For the first time in your life you truly know how it feels to be walking on cloud 9!  You’ve just left the doctor’s office, and your pregnancy test is positive! Once the euphoria has calmed a little, the questions start to arise and the first is ‘what’s next?’  “What can I do to keep both myself and my developing baby, at our absolute optimum healthiest throughout this most exciting time?” Of course you know that following a great nutritious diet is best, and perhaps you already do, but is it enough?  How do you find a multi-vitamin supplement that is specially formulated for each stage of your pregnancy but can be taken throughout your pregnancy, with confidence that you are doing what is best for you and baby? These are very important questions to be asking!  Research shows that an adequate intake of micronutrients will support mom’s health before, during and after pregnancy as well as contribute to the development of baby.  Your body’s nutritional needs definitely change throughout your pregnancy and the research shows too, that many of the essential minerals that your body requires during pregnancy, deplete and decrease.  Your pregnancy is divided into three significant trimesters, each requiring nutrients that will assist with the development of that particular stage of your baby’s growth as well as contribute to lowering many of the risks as mentioned above. But, how do you know what to look for when choosing a multi-vitamin supplement to take whilst you are pregnant? Leading OB/GYN’s recommend the same vital nutrients which are required throughout all three pregnancy trimesters. These are: There are specifically formulated multivitamin supplements, containing all the above vitamins and minerals that your body needs for before, during and after pregnancy.  This is why: During the first trimester (week 1 to week 12), rapid cell division happens and major organs, such as the heart, liver, kidneys and lungs, begin to form.  This includes the neural tube which becomes the brain, spinal cord and central nervous system.  This is a crucial period in your pregnancy and forms the foundation for the development of your baby. Folate (Folic Acid) is the most important supplement to take throughout pregnancy. In fact, before, during and after! It is important for the metabolism of several amino acids, and essential for normal cell growth and replication. Folate supplementation during pregnancy is proven to reduce the risk of neural tube disorders and helps to form red blood cells. Choosing a multivitamin supplement that includes chromium, iodine, folate, choline, and omega-3 DHA supports all this vital activity taking place during the first trimester of your pregnancy.  These supplements will also contribute to your physical health. Chromium is essential during both the first and second trimesters. It is a trace element that helps the body use insulin – especially important when hormone changes are increasing insulin resistance.   Whilst iodine is important throughout all three trimesters, it is particularly vital during the first trimester.  Iodine is especially important for the function of baby’s brain.  Baby also relies completely on mom for thyroid hormones during this critical first trimester, developing its own thyroid hormones around week 12. The second trimester (week 13 to week 28) sees significant growth of baby, especially in terms of length and weight, whilst the organs are all continuing to mature.  This is the time when you will get to feel baby moving.  How exciting is that?! Most pregnant women don’t get sufficient iron from their daily diet, so choose a multivitamin supplement that includes iron, particularly during this second and vital trimester of your pregnancy. During pregnancy, more blood is produced to facilitate the growth of baby. This means that more iron is required to help that you don’t feel tired – a sure sign that your iron levels are low. Iron also contributes to normal cognitive function and helps to form red blood cells and their proper function. Iron is an essential nutrient that contributes to the formation and proper function of red blood cells and supports your immune system. Iron is found in red meat, poultry, and seafood, as well as beans, tofu, spinach, nuts, and seeds.  It’s important to note that as mentioned above, chromium is necessary during both the first and second trimesters.  The third trimester (week 29 to birth) is the final stage of development.  Baby gains weight rapidly.  Body fat is added and significant brain development takes place.  Here, Omega 3 Fish Oils are important as they aid in the function of baby’s brain and eyes.  As you move through this last trimester of your pregnancy, calcium and vitamin D become even more important for your nutrition.  Vitamin D is so important for baby’s bone structure and immune function as well as supporting the development and maintenance of bones.  It is important to note the other vitamins that are vital for your baby’s development and your pregnancy health. These include: It is highly recommended for moms to take a comprehensive multivitamin supplement that offers essential vitamins, minerals (like chromium, iodine, active folate, iron, and calcium), and Omega-3s (DHA & EPA), before and after delivery.   It is important to note that from a scientific perspective, prenatal supplements have been developed so that they can complement a balanced diet rich in whole foods, rather than be seen as a replacement. If ever you are in doubt, please do consult your doctor. Please note: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any supplements during pregnancy. References available upon request from Parenting Hub. This article was sponsored by iNova Pharmaceuticals. The views and content are that of Parenting Hub and not necessarily of iNova Pharmaceuticals.