Take Vitamin B12 to Prevent Birth Defects While Pregnant
If you are having your first child, you may be aware that certain minerals and vitamins are essential to your diet to ensure that your child will grow healthy and strong within the womb. To combat some of the birth defects that can happen during a baby’s nine-month stay in the womb, getting in enough folic acids, along with vitamin B12, becomes very important during the early stages of pregnancy.
Birth Defects Caused by Not Getting In Enough Essential Nutrients
In a few recent studies, researchers have discovered that a growing child in the womb will have an increased chance of having certain birth defects if you are not getting the right nutrition and vitamins.
Some birth defects include:
- Cleft lip
- Cleft palate
- Spinal cord defects
- Brain defects
During the first month of conception, a baby’s nervous system is one of the first formations within the womb. Those first twenty-five days are some of the most important for a baby’s development, and that is when they will need the aid of folic acids and vitamin B12 the most.
It is important to test when you have suspicions about being pregnant so that you can start a nutrition regime immediately if you are happily expecting!
What is Research saying about Folic Acid and Vitamin B12?
It has already been advised that a pregnant woman should take 400 micrograms of folic acid on a daily basis. A pregnant woman should also take 2.5mcg of vitamin B12 daily, as well. Studies have shown that taking B12 with folic acid may be more beneficial than taking folic acid by itself.
How to Ensure That You Are Getting Enough B12 While Pregnant
What you consume is also very important to your growing baby. Plenty of foods contain a plethora of vitamin B12 to promote healthy growth within the womb.
Some foods that contain high amounts of B12 are:
- Fish such as salmon, cod, and tuna
- Meats such as a lean cut of beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb
- Cow’s milk
- Cheeses such as mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar
- Eggs
- Fortified cereals
Because B12 is mainly found in the animal products that we consume, women who are suffering from B12 deficiency, vegan, or a vegetarian will have a much more difficult time in providing for their growing baby’s needs for the vitamin.
If you are a vegan or vegetarian, the best way to combat this issue is to take supplements. Vitamin B12 supplements come in various forms such as pills, drinks, and even injections. If you are pregnant, you should speak with your physician about how to ensure that you are getting enough essential vitamins to help your growing baby.