9 best vitamins for pregnant women

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

There are fundamentally different approaches to this controversial topic of the use of vitamins in pregnant women. And this is legitimate. After all, pregnancy is a period of strict medicinal restrictions and abstinence. The principle, which is not disputed by anyone, states: 'any drug can be used in a pregnant woman if and only if the risk from the lack of treatment entails a greater risk to the mother and child than the possible side effects of this drug affecting the fetus.'

The first opinion is the desire to make the most of all the existing vitamins that manufacturers produce, depending on the periodization of pregnancy. That is, in preparation for pregnancy, a pregnant woman uses one vitamin preparation. In the first trimester, respectively, another, 'optimized' for the second trimester, and so on. Proponents of this approach argue that since the processes occurring in the female body change during pregnancy and (we will explain this later), and in the future baby, it is advisable to use any opportunity of modern pharmaceuticals. That is why whole series of multivitamin preparations are created for the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy, to prepare for pregnancy and for the period of breastfeeding.

This approach has opponents, and their argumentation is also understandable. Here are some of these cons:

1. at present, clinical vitamin deficiency noticeable in the study is extremely rare. Scurvy, beriberi, and other vitamin deficiencies, such as pernicious pernicious anemia, are long gone. Therefore, multivitamins during pregnancy do not cure, but prevent possible risks;
2. but at the same time, the diet of a pregnant woman may well compensate for a slight lack of vitamins, and there is simply no need to introduce other drugs into the body;
3. in addition, if during pregnancy not three trimesters, but five or six periods were officially adopted, the manufacturers of vitamins would significantly change and expand their range in accordance with the new classification.

Finally, there is a third opinion: there is no need to stuff pregnant women with multivitamin complexes with a very high content of various components. It is enough to pay attention to several vitamins and minerals, which play the most important role in the development of the unborn baby. All three points of view are legitimate, and which one to adhere to is the business of the obstetrician-gynecologist leading the pregnancy.

What changes occur in the body of a pregnant woman, and what vitamins are the most necessary?

A little about the features of pregnancy from the point of view of a biochemist

Let's remember what happens in the body of pregnant women. First, the ratio of proteins changes: primarily those involved in blood clotting. These are fibrinogen and antithrombin-3. In the normal course of pregnancy, blood clotting ability increases. This means that a woman needs protein. Fibrinogen grows gradually, this is nothing more than preparation for childbirth to quickly stop bleeding. Therefore, protein is a very important part of a pregnant woman's diet.

At the same time, the total protein content in the blood decreases slightly, despite the growth of the most important proteins of the hemostasis system. Why is this happening? A very simple answer: a woman does not have a protein deficiency, just more fluid in the body arrives than the pregnant liver's ability to produce proteins for normal concentration. Protein consumption is greater than its intake. This situation occurs during breastfeeding as well as at the end of pregnancy. We are not talking about catastrophic numbers, but nevertheless, in the case of kidney pathology, the presence of edema, threatening conditions, nephropathy of pregnant women or gestosis may occur.

1. The ratio of protein fractions in blood plasma also changes. As for cholesterol, its level increases, but for a very short time. After all, a child needs something to build the lipid membranes of his cells, a woman needs steroid sex hormones, bile acids. Cholesterol is very important for the synthesis of placental tissue, as well as many tissues of the fetus.
2. The child also needs sugar, that is, glucose. Therefore, in women, the amount of sugar in the blood drops, but only slightly. The lower threshold for pregnant women can be 3.5 mmol / L, because glucose is consumed by the fetus. In a pregnant woman, insulin consumption is significantly higher than usual. The role of insulin is the uptake of glucose by cells, which is why it is needed for the growth of baby's tissues. Maternal insulin regulates the nutrition of the baby's cells. That is why, due to the increased load on the pancreas, a pregnant woman may at times experience a relative insulin deficiency. In this case, they speak of gestational diabetes, or pregnancy diabetes.
3. Urea in a pregnant woman is low, since it is excreted in a large amount of urine due to an increase in the total volume of fluid. Blood creatinine decreases, because filtration in the kidneys increases, its rate increases. After all, the volume of fluid in the body of a pregnant woman, together with the volume circulating in the tissues of the baby and the placenta, is significantly higher than outside the state of pregnancy.
4. During pregnancy, the concentration of certain enzymes, for example, alkaline phosphatase, changes, and the level of calcium in the blood decreases. After all, baby's bones are created from calcium. A pregnant woman has an increased iron intake and all accompanying 'services' such as transport proteins (ferritin and transferrin) are also elevated in the blood.
5. It should be remembered that the hormonal background also changes in the body of a pregnant woman. The pregnancy itself begins with a significant increase in hCG, and the highest concentration of this hormone occurs at 7-10 weeks of gestation. The concentration of estrogen, prolactin and TSH increases. It should not be forgotten that the placenta itself is a source of hormones, such as progesterone. In the first trimester, the function of the thyroid gland increases, the parathyroid glands are activated, and the calcium in the blood of the pregnant woman increases, so that then from it to build the skeleton of the embryo.

