Contents
- Rating of the top 10 vitamins for pregnant women in the 2nd trimester according to KP
- How to choose vitamins for pregnant women in the 2nd trimester
- Popular questions and answers
Every expectant mother dreams of having a healthy and full-term baby. There are a number of recommendations that a pregnant woman should follow. One of them is the consumption of the required amount of vitamin-enriched foods. However, it is not always possible to get all the nutrients from food. In this case, experts advise resorting to taking vitamin-mineral complexes (VMC) (1). When choosing a drug, you should pay attention to the quality of the components and take into account their compatibility.
At the same time, do not forget that hypervitaminosis is just as dangerous as vitamin deficiency. When prescribing an IUD, doctors take into account the condition and performance of a woman in dynamics. According to research, the need for vitamins A, C, D, E, B6 and B12, folic acid, zinc, selenium, magnesium, iron, calcium and lutein increases in mid-pregnancy (2). It is these substances that contain the best vitamins for pregnant women in the 2nd trimester.
If a woman has a deficiency of only a few individual vitamins or minerals, it is worth resorting to the use of monopreparations (3).
But in general, the use of VMC is considered more effective than taking its constituent elements separately. Complexes, as a rule, are a balanced set of vitamins and microelements that allow you to cover the needs of a pregnant woman, as well as reduce the risk of fetal developmental defects (1).
However, no vitamin complex can replace a healthy and balanced diet (3).
Rating of the top 10 vitamins for pregnant women in the 2nd trimester according to KP
1. “Elevit pronatal”
A balanced “set” of components includes many essential vitamins, micro and macro elements. Important: fat-soluble vitamins that are part of Elevit Pronatal do not exceed the daily allowance.
The drug is available in packs of 30 or 100 tablets. To compensate for deficiencies, you need to take just one tablet a day.
Women taking this VMC note good health, strengthening of immunity, reduction of nausea and swelling during and after taking the drug. Many people notice that their hair has stopped falling out, their nails have become stronger, there are no problems with their teeth after childbirth.
However, VMC contains little calcium and magnesium, and does not contain iodine and selenium. Additional intake of these nutrients may be required.
Main characteristics
| Amount in a package | 30 or 100 pcs. |
| Manufacturer country | Germany |
| Storage conditions | At a temperature not higher than 25°C. Keep out of the reach of children. |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. “Complivit “Mom” for pregnant and lactating women”
The instructions indicate that “Complivit” Mom “for pregnant and lactating women” is a drug, which means that the manufacture and registration of the drug are strictly controlled. The complex includes almost all the necessary vitamins and elements, only the percentage does not always correspond to the norm. For example, calcium and magnesium in the composition of only 3% and 8% of the daily norm – an additional intake of these elements is necessary.
VMK is manufactured in Our Country and sold in packs of 30, 60 or 100 pieces. You only need to take one tablet per day. Most pregnant women agree that the drug is not inferior in composition and quality to foreign counterparts, but is much cheaper. Before use, be sure to familiarize yourself with contraindications and side effects, as well as consult a gynecologist.
Main characteristics
| Amount in a package | 30, 60 or 100 pcs. |
| Manufacturer country | Our Country |
| Storage conditions | Store below 25°C. Keep out of the reach of children. |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Vitrum Prenatal Plus
The drug has a full and harmonious composition, it even contains iodine and selenium, iron and zinc in sufficient quantities. However, calcium and magnesium in the composition is less than the required norm. And the content of fat-soluble vitamins A and E exceeds the daily norm, which can lead to adverse consequences, so it is imperative to monitor the woman’s performance in dynamics.
Vitrum Prenatal Plus is available in jars of 30 and 100 pieces. One tablet must be taken per day.
Women note good health and vigor in connection with the use of dietary supplements, and gynecologists say that the drug is one of the best in its segment. Among the minuses, one can single out the high cost of the complex among other vitamins for pregnant women in the 2nd trimester.
Main characteristics
| Amount in a package | 30 or 100 pcs. |
| Manufacturer country | USA |
| Storage conditions | Keep out of the reach of children at a temperature of 15°C to 25°C and at a relative humidity of not more than 60%. |
Advantages and disadvantages
4. MegaFood Baby&Me 2
The main distinguishing feature of the drug is the use of 100% natural ingredients for the manufacture of vitamins. According to the manufacturer, in order to obtain 1 gram of a biologically active substance, up to 10 kilograms of live plant material is required. Hence the high price of the drug.
The dietary supplement has a rich composition and contains almost all the necessary vitamins and elements in sufficient quantities. The exceptions are calcium and magnesium – if necessary, they will have to be taken additionally.
MegaFood Baby&Me 2 are available in glass jars of 60 or 120 pieces. The tablets themselves are quite large, have a specific aroma and taste. During the second trimester, it is recommended to take two tablets per day.
Women taking these vitamins for pregnant women in the 2nd trimester, in the reviews, note an improvement in well-being, mood, a healthy complexion, a surge of vigor and a decrease in irritability.
