3 minDuring pregnancy, it is especially important that your body gets all the nutrients it needs, both for yourself and for the development of your baby.
In this blog, we take a closer look at the relationship between pregnancy and vitamin B12: what role does this vitamin play during pregnancy? What happens if you have a deficiency and how can you get enough? Our experts have investigated this for you!
In this article, you will read
- Why vitamin B12 is important during pregnancy
- How vitamin B12 helps your baby's development
- What happens when there is a vitamin B12 deficiency
- How to get enough vitamin B12
The important role of vitamin B12 in pregnancy
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in pregnancy. Here's how this vitamin contributes to the healthy development of the baby:
- DNA synthesis and cell division: vitamin B12 is necessary for DNA synthesis and cell division, which is essential for the formation of the developing embryo.
- Neurological development: it plays a key role in the formation of the baby's nervous system, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy.
- Red blood cells and oxygen transport: vitamin B12 is involved in the production of red blood cells, which supply oxygen to the growing foetus.
- Prevention of serious abnormalities: adequate intake of vitamin B12 reduces the risk of serious neural tube defects and other birth defects.
What happens if there is a vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy?
A vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby. Here are some of the problems that can occur:
- Anaemia: a B12 deficiency can lead to anaemia in the mother, which can cause fatigue and weakness.
- Neural tube defects: insufficient vitamin B12, as with vitamin B11, can increase the risk of neural tube defects in the baby.
- Premature birth and low birth weight: a deficiency can lead to premature birth and a lower birth weight for the baby.
- Developmental problems: severe deficiencies can lead to neurological and cognitive developmental problems in the baby.
How can you get enough vitamin B12 during pregnancy?
Now that you understand how important vitamin B12 is during pregnancy, it's time to learn how to ensure you're getting enough:
- Varied diet: vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy. Make sure you eat a varied diet that includes these foods.
- Dietary supplements: pregnant women, especially those who are vegetarian or vegan, are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. For this group, a vitamin B12 supplement is therefore recommended.
- Fortified foods: some foods, such as breakfast cereals and plant-based milk, are fortified with B12. This is indicated on the product labels.
In addition to vitamin B12, there are also other vitamins that are particularly important during pregnancy.
