Background: Vitamin C
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid and l-ascorbic acid, is a vitamin found in various foods and sold as a dietary supplement. It is used to prevent and treat scurvy. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters. It is required for the functioning of several enzymes and is important for immune system function. It also functions as an antioxidant.
Full Answer
Why is vitamin C important during pregnancy?
Staying healthy is of the utmost importance during pregnancy and the best way to ensure good health is through a well-charted out balanced diet. Vitamin C is important because it is water soluble and hence your body cannot store it.
Can prenatal vitamins help prevent or treat iron deficiency anemia?
Taking a prenatal vitamin that contains iron can help prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. In some cases, your health care provider might recommend a separate iron supplement.
How can I treat anemia during pregnancy?
Anemia during pregnancy can easily be treated by adding iron or vitamin supplements to your daily routine. Typically, this is all that is needed to reverse the effects of anemia. However, in very rare cases, women with severe anemia may need a blood transfusion.
Why is anemia during pregnancy a concern?
Anemia during pregnancy is especially a concern because it is associated with low birth weight, premature birth, and maternal mortality. Women who are pregnant are at a higher risk for developing anemia due to the excess amount of blood the body produces to help provide nutrients for the baby.
Why do we need vitamin C?
You need it for many purposes like wound healing, tissue repair and it also helps your baby’s bones and teeth to develop, too.
What is the best vitamin for pregnant women?
Broccoli. Brussels Sprouts. Following are the most noteworthy benefits of Vitamin C during pregnancy: It helps in production of collagen, which supports normal growth, healthy tissue & wound healing. It increases immunity. It helps in absorption of iron, preventing anemia. As mentioned, Vitamin C aids the body in absorbing iron.
What fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C?
Don’t limit yourself to eating citrus fruits; many delicious fruits and vegetables contain Vitamin C aplenty too. However, Vitamin C is most effective when it is consumed uncooked and raw. Following are a few healthy foods to get your daily dose of Vitamin C: Red Bell Pepper. Grapefruit.
What foods are good for iron absorption?
Therefore, try to eat Vitamin C-rich foods along with those that contain iron, such as fish with Brussels sprouts or chicken with red bell peppers.
Does Vitamin C help with preeclampsia?
It also helps in boosting immunity, body’s production of collagen and, most importantly, improves your capability to absorb iron. There are many studies that associate low blood levels of Vitamin C during pregnancy to preeclampsia. Hence, it is all the more necessary to ensure that you are consuming when you are expecting.
Can pregnant women take vitamin C?
For most pregnant women, it is fairly easy to get the recommended amounts of Vitamin C by means of a good prenatal vitamin and a healthy diet. Make sure you consult your doctor/practitioner if a Vitamin C ...
Is Trimacare safe for pregnancy?
As mentioned earlier, Trimacare is 100% chemical-free, safe, made with natural ingredients. It also helps alleviate morning sickness, constipation, and fatigue. Consult your doctor before starting any kind of medication or special diet.
Why is vitamin C important for pregnancy?
Vitamin C is essential for the development of your baby’s tissues, strengthening the blood vessels of the placenta so that more oxygen can reach the baby through it. It prevents constipation and regularizes the bowel movement during pregnancy.
How much vitamin C is needed for pregnancy?
How Much Vitamin C Is Required During Pregnancy? Doctors across the globe do not specify a particular dosage of Vitamin C during pregnancy, but they do agree that it should not exceed 2,000 milligrams.
What happens if you take too much vitamin C?
Side Effects Of Excess Vitamin C During Pregnancy: 1 Excess Vitamin C consumption during pregnancy can cause your baby to be born with Scurvy. In this, your baby can develop intolerance to the vitamin because of your excess consumption during pregnancy. In fact, even after you stop consuming high doses of Vitamin C, your kidneys could still be excreting excess amounts of the vitamin. 2 High doses of Vitamin C is sometimes known to cause miscarriage and therefore is used as a home remedy for abortion. This is still debatable but many doctors believe that Vitamin C consumed in excess contributes to menstruation and therefore may lead to miscarriages. 3 In some women even a dosage as low as 500 mg/day can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea and cramping. In a situation like this, which is not too common, you must consult your doctor. 4 In some women, excess intake of Vitamin C could cause nausea, fatigue, gut blockage, insomnia, hot flashes and rashes 5 Vitamin C could contribute to an increase in blood pressure and diabetic women may experience a sudden increase in their blood sugar levels. 6 Continuous consumption of 2 grams of Vitamin C every day can aggravate gout conditions. Again it is advisable to reduce the dosage gradually rather than abruptly.