Main characteristics
| Amount in a package | 60, 120 pcs. |
| Manufacturer country | USA |
| Storage conditions | Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place. |
Advantages and disadvantages
5. FORTEVIT from A to Zn
The FORTEVIT complex from A to Zn boasts a complete and varied composition. It even includes substances such as iron and iodine, zinc and selenium, and the content of calcium and magnesium, although it does not correspond to the daily norm, is one of the highest in our rating.
The dietary supplement is produced in Our Country, in blister packs of 60 pieces. To make up for all deficiencies in the second trimester, it is indicated to take two tablets per day with meals. The tablets themselves are small, judging by the reviews, they are swallowed easily.
Expectant mothers note that the drug gives vigor, improves mood, prevents hair loss and brittle nails. And many women claim that FORTEVIT from A to Zn is not inferior to more expensive counterparts.
Main characteristics
| Amount in a package | 60 piece. |
| Manufacturer country | Our Country |
| Storage conditions | Store in a dry, dark place and out of the reach of children, at a temperature not exceeding 25°C. |
Advantages and disadvantages
6. Solgar Prenatal Nutrients
One of the most popular complexes in pregnant women. It has a rich and complete composition containing all the necessary vitamins and elements, including iron, iodine, calcium and magnesium. But if you take the drug according to the recommendations on the package – one tablet twice a day with meals – then many substances will enter the body in a volume of about 50% of the daily requirement. Some sources advise doubling the dosage. Some also claim that the original instructions indicated just such a dosage – four tablets per day. In any case, before using it is better to consult your doctor.
Vitamins are sold in glass bottles of 60 and 120 pieces. The packaging is labeled free of gluten, wheat and dairy products, which means that they can be consumed even by allergy sufferers and vegetarians. The tablets themselves are quite large in size, which can cause difficulty when swallowing.
You can take dietary supplements both during and after pregnancy. Women note cheerfulness, a surge of energy and the cessation of toxicosis while taking the drug. With further use on HB, newly-made mothers indicate that hair loss and skin peeling are reduced.
Main characteristics
| Amount in a package | 60 and 120 pcs. |
| Manufacturer country | USA |
| Storage conditions | Store in a dry place out of the reach of children at a temperature of 15°C to 30°C. |
Advantages and disadvantages
7. “Minisan Mama Complex”
Good in composition and inexpensive vitamin and mineral complex for pregnant women. It contains most of the necessary elements. Additionally, if there is a deficiency, only vitamins A, E, calcium and iron will need to be taken.
The drug is available in blisters, in a package of 90 pieces. You only need to take one tablet a day with meals. The tablets themselves are small in size, without an unpleasant odor or taste, there are usually no difficulties when swallowing.
In the reviews, there is information that dietary supplements contribute to the appearance of vivacity, improve the condition and functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and complexion. Compared to analogues, the complex has a much more affordable price.
Main characteristics
| Amount in a package | 90 piece. |
| Manufacturer country | Finland |
| Storage conditions | Food temperature from 15℃ to 25℃ |
Advantages and disadvantages
8. Femibion Natalcare II
A balanced complex that is quite popular among women, but with noticeable drawbacks in the form of a lack of vitamins A and D, iron, calcium and magnesium.
The drug is available in packs of 60 pieces: 30 capsules and 30 tablets in one box. Substances are presented in two forms in order to distribute the active components according to compatibility and help the body absorb them in the best way. Take one capsule and one tablet per day, preferably not on an empty stomach. Despite the large size, swallowing both capsules and tablets is not difficult, as noted in the reviews for the IUD.
Women using Femibion Natalcare II during and after pregnancy note good health and appearance, strengthening nails, stopping hair loss, and improving skin condition.
Main characteristics
| Amount in a package | 60 piece. |
| Manufacturer country | Austria |
| Storage conditions | Store in a dry place, out of the reach of children, at room temperature not exceeding 25°C. |
Advantages and disadvantages
9. Payer Total One
A balanced vitamin complex that contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals in sufficient quantities, with the exception of calcium and magnesium. The latter will have to be taken additionally.
Buying dietary supplements is not so easy – you can’t find it in a regular pharmacy, you can only order it on the Internet right away in a large volume, 120 pieces. The price for one jar is quite high when compared with other vitamins for pregnant women in the 2nd trimester. It is necessary to take the drug one tablet a day, best of all during breakfast. The capsules themselves are quite large, but swallowed without problems.
In the reviews, women note an improvement in their general condition after taking the capsules, a sound sleep and an increase in stress resistance. Hair and nails are visibly strengthened. It’s just that not everyone likes the smell and aftertaste.
Main characteristics
| Amount in a package | 120 piece. |
| Manufacturer country | USA |
| Storage conditions | Store in a tightly closed container in a dry and cool place. |
Advantages and disadvantages
10. Doppelherz VIP
A good complex with not the richest composition. The dietary supplement contains calcium and magnesium in a fairly large volume, but iron and iodine, as well as some important vitamins, are absent. Therefore, in addition, it is necessary to take also separate drugs.
