Why do pregnant women need additional vitamins?
During pregnancy, a woman's body works in overdrive: it supports the development of a new person, maintains its own health, and prepares for childbirth and breastfeeding. The need for most nutrients increases by 20–100% compared to the usual state.
Even a balanced diet does not always fully cover these needs. That is why Andriy Duyko, a phytotherapist with over 20 years of experience and founder of Tibetan Formula, recommends that expectant mothers pay close attention to their nutrient status — even before pregnancy.
Important: any vitamin intake during pregnancy should be agreed upon with your obstetrician-gynecologist based on tests. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace medical consultation.
Critically important nutrients during pregnancy
1. Folic acid (Vitamin B9)
Folic acid is the number one nutrient for expectant mothers. It is responsible for the proper formation of the fetal neural tube, which occurs within the first 4 weeks after conception — often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.
- When to start: 1–3 months before planned conception and during the first trimester
- Deficiency leads to: neural tube defects, anencephaly, spina bifida
- Daily requirement for pregnant women: 400–800 mcg (up to 5 mg as prescribed by a doctor)
2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is responsible for calcium absorption and the formation of the child's skeletal system. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and rickets in the newborn.
- Functions: formation of fetal bones and teeth, support of the mother's immunity
- Deficiency is common: especially in autumn-winter and in women who have little sun exposure
- Norm: determined by blood test (25-OH vitamin D)
3. Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral essential for a normal pregnancy. It participates in over 300 enzymatic reactions, supports uterine tone, and reduces the risk of premature labor and cramps.
- Functions: relaxation of uterine muscles, blood pressure normalization, stress reduction
- Deficiency symptoms: leg cramps, increased uterine tone, insomnia, irritability
- Daily requirement for pregnant women: 350–400 mg
Read more about the role of magnesium for women's health in our article: Essential vitamins for women over 40.
4. Iodine
Iodine is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland — both for the mother and the child. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can lead to fetal brain development disorders and reduced intelligence in the child.
- Functions: synthesis of thyroid hormones, fetal brain development
- Daily requirement for pregnant women: 220–250 mcg
- Sources: sea fish, seafood, iodized salt
5. Iron
During pregnancy, blood volume increases by 40–50%, so the need for iron rises significantly. Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common pregnancy complications in Ukraine.
- Functions: hemoglobin synthesis, oxygen transport to the fetus
- Deficiency symptoms: fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, dizziness
- Daily requirement for pregnant women: 27 mg (in the 2nd–3rd trimester)
6. Calcium
Calcium is necessary for the formation of the baby's bone system and teeth. If there is not enough calcium from food, the body "takes" calcium from the mother's bones — which increases the risk of osteoporosis in the future.
- Daily requirement for pregnant women: 1000–1200 mg
- Important: calcium is better absorbed together with vitamin D
7. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 (especially DHA) is critically important for the development of the baby's brain and vision. Studies show that adequate DHA intake during pregnancy is associated with better cognitive development of the child.
When to start taking vitamins?
Ideally — 3 months before planned conception. This allows the body to be enriched with necessary nutrients before pregnancy begins, when all the organs and systems of the future baby are forming.
If pregnancy occurs unexpectedly — start taking vitamins as early as possible after confirmation and be sure to consult your doctor.
How to choose a vitamin complex for pregnant women?
There are many prenatal vitamins on the market. Here’s what to pay attention to when choosing:
- Ingredients: presence of folic acid, vitamin D, iron, iodine, magnesium, calcium, omega-3
- Nutrient forms: some forms are better absorbed (for example, folate instead of folic acid with MTHFR mutation)
- No unnecessary additives: free from artificial colors, preservatives, GMOs
- Manufacturer: a trusted brand with transparent ingredients and quality certificates
- Doctor's recommendation: always consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist before making a choice
To support women's overall health, pay attention to Femimax — multivitamins for women's health by Tibetan Formula. Read more about choosing quality supplements in our article: How to Choose Quality Supplements in 2026: Expert Advice.
Nutrition during pregnancy: the foundation of foundations
Vitamins are a supplement to a balanced diet, not a substitute. Here are the key principles of nutrition for expectant mothers:
- Variety: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, quality protein
- Regularity: 4–5 small meals a day
- Adequate fluid intake: 1.5–2 liters of clean water per day
- Restrictions: caffeine (up to 200 mg/day), raw eggs and meat, unpasteurized products
- Probiotics: to support gut microflora and immunity
Supporting the body during different trimesters
First trimester (1–12 weeks)
The most critical period — all organs and systems are forming. Priorities: folic acid, vitamin B6 (helps with toxicosis), iodine, vitamin D.
Second trimester (13–26 weeks)
Active fetal growth. Increased need for iron, calcium, omega-3. Magnesium helps prevent cramps and increased uterine tone.
Third trimester (27–40 weeks)
Preparation for childbirth. Important: iron, calcium, vitamin K, omega-3 for the baby’s brain development. Magnesium helps reduce the risk of premature labor.
To support the nervous system and reduce stress during pregnancy, we recommend the Magnesium + Vitamin B6 — nerves, stress, metabolism from Tibetan Formula.
Multivitamin complex: when is it needed?
If tests show a deficiency of several nutrients at once, a doctor may recommend a prenatal multivitamin complex. It is convenient because it contains a balanced set of vitamins and minerals in one tablet.
For general body support, pay attention to the Multivitamin Complex — 10 vitamins, immunity, energy from Tibetan Formula. More about choosing quality supplements in Ukraine: Buy supplements in Ukraine: how to choose and where to find.
Why choose natural products?
During pregnancy, it is especially important that everything entering the body is safe and of high quality. Tibetan Formula offers natural herbal products without harsh chemicals, GMOs, or synthetic dyes — made at the Duiko family’s own production facility in Ukraine.
- Transparent composition — you know exactly what you are taking
- Eco-friendly raw materials — free from pesticides and heavy metals
- Own production in Ukraine — full quality control
- 20+ years of experience — thousands of satisfied customers
- Delivery across Ukraine — fast and reliable
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can regular vitamins be taken during pregnancy?
Not all regular vitamins are suitable for pregnant women. For example, vitamin A in high doses can be teratogenic. Always choose products specially designed or recommended for pregnant women and consult your doctor before use.
When to start taking folic acid?
Ideally, 1–3 months before planned conception. If pregnancy occurs unexpectedly, start as early as possible after confirmation. Folic acid is critically important in the first 4 weeks of pregnancy.
Is it possible to get all vitamins from food during pregnancy?
Theoretically yes, but practically very difficult. It is especially hard to get enough folic acid, vitamin D, and omega-3 from food alone. That is why most obstetricians recommend additional supplements.
Is it safe to take magnesium during pregnancy?
Yes, magnesium is one of the safest and most important minerals during pregnancy. It helps reduce uterine tone, prevent cramps, and normalize sleep. Dosage should be agreed with a doctor.
Are vitamins needed after childbirth?
Yes, especially during breastfeeding. The need for most nutrients remains elevated. Vitamin D, omega-3, iron, and calcium are particularly important during this period.
Scientific references
- Greenberg J.A. et al. (2011). Folic Acid supplementation and pregnancy: more than just neural tube defect prevention. Reviews in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 4(2), 52–59.
- Bodnar L.M. et al. (2007). Maternal vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of preeclampsia. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 92(9), 3517–3522.
- Makrides M. et al. (2010). Effect of DHA supplementation during pregnancy on maternal depression and neurodevelopment of young children. JAMA, 304(15), 1675–1683.
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