During pregnancy the need for certain vitamins and minerals increases. To avoid vitamin deficiency, you should take care to include sufficient quantities of the following:
Folic acid
Very important for the development of the foetal central nervous system, folic acid is found in vegetables, fruit, grain germs, whole meat products, pulses, meat and egg yolk.
Calcium
Important for the formation of bones and teeth in the growing foetus, calcium can be found in dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, cheese and quark and in calcium enriched mineral water.
Magnesium
Helps reduce cramps in the calf muscles and premature labour pains and is contained in whole meal products, pulses, nuts, dark chocolate, vegetables and fruit, such as bananas, dates, figs and berries.
Iron
Important for the formation of red blood cells, iron is found in meat, fish, egg yolk, whole meal products and vegetables.
Multivitamin preparations
Taking specific multivitamin preparations, particularly those containing folic acid, during pregnancy can reduce approximately 50% of congenital malformations, e.g. neural tube defect, heart or palatal defect (clef palate). Additionally, the risk of miscarriage, premature birth and nutritional deficiency can be lowered.