Doppelherz VIP is sold in packs of 30 tablets packed in blister packs. The capsules themselves are large and oblong: it is better to drink plenty of water, otherwise there is a risk that it will get stuck in the throat.
After applying the complex, good health and vigor are observed, hair loss stops. Many notice an improvement in mood, which persists without jumps throughout the day.
Main characteristics
| Amount in a package | 30 piece. |
| Manufacturer country | Germany |
| Storage conditions | In a dry place, at a temperature not exceeding 25°C. Keep out of the reach of children. |
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose vitamins for pregnant women in the 2nd trimester
A woman’s nutrition during pregnancy plays a key role in the growth and development of the fetus and also affects the infant’s birth weight. The richer and more varied the diet of the expectant mother, the less likely the development of congenital malformations in the baby.
A balanced and complete diet means the following (4).
- A woman’s diet contains fish and red meat, such as beef, lamb, etc. (at least twice a week, both); poultry meat at least 2-3 times a week.
- In the daily menu of a pregnant woman – dairy products; eggs – at least 2 times a week
- Every day: at least 5 types of fruits and vegetables, as well as butter and vegetable oils.
- Carbohydrates (including pasta, potatoes, pastries) – no more than half of a woman’s daily diet.
In other cases, the nutrition of a woman is considered inferior and requires additional intake of multivitamins. It should be remembered that prior to the use of certain VMCs in food, it is necessary to consult a specialist who will select the drug for the needs of a particular woman, taking into account her lifestyle, place of residence, habits.
Expert Comments
Obstetrician-gynecologist Maria Filatova tells whether you really need to take vitamin complexes, and shares tips based on his experience:
— The need to take additional vitamin and mineral complexes during pregnancy to this day remains the cause of lively discussions in the medical community. There are only two trace elements, the additional intake of which during pregnancy has proven benefits recognized by and world experts: folic acid at a dose of 400 mcg in the first trimester and iodine (potassium iodide) 200-250 mcg throughout pregnancy.
If the pregnancy proceeds normally, the woman eats fully, then in the second and third trimester I do not recommend taking anything other than iodine.
If a woman eats unbalanced, then taking additional nutritional supplements may be justified. In this case, when choosing vitamin-mineral complexes, one should take into account the nutritional characteristics of a particular woman and her place of residence.
Obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category, doctor of prenatal diagnostics Elvira Semenova, after analyzing the rating, adds:
– Summarizing all the data, let me give you professional advice: the most successful in terms of composition are “Complivit” Mom “for pregnant and lactating women” and “Elevit pronatal”. However, for those living in regions where there are few products with sufficient iodine content, it will be necessary to additionally take it in another preparation, for example, potassium iodide at a dosage of 200 mcg per day. And if iron deficiency anemia (including latent iron deficiency) is detected, iron preparations should be taken in a therapeutic, rather than prophylactic dosage.
Popular questions and answers
Obstetrician-gynecologist Maria Filatova will help us answer questions about taking vitamins for pregnant women in the 2nd trimester:
What is the difference between vitamins for the 2nd trimester and vitamins for the 1st trimester?
Is it possible to do without vitamins and what is it fraught with?
Is it okay to stop taking vitamins?
What to do if a woman accidentally forgot to take her vitamins?
Sources of
- Kodentsova V.M. Vitamins and minerals as a factor in the prevention of fetal developmental defects and pregnancy complications // Medical Council. 2016. – No. 9. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/vitaminy-i-mineraly-kak-faktor-preduprezhdeniya-defektov-razvitiya-ploda-i-oslozhneniy-beremennosti/viewer
- Serov V.N., Gromova O.A., Torshin I.Yu. Trimester approach to prescribing vitamin-mineral complexes based on a systematic analysis of the biological significance of vitamins and microelements in the mother-placenta-fetus system // Gynecology. 2010. – No. 6. URL: http://gynecology.orscience.ru/2079-5831/article/view/28136/ru_RU
- Pestrikova V.Yu., Yurasova E.A. Vitamin-mineral complexes as a protector of obstetric and perinatal complications // Gynecology. 2019. – Volume 21. – No. 4.
URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/vitaminno-mineralnye-kompleksy-kak-protektor-akusherskih-i-perinatalnyh-oslozhneniy-obzor-literatury/viewer
- Mikhailova O.I., Mirzabekova D.D., Kan N.E., Tyutyunnik V.L. Nutritional support during pregnancy: possibilities for the prevention of obstetric complications. Medical advice. 2021. – No. 3. pp. 67–74. URL: https://remedium.ru/doctor/gynaecology/Nutritivnaya-podderzhka-pri-beremennosti-vozmozhnosti-profilaktiki-akusherskikh-oslozhneniy/