What vegetables should I eat while pregnant?
Vegetables: Tomato, beetroot, bell pepper, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, potato. Green Leaves: Parsley and sorrel. Animal Sources: All kinds of meat and fish. As already mentioned, it is always best to opt for natural sources to get your daily requirement of Vitamin C during pregnancy. Many women want to opt for supplements to meet ...
Why is collagen important for babies?
It is important for you and your baby because it helps the body make collagen, a structural protein that is the main component of the bones, tendons and cartilage.
Can you take too much vitamin C while pregnant?
Side Effects Of Excess Vitamin C During Pregnancy: Excess Vitamin C consumption during pregnancy can cause your baby to be born with Scurvy. In this, your baby can develop intolerance to the vitamin because of your excess consumption during pregnancy. In fact, even after you stop consuming high doses of Vitamin C, ...
Can you have an abortion with high vitamin C?
In fact, even after you stop consuming high doses of Vitamin C, your kidneys could still be excreting excess amounts of the vitamin. High doses of Vitamin C is sometimes known to cause miscarriage and therefore is used as a home remedy for abortion.
Iron-deficiency anemia
This is the leading cause of anemia in the United States, and consequently, the most common type of anemia during pregnancy. Approximately 15% to 25% of all pregnancies experience iron deficiency.
Folate-deficiency anemia
Folate refers to Folic Acid, which is a water-soluble vitamin that can help prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy. Folic Acid is a common supplement taken by pregnant women, but it can also be found in fortified foods such as cereals, leafy vegetables, bananas, melons, and legumes.
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
Vitamin B-12 is also a necessary vitamin for the body to have to help with the production of red blood cells. Although some women may consume enough B-12 in their diet, it is possible their body cannot process the vitamin, and this causes them to have the deficiency.
Causes of Anemia during Pregnancy
The cause of anemia truly comes down to how many red blood cells are being produced in the body and how healthy they are. A fall in hemoglobin levels during pregnancy is caused by a greater expansion of plasma volume compared with the increase in red cell volume.
Symptoms of anemia during pregnancy
Symptoms of anemia during pregnancy can be mild at first and often go unnoticed. However, as it progresses, the symptoms will worsen. It is also important to note that some symptoms can be due to a different cause other than anemia, so talking with your doctor is important. Some common symptoms of anemia are:
Treatment for anemia during pregnancy
Anemia during pregnancy can easily be treated by adding iron or vitamin supplements to your daily routine. Typically, this is all that is needed to reverse the effects of anemia. However, in very rare cases, women with severe anemia may need a blood transfusion. Talk to your doctor about which supplements might be necessary for you.
Prevention of anemia during pregnancy
Preventing anemia during pregnancy is as easy as changing, or making additions, to your diet. Medical professionals recommend a pregnant woman eat 30 mg (at least three servings) of iron each day. Examples of iron-rich foods are:
Why do you need vitamin C while pregnant?
During pregnancy, vitamin C is vital for both mom and baby. You need it for tissue repair and wound healing, and it helps your baby's bones and teeth develop, too.
How much vitamin C is in grapefruit?
Grapefruit: 39 mg per half medium fruit. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, so it's smart to eat C-rich foods alongside those that contain iron, such as chicken with red bell peppers or fish with Brussels sprouts.
What foods help you get iron?
Here are a few healthy foods to help you get your fill: Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, so it's smart to eat C-rich foods alongside those that contain iron, such as chicken with red bell peppers or fish with Brussels sprouts.
Is vitamin C safe for pregnant women?
Vitamin C is important for the healthy growth and development of your baby. Here's how much pregnant women need and whether it's safe to take vitamin C supplements. Back to Top.
Does vitamin C help with preeclampsia?
Vitamin C also aids in the body’s production of collagen, helps bolster immunity and, on top of it all, improves your ability to absorb iron. Some studies link low blood levels of vitamin C during pregnancy to preeclampsia, which is why it's extra important to make sure you're consuming enough when you're expecting.
Can you eat vitamin C raw?
When you hear "vitamin C," you likely think oranges — but you can also look beyond the citrus fruit and its juice to the many other tasty C-rich fruits and vegetables. Keep in mind that vitamin C doesn't hold up as well when cooked, so try to eat some of your C foods raw each day.
Can pregnant women take vitamin C?
However, for most pregnant women, it's relatively easy to get the recommended amounts of vitamin C through diet and a good prenatal vitamin.
