother's blood volume increases significantly (approximately 50%), which normal dietary intake cannot adequately meet. Women, upon confirming pregnancy, should take an iron supplement daily, with a dosage of 60 mg of iron along with 400 mcg of folic acid, continuing for one month postpartum.

Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue, dizziness, and an increased risk of premature birth, postpartum hemorrhage, or low birth weight in infants. In addition to taking micronutrient supplements, expectant mothers should maintain a diverse diet. Iron-rich foods include: red meat (beef, pork), liver, fish, eggs, legumes, and dark green vegetables.

Calcium and vitamin D

Pregnant women should supplement with 1,500-2,000 mg of calcium daily and approximately 200-600 IU of vitamin D3 daily (depending on sun exposure). Calcium plays a crucial role in the development of the fetus's bones and teeth. If the mother does not receive enough calcium, her body may mobilize it from her own bones to meet the fetus's needs.

Vitamin D aids in efficient calcium absorption and supports immunity. Women with limited sun exposure, those working in offices, or those with diets restricted in dairy and fish are often prone to vitamin D deficiency.

Omega-3 (DHA/EPA)

This fat plays an important role in fetal brain and vision development. Adequate DHA supplementation during pregnancy can support the child's brain, nervous, and cognitive development. Pregnant women need an additional 200-300 mg of DHA daily. The total intake of DHA and EPA should be approximately 350-450 mg per day.

Iodine

This mineral is essential for the mother's thyroid function and fetal brain development. Pregnant women require 200-250 mcg of iodine daily. Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy can significantly impact a child's neurological development.

Magnesium

Magnesium helps alleviate pregnancy symptoms, reduce uterine contractions, stabilize mood, support sleep, and decrease muscle cramps, all while aiding fetal development. The daily requirement during pregnancy is approximately 350-360 mg. This micronutrient is abundant in foods such as: nuts, whole grains, green vegetables, and avocados.

Doctors will prescribe additional magnesium when pregnant women exhibit specific symptoms such as severe muscle cramps, threatened miscarriage, or threatened premature birth (requiring uterine muscle relaxation), or severe morning sickness that prevents eating and drinking. If there is no such indication, pregnant women should only obtain magnesium through their daily diet.

Micronutrient supplementation must be appropriate for each stage of pregnancy and the mother's health status. Self-medicating with multiple types of dietary supplements simultaneously is not advisable due to the risk of excessive intake of certain substances. For example, providing too much vitamin A can harm the fetus. Inappropriate high-dose iron intake can also easily cause constipation, nausea, or gastrointestinal discomfort.

Pregnant women should attend regular prenatal check-ups for doctors to assess their nutrition, test for anemia, or identify other potential deficiencies if necessary. Micronutrient supplementation should be individualized based on health status and stage of pregnancy. Those carrying multiple fetuses, experiencing severe morning sickness, following a vegetarian diet, or having digestive conditions may require closer monitoring.

Beyond supplements, a balanced diet remains crucial. Pregnant women should maintain a diverse diet including: meat, fish, eggs, dairy, green vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, rather than relying solely on dietary supplements.

Thuy Hanh