Here are listed only the most important changes that occur in the body of a pregnant woman. As a result, it became clear that one of the most important indicators of the metabolism of pregnant women is the increased use of folic acid, and all obstetricians-gynecologists agree that it is folic acid, folates, vitamin B12 that are the substances that a pregnant woman must take.

Hence we can conclude that these two vitamins, along with calcium preparations, are the most important. This is true, All manufacturers of vitamin complexes, knowing this, deliberately include them in their preparations. Other components are then 'strung' onto this base, resulting in a commercially viable drug. This rating includes several of the most popular vitamin complexes for pregnant women.

Usually in drug ratings we talk about the most popular and effective drugs. The effectiveness of vitamins is that the pregnancy is proceeding normally, and nothing terrible has happened. Usually, no one ever measures the concentration in the blood of a pregnant woman of vitamin B12 and folic acid, since most often vitamins are used not for therapeutic, but for prophylactic purposes. Therefore, only the quality of the substances remains, as well as popularity as a measure of the success of the complex. So, what vitamin complexes are shown during preparation for bearing a baby, and in the first trimester? We remind you that the prices for vitamins are relevant at the end of May 2019 for pharmacies of all types of property in the Russian Federation. The average price is given. The minimum as well as the maximum cost can be higher and lower by 40-50%.

Rating of the best vitamins for pregnant women

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best vitamins for pregnant women in the first trimester and during pregnancy preparation	1	Complivit trimester 1 trimester	378 r
	2	Elevit planning and first trimester	527 r
	3	Femibion ​​Natalcare 1	RUB 514
The best vitamins for pregnant women in the second trimester	1	Complivit trimester 2 trimester	368 r
	2	Femibion ​​Natalcare 2	947 RUB
	3	Multitabs perinatal	564 r
Best vitamins for pregnant women in the third trimester	1	Complivit trimester 3 trimester	377 r
	2	Pregnakea +	RUB 609
	3	Mom compliments	228 r

The best vitamins for pregnant women in the first trimester and during pregnancy preparation

Preparation for pregnancy can take place in a planned manner, when a woman is obliged to deal with all her chronic diseases, heal foci of infection, try to cure all inflammatory gynecological diseases. It is at this time that you can freely and without fear take any vitamin complexes, since the baby is not yet, and it is necessary to prepare for gestation. As for the 1st trimester, it is very important, since it is at this time that the vital organs of the baby are laid, and all developmental disorders of the child at this stage can lead to defects that are incompatible with life. Therefore, it is in those vitamin complexes intended for the first trimester that there is a high concentration of vitamin B12, as well as folic acid. What are these complexes?

Complivit trimester 1 trimester

Rating: 4.9

Complivit trimester 1 trimester contains 22 different ingredients. These are vitamins A, E, B1, B2, B6, ascorbic acid, folic acid, calcium pantothenate, cyanocobalamin, cholecalciferol, lutein. It contains rutin, thioctic acid, and several minerals and trace elements. These are iron, manganese, copper, zinc, magnesium, calcium, selenium and iodine. In all other complexes Complivit trimester (second and third trimester) the same number of main ingredients, there are 22 of them. Only the concentration of some of them will change, in accordance with the physiological norm. These are white or almost white tablets, and on the cross section they have various colored blotches.

