Top pregnancy nutrients include Vitamin C (which assists with blood-forming cells), Folic acid, Iodine, Iron and Zinc – zinc essential for normal cell functioning while Iodine assists baby bone growth as well as prevents deficiency which could result in thyroid problems in newborns.

These nutrients can be found through eating whole foods such as whole grains, leafy greens, beans and fruit or through prenatal multivitamin and dietary supplement products.

Calcium

Calcium is an invaluable mineral for helping babies build strong bones. Studies have also revealed its benefits in terms of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia prevention, risk reduction for fetal malformations prevention and improving maternal bone health.

Iron is another essential nutrient during gestation, helping the fetus and other organs get oxygenated properly.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is an essential mineral essential to bodily processes such as muscle movement, blood clotting, nerve and kidney function, cell repair and tissue regeneration. An estimated 85 percent of our bodies’ phosphorus can be found in bones and teeth.

Copper

Copper is an essential trace mineral for pregnancy that supports your immune system in its fight against bacteria and viruses as well as aiding tissue regeneration and repair processes in your body.

Copper is essential in the formation of connective tissue, blood vessels and bones. Furthermore, copper helps foetal brain development as well as producing myelin insulation between nerve cells.

DHA

Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is an omega-3 fatty acid essential for brain and eye development. Studies indicate that women who take DHA supplements during gestation have lower risks of premature birth as well as enhanced postpartum mood benefits.

Biotin

Biotin is an essential water-soluble vitamin for cell growth and metabolism. It plays an essential role in embryonic development and decreases gestational diabetes and preeclampsia risk (1).

Good sources of biotin include eggs, nuts, whole grains and salmon – check with your healthcare provider prior to making any dietary changes or making any dietary adjustments.

Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, works alongside other B vitamins to convert carbohydrates to energy and release it from protein, as well as being essential in red blood cell formation and metabolic processes.

Vitamin B3

Consuming enough B3 vitamin is crucial for healthy eyes, skin, and brain development as well as fetal oxygen delivery. Although excess B3 leaves through urine output, replenishment must occur regularly or else excess will leave with it and leave our bodies without replenishment.

Folate is well known for its role in reducing neural tube birth defects like spina bifida. But researchers recently discovered that vitamin B3 (also called niacin) may have similar results and prevent VACTERL association birth defects in families with genetic mutations.

Vitamin B5

Folic acid is one of the eight essential B complex vitamins. Lacking it during gestation increases your risk for gestational diabetes, anencephaly and low birth weight.

Folic acid supplements should therefore be consumed during pregnancy; sources include organ meats, eggs, brewer’s yeast vegetables whole grains and legumes.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin K, an important water-soluble vitamin, plays an integral part in red blood cell production as well as helping the body metabolize amino acids and carbohydrates efficiently. Furthermore, it plays an integral part in producing hemoglobin which carries oxygen through your blood.

Vitamin B7

Vitamin B7 (Hydroxithiol) is a water-soluble vitamin that aids with the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids as well as contributing to cell growth.

Biotin is one of the essential vitamins to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) such as anencephaly and spina bifida; thus it’s included in many prenatal vitamins.

Vitamin B can be found in various food sources such as fish, chicken, milk, eggs, whole grains, nuts and avocados. Supplements containing this vitamin may also be available; just be wary not to exceed Tolerable Upper Intake Levels for this vitamin!