Vitamin C
A healthy eating lifestyle will ensure you get all the essential nutrients and vitamins. In pregnancy, your baby also needs these nutrients and vitamins for growth and development, so we recommend you take prenatal vitamins. Vitamin C is one of the essential vitamins in pregnancy.
Why is this important?
Having a low intake of vitamin C could be associated with complications in pregnancy such as high blood pressure with swelling of the hands, feet, and face (pre-eclampsia), anemia, and having a small baby. Your body does not produce vitamin C and cannot store it so it’s essential you get it from food and supplements. The recommended daily allowance ranges from 86-120mg during pregnancy.
Vitamin C has many functions in pregnancy. It
Supports the formation of your baby teeth and bone development.
Boosts your immune system
Helps your body absorb iron from food and from your iron supplements
Vitamin C can be found in fruits and vegetables including
Oranges
Guava
Brussel sprouts
Broccoli
Bell pepper
Cantaloupe (melon)
Tomato juice
Kale
Chilli pepper
Strawberry
Kiwi
Spinach
Aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day to get a healthy dose of vitamin C as well as an abundance of essential vitamins and minerals.