There is no need to list the effects of various vitamins and minerals. Let's just say that in addition to minerals and vitamins, there are additives such as rutin, which has a capillaroprotective effect, alpha-lipoic acid, which reduces lipid peroxidation, and lutein.

As usual, this drug is indicated for the prevention of vitamin deficiency, in the period of preparation for pregnancy, and for the thirteenth week. It is necessary to use one tablet per day. This complex is produced by the domestic company Pharmstandard-Ufa, and one package designed for monthly use (of 30 tablets) costs 365 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

It is extremely difficult to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of any multivitamin complex. Unlike drugs that are used according to strict indications, it is difficult to understand here whether the complex was taken in vain or not, and especially if initially there was no vitamin deficiency.

Therefore, apparently, the criterion will be the tolerance of the multivitamin complex, and the optimal balance according to the principle of 'nothing more'. It is known that in some cases, allergic reactions, nausea or vomiting may develop to Complivit. Official instructions warn that nausea may not be a reaction to the drug at all, but is, as everyone knows, an early symptom of pregnancy. Therefore, in this case, it is recommended to take vitamins in the afternoon.

Elevit planning and first trimester

Rating: 4.8

Elevit planning and first trimester is a complex vitamin and mineral preparation that is manufactured by a French company for the well-known pharmaceutical concern Bayer. The release of the vitamin and mineral complex under the patronage of Bayer suggests that all the substances that make up the complex are purified in the best possible way and meet international standards. The manufacturer immediately warns that this is a biological active additive that is not a drug. This is a correct observation. This complex contains many vitamins, including all fat-soluble vitamins, B vitamins, ascorbic acid, vitamin D, and folates. The preparation contains biotin, 8 microelements, including zinc, manganese and iodine. It is necessary to use the drug one tablet once a day, regardless of the meal.

Advantages and disadvantages

The cost of this vitamin and mineral complex is twice as high as Complivit: 600 rubles should be paid for one package designed for a monthly course. Perhaps the price is its main drawback. But still, this is a high-quality drug, and you need to think that a pregnant woman will not have a stomach ache from a large number of various impurities in the compounds of trace elements and vitamins. There are no special indications other than the prevention of vitamin and mineral deficiency, and this is quite normal. Elevit planning and the first trimester are transferred well, and the complex fully meets the daily needs of women. As for vitamin B5, as well as folic acid, copper, iodine and manganese, their daily requirement is fully satisfied by just taking vitamins.

Femibion ​​Natalcare 1

Rating: 4.7

This is a high-quality imported vitamin and mineral complex, which is taken when planning pregnancy, as well as up to the end of the 12th week after its onset, that is, during the first trimester. The drug is taken as usual, one tablet a day with water. It contains ascorbic acid, nicotinamide, vitamin E, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, two folates: folic acid and methylfolate, which is very important. This set of folates helps to eliminate the risk of damage to the neural tube and cardiovascular system.

Advantages and disadvantages

The cost of this multivitamin complex is also very high, the average price in pharmacies reaches 550 rubles. per pack of 30 tablets. However, this is a drug of high European quality, well tolerated, while folic acid is presented in two varieties at once. In total, the preparation contains 9 vitamins, as well as iodine and biotin. It can be noted that it does not include rutin, lutein, alpha-lipoic acid, which the domestic drug Complivit is loaded with. Perhaps this is the right approach. The more components in the preparation, the higher the risk of individual intolerance.

The best vitamins for pregnant women in the second trimester

The second trimester begins at week 14 and lasts for week 27 inclusive. Therefore, it is advisable for a pregnant woman who took the drug in the first trimester to stock up on a drug for taking in the second trimester. Of course, it is better to have high quality European complexes. Although they are more expensive, they are guaranteed to supply the body with the vitamins and minerals declared in the instructions, and at the same time their tolerance is good. If possible, it is better to switch from domestic drugs to imported ones. All of them are reflected in the corresponding section. Let's start as usual with Complivit.

