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Proper Nutrition Pre- and Post-Pregnancy

Why Eating Right Is Key to Pregnancy Preparation and Recovery

By Crystal Patriarche

Vitamin D is an important vitamin that aids in calcium absorption and utilization in the body. "Milk usually is fortified with vitamin D, but others may not be, so it's important to look for foods that are fortified with vitamin D," says Britvan. Sun exposure can also provide you with adequate vitamin D.

Vitamin B6 plays a key role in many functions of the body. It is needed for protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, forming of red blood cells, central nervous system development, proper function of the immune system in the mother and it helps to regulate hormonal functions. Vitamin B6, however, is toxic in high doses, so stick to the dose in your prenatal and do not supplement further.

Vitamin A is essential for vision, integrity of the immune system and normal cellular differentiation. It is also important in the fetus for bone growth, tooth structure and in regulating organ development in the fetus. During lactation, vitamin A is needed to replace losses in breast milk, according to the International Vitamin A Consultancy Group (IVACG) in Washington, D.C.

Researchers recommended that pregnant women either limit their vitamin A consumption to 4,000 to 8,000 IU daily or, alternatively, take beta-carotene. High doses of vitamin A can be toxic in pregnancy, and research has shown links between too much vitamin A and birth defects, according to IVACG.

You'll need about 70 milligrams a day of vitamin C when pregnant. It is important for the formation of connective tissue and collagen, according to Bloom. Vitamin C also helps absorb iron from vegetables, and many pregnant women do not get enough iron.