How to prevent anemia during pregnancy?
To prevent anemia during pregnancy, make sure you get enough iron. Eat well-balanced meals and add more foods that are high in iron to your diet. Aim for at least three servings a day of iron-rich foods, such as: lean red meat, poultry, and fish.
Why do pregnant women have anemia?
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in pregnancy. Folate-deficiency anemia. Folate is the vitamin found naturally in certain foods like green leafy vegetables A type of B vitamin, the body needs folate to produce new cells, including healthy red blood cells. During pregnancy, women need extra folate.
What test is done to check if you have anemia?
During your first prenatal appointment, you'll get a blood test so your doctor can check whether you have anemia. Blood tests typically include: Hemoglobin test. It measures the amount of hemoglobin -- an iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues in the body.
What is the condition where the body doesn't have enough iron to produce hemoglobin?
Iron-deficiency anemia. This type of anemia occurs when the body doesn't have enough iron to produce adequate amounts of hemoglobin. That's a protein in red blood cells. It carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
What happens when you are pregnant?
See additional information. When you're pregnant, you may develop anemia. When you have anemia, your blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues and to your baby. During pregnancy, your body produces more blood to support the growth of your baby.
Can anemia cause preterm delivery?
Anemia can leave you feeling tired and weak. If it is severe but goes untreated, it can increase your risk of serious complications like preterm delivery. Here's what you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of anemia during pregnancy.
Can iron deficiency cause low birth weight?
Severe or untreated iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy can increase your risk of having: A preterm or low-birth-weight baby. A blood transfusion (if you lose a significant amount of blood during delivery) Postpartum depression. A baby with anemia.
Types Of Anemia During Pregnancy
There are about 400 different types of anemia, but the following are the most common types that may occur in pregnancy ( 1 ) ( 3 ) ( 4 ).
Symptoms Of Anemia In Pregnancy
The symptoms of anemia in pregnancy often go unnoticed as they can be mild initially. However, the symptoms become more pronounced as the anemia progresses. The following symptoms may indicate the possibility of anemia in pregnant women ( 1 ) ( 3 ).
Causes Of Iron-deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy
The quality and the number of red blood cells produced by the body determine if the woman will develop anemia. During pregnancy, the plasma volume increases faster than the rate at which red blood cells are produced in the body.
Effects Of Anemia On Pregnancy And Baby
While most pregnant women with anemia have a healthy pregnancy and deliver healthy babies, some women may have the following complications ( 1 ).
Risk Factors For Anemia During Pregnancy
The following factors could put a woman at a higher risk of developing anemia during pregnancy ( 4 ).
Treatment For Anemia During Pregnancy
The treatment of anemia depends on the symptoms, age, overall condition, and severity.
Prevention Of Anemia During Pregnancy
Anemia can be easily prevented by making certain changes and additions to the daily diet. The experts at the American Pregnancy Association recommend that a pregnant woman eat 30mg of iron each day. It can be achieved by consuming at least three servings of iron-rich food every day.
Why do pregnant women have anemia?
What causes iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy? Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to your tissues. During pregnancy, you need double the amount of iron that nonpregnant women need. Your body needs this iron to make more blood to supply oxygen to your baby.
How to prevent iron deficiency during pregnancy?
How can iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy be prevented and treated? Prenatal vitamins typically contain iron. Taking a prenatal vitamin that contains iron can help prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. In some cases, your health care provider might recommend a separate iron supplement.
How does iron deficiency affect pregnancy?
How does iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy affect the baby? Severe anemia during pregnancy increases your risk of premature birth, having a low birth weight baby and postpartum depression. Some studies also show an increased risk of infant death immediately before or after birth.
What are the symptoms of anemia?
Weakness. Pale or yellowish skin. Irregular heartbeats. Shortness of breath. Dizziness or lightheadedness. Chest pain. Cold hands and feet. Headache. Keep in mind, however, that symptoms of anemia are often similar to general pregnancy symptoms.
What happens if you are pregnant and you don't have enough red blood cells?
Know the risk factors, symptoms and what you can do to avoid it. If you're pregnant, you're at an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia, a condition in which you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues.
Can you get anemia while pregnant?
You are at increased risk of developing anemia during pregnancy if you: Have two closely spaced pregnancies. Are pregnant with more than one baby. Are vomiting frequently due to morning sickness. Don't consume enough iron. Have a heavy pre-pregnancy menstrual flow. Have a history of anemia before your pregnancy.