Complivit trimester 2 trimester

Rating: 4.9

Pharmstandard at its plant located in the city of Ufa produces Complivit trimester 2 trimester. It is a complex of the same 22 vitamins and minerals with additives and again injected with rutin, lutein and thioctic acid. The type of tablets is the same, the indications are the same, the only thing is that the official terms of use are shifted. It is recommended for the 2nd trimester, from 43 to 27 weeks of pregnancy. The drug is taken in the same way, one tablet per day. We remind you that the difference between Complivit of different periods of pregnancy is in the change in the concentration of individual components.

Advantages and disadvantages

The cost of this complex is the same, that is, 360 rubles. In the event that the pregnant woman tolerated Complivit well during the first trimester, there are no restrictions on the use of this variety. The only thing is that the additional load on the liver with thioctic acid, lutein and rutin may not be very necessary for a pregnant woman, and the number of components could be made a little less.

Femibion ​​Natalcare 2

Rating: 4.8

Merck from Germany can be commended for its unconventional approach. One might expect that Femibion ​​natalker 2 will consist of tablets of the same variety, but this is not the case. The package contains 30 tablets and 30 capsules, designed for daily use, one tablet and one capsule in the second trimester of pregnancy. The tablet contains a complex of vitamins, folic acid, iodine and biotin. The official instructions indicate the percentage of consumption of the daily requirement in pregnant and lactating women. Most of the vitamins in one tablet fully satisfy the daily requirement of a pregnant woman, and for a lactating woman it is vitamin C, E, folic acid. The intake of this complex satisfies the need of a nursing mother for these vitamins by 100%.

In addition, the softgels contain fat-soluble vitamin E, docosahexaenoic acid, or fish oil equivalent. This separation of forms improves the quality of assimilation of vitamin D and fat-soluble vitamins A and E. There is no doubt that the introduction of essential omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins soluble in fats in a separate capsule increased the price of the drug, but improved its quality.

Advantages and disadvantages

Femibion ​​natalker 2 can be taken not only in the second trimester of pregnancy, and this is very important. It turns out that the official indications are the second trimester of pregnancy, the third trimester, and the entire period of breastfeeding. Of course, the cost of such a drug is quite high: a monthly course will cost about 1000 rubles. But the quality justifies the cost. Plus, the company has no ambition to 'cram more' ingredients into one tablet. It is advisable to take into account their physical and chemical properties, and the possibility of influencing each other. Therefore, one fat-soluble capsule is the right solution.

Multitabs perinatal

Rating: 4.7

Pfizer's Multi-Tabs Perinatal contains 10 different vitamins and 9 minerals and trace elements. In particular, there is chromium in the composition, which is not so often the case in vitamin complexes. These are yellow tablets, which are indicated not only during the second trimester, but also during the entire pregnancy and breastfeeding. The drug is used one tablet once a day, and the Danish company Ferrosan produces it under the leadership of Pfizer.

Advantages and disadvantages

Perhaps this vitamin and mineral supplement can be considered one of the best. Nothing more, 19 components. The quality is European. One package contains 60 tablets, respectively, it is designed for a course of two months. At the same time, the cost is on average 650 rubles, that is, 325 rubles. per month, even cheaper than in the case of domestic Complivit with the European quality of vitamin and mineral substances. If we take into account that the drug is indicated throughout pregnancy, in preparation for pregnancy and during breastfeeding, then this drug will be one of the leaders in the ranking of vitamins for pregnant women.

Best vitamins for pregnant women in the third trimester

The third trimester can be roughly called the 'home stretch'. Surveys of doctors show that if a woman takes vitamins in the third trimester of pregnancy, then in 90% of cases she took them in previous periods. 40% of women taking vitamins in the third trimester started taking them at the planning stage of pregnancy. This indicator indirectly indicates the percentage of women who perform well-planned, consistent actions and a competent approach to motherhood.

There are very few women who did not take vitamins in the early stages and suddenly started taking them in the last trimester. As a rule, this happens in those cases when the pathology of pregnancy occurs and the woman lays down to save. In this case, medications are already prescribed, including vitamins. All organs and tissues of the baby have already formed, and now it is only necessary to wait for its final development in order to complete the pregnancy with childbirth. Therefore, in this case, all vitamins and minerals are aimed at continuing the growth of already existing fetal tissues.

Complivit trimester 3 trimester

Rating: 4.9

Pharmstandard is completing the corresponding line of its vitamin and mineral complexes with Complivit trimester 3 trimester. True, unlike the Ufa plant, it is produced by OTCPharm, and packaging designed for a monthly course of use costs a little more – 394 rubles. It contains the same ingredients, both vitamins and minerals, and the same rutin, thioctic acid and lutein. This complex drug is intended not only from 28 weeks, that is, during the 3 trimester, it can be used during breastfeeding. As usual, for the purpose of prophylaxis, it is recommended to take 1 tablet a day, orally during a meal or after, drinking plenty of liquid.

Advantages and disadvantages

It is difficult to judge the merits and demerits of one of the representatives of the vitamin line with small differences. Perhaps the advantage may be the combination of the possibility of use in the third trimester along with the lactation period. If the pregnant woman had previously taken the appropriate Complivit vitamin complexes, and they were well tolerated, then there are no contraindications to continuing this intake.

Pregnakea +

Rating: 4.8

This drug, produced by the British pharmaceutical company Vitabiotics, also contains a full complex of vitamins, minerals, omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, iron, folic acid and other ingredients. The full composition is biotin, vitamins of group B, vitamin D3 and E, vitamin PP, ascorbic acid, iron, iodine, magnesium and copper, selenium, pantothenic acid, folic acid, zinc. In addition, Pregnakea Plus has several 'twists'. So, it contains vitamin K, which helps to prevent bleeding, both in the mother and the baby. It is a mixture of carotenoids that improve the absorption of vitamin A and are more physiological to use than pure vitamin A. The complex also contains several components of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. This complex is used one tablet at a time, and one capsule daily, without chewing. It is clear that this vitamin and mineral complex resembles Femibion ​​natalker 2, since there are capsules and tablets in one package. True, it costs a little cheaper: a monthly course of the drug, of 28 tablets and 28 capsules, costs 880 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

It is difficult to judge whether the presence of carotenoids instead of vitamin A is a merit, or the presence of vitamin K. Perhaps it is. But in our opinion, much more important will be the fact that Pregnakea + can be used not only in the second and third trimester, and during breastfeeding, but also during preparation for pregnancy. That is, one of this 'long-playing' drug can be completely blocked for a fairly long period of time, naturally, if there is financial capacity. Practice shows that it is not so easy, even psychologically, during pregnancy, to acquire new drugs, or to search for weeks, with great accuracy, especially if it concerns a vitamin. It is much easier to start taking any one drug and take it throughout the year without thinking about changing the assortment than to remember that you need to look for a replacement in the pharmacy.

Mom compliments

Rating: 4.7

Finally, in conclusion of the ranking of vitamins for pregnancy, one should again return to the domestic company Pharmstandard, and to the Ufa plant. This is the drug Complivit mom. Its distinctive feature is the absence of ingredients such as lutein, rutin, alpha lipoic acid. In total, the complex contains only vitamins in the amount of 11 varieties, as well as 7 minerals and trace elements. These are calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, zinc, manganese. It is necessary to take the drug one tablet once a day, but the indication, just like the best imported vitamins, is the full duration of pregnancy, preparation for it and breastfeeding. How much will Complivit Mom cost? A pack of 60 tablets for a two-month dose will cost 280 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Naturally, the most advantageous trump card in this case will be the price: the leader in the rating of vitamins for pregnancy in terms of economy is Complivit Mom, a package of 60 tablets. Accordingly, admission within a month will cost 140 rubles. If this is compared with Pregnakea +, (more than 800 rubles), or Femibion ​​natalker 2 (1000 rubles), then this argument, in the end, may be decisive, and the scales are tipped in favor of choosing this particular multivitamin complex. However, if you choose quality, then try to take European minerals and multivitamins. If possible, then at least during the first and second trimester.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.