Common Nutrient Deficiencies During Pregnancy and How to Address Them?

Common Nutrient Deficiencies During Pregnancy and How to Address Them?

Pregnancy is an enchanting experience, but your nutritional needs increase to support both you and your baby. In India, despite cultural food diversity, most pregnant women suffer from nutrient deficiencies, which impact the mother and the growing baby. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-2021), over 50% of Indian pregnant women have anaemia (iron deficiency).

This blog will unearth the most common nutrient deficiencies in pregnancy, calcium deficiency during pregnancy, magnesium deficiency in pregnancy, etc., and provide ways to overcome them.

What Is The Need for Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your body undergoes various changes, and that is why it demands a nutritional boost to support you and your growing baby. This boost in nutrition demand arises for:

●       Support the growth and development of the baby.

●       Maintain proper energy levels and health of the mother.

●       Reduce the risk of birth complications.

●       Strengthen the immune system.

Common Nutrient Deficiency in Pregnancy

Nutrient Deficiency in Pregnancy

The increased demand for nutrients during pregnancy is met by a well-balanced diet, rich in nutrients, like iron, calcium, folate, iodine, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, etc. However, the regular diet fails to fulfill the required nutrients, leading to women struggling to get enough nutrients. Let’s have a look at the most common nutrient deficiency in pregnancy.

Iron Deficiency (Anemia)

Iron is essential to produce hemoglobin (a protein in the red blood cells) and carry oxygen to the baby. Expectant mothers require twice the iron to support the increased blood volume and overall well-being.

Prevalence & Causes:

●       51–57% of pregnant women in India are anemic according to NFHS published data.

●       Lower bioavailability of iron in vegetarian diets, coupled with the added demands of pregnancy and frequent births.

Risks of Low Iron:

●       Fatigue, reduced immunity, complications like preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal hemorrhage.

How to Address It:

●       Indian Iron‑Rich Foods: Spinach, lentils, rajma, jaggery.

●       Pair with Vitamin C: For better absorption, combine with citrus fruits.

●       Supplements: 60 mg elemental iron daily, as per ICMR/NIPI guidelines. Use alongside a folate-rich diet to combat combined deficiencies.

Folate Deficiency

Folate, or folic acid, is essential to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida and proper brain and spine development in the baby.

Prevalence:

●       Approx 37–58% of women of reproductive age show folate insufficiency.

Importance:

●       Prevents neural tube defects (spina bifida, anencephaly).

●       Supports fetal growth and red blood cell formation.

How to Address It:

●       Indian Sources: Methi leaves, chickpeas, spinach, beetroots.

●       Supplements: 500 μg/day prenatal supplement recommended, starting preconception and continuing through pregnancy.

Calcium Deficiency During Pregnancy

Calcium is essential for bone and teeth development, heart health, and muscle function in the mother and the baby. If the mother does not get adequate calcium, the baby will draw it from the mother’s bones.

Prevalence:

●       Over 80% of women show calcium-period micronutrient inadequacy.

Why It’s Critical:

●       Supports fetal bones and teeth; prevents maternal bone loss and hypertensive disorders.

Boost Intake:

●       Sources: Milk, curd, ragi (finger millet), tofu, sesame seeds.

●       Supplements: 1000–1200 mg/day calcium with vitamin D for optimal absorption.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption. It supports the baby’s bone development and reduces the risk of pregnancy complications.

Prevalence:

●       Around 61% of pregnant Indian women are vitamin D deficient.

Why It Matters:

●       Ensures healthy bone development in the fetus and supports maternal calcium metabolism.

●       May reduce the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and low birth weight.

Address the Gap:

●       Sun Exposure: 15 minutes daily on arms and face in the early morning.

●       Foods: Fortified milk, egg yolk, fish (if non‑vegetarian).

●       Supplements: 1000–2000 IU vitamin D daily as per doctor’s advice.

Iodine Deficiency

Prevalence:

●       As high as 17% of women have iodine deficiency disorder.

What It Affects:

●       Essential for the fetus’s thyroid function, brain development; deficiency increases the risk of cretinism.

How to Improve:

●       Use iodized salt daily.

●       Include dairy, eggs, and fish.

●       Consider prenatal vitamins that contain iodine.

Trimacare, Your Best Friend Throughout Pregnancy

Nutrient Needs by Trimester

Trimacare, renowned as the best prenatal vitamin, is truly your best friend during and after pregnancy. Packed with 20+ essential micronutrients (MMN), Trimacare is the top-rated and most recommended nutraceutical by the top Indian doctors. It is a clinically formulated formula that abides by all the regulations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Furthermore, it is a trimester-specific formula enriched with calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, Vitamin B complex, magnesium, iodine, etc., to maintain the overall health of the mother and the baby. It helps fight against calcium deficiency during pregnancy, magnesium deficiency in pregnancy, and iron deficiency, among others, to maintain optimal health.

Final Thoughts

Meeting nutritional needs during pregnancy is essential for the overall well-being of the mother and the baby. A balanced diet is the best way to fill the nutritional gaps; however, the Indian staple diet lacks adequate nutrients. Thus, it is essential to consume prenatal vitamins and pregnancy supplements to bridge the gaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the most common nutrient deficiencies indian pregnant women face during pregnancy?

A. As per the studies, the most common nutrient deficiencies in Indian pregnant women are:

·         Iron: According to NFHS-5, it affects over 50% of Indian pregnant women.

·         Folic Acid: It is essential for the optimal development of the fetal brain and spine.

·         Vitamin D: Despite receiving an ample amount of sunlight in India, over 70% of Indian pregnant women have Vitamin D deficiency because of poor lifestyle and pollution.

·         Calcium: It is critical for optimal fetal bone development.

·         Iodine: Many research suggests that iodine is essential for fetal brain development, and its deficiency is on the rise in urban areas due to various reasons.

Q. Why do Indian pregnant women have a higher iron deficiency rate?

A. The following are the reasons:

·         Inadequate intake of iron-rich foods.

·         A high number of vegetarians leads to lower iron bioavailability.

·         Repeated pregnancies without proper recovery.

·         Not sticking to the Iron supplement schedule due to nausea or constipation.

Q. How much vitamin D during pregnancy is required daily?

A. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) og vitamin D during pregnancy is around 600 IU/day. However, several indian gynecologists suggest a slightly higher dosage around (1000-1200) IU/day due to Vitamin D deficiency. Always consult your healthcare provider about the right dosage before starting any pregnancy supplement.

Q. What are some good sources of iodine?

A. Top iodine sources are:

·         Diary (milk, curd)

·         Iodized salt

·         Eggs

·         Seafood (especially salmon or rohu)

·         Iodine supplements or pregannct supplements

Q. What are the common folate deficiency symptoms in pregnancy?

A. Fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, mood changes, irritability, risk of neural tube defects (like spina bifida, anencephaly) in the baby.

Q. How does Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy affect the baby?

A. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy leads to:

·         Poor fetal bone and tooth development.

·         Increased risk of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.

·         Risk of low birth weight.

·         Increased risk of maternal bone loss during pregnancy.

Q. Do I need to take calcium supplements for pregnancy?

A. Yes, you probably need it. The indian diet lacks adequate calcium, leading to the need to consume calcium pregnancy supplements along with Vitamin D3 to support optimal bone and skeletal development of the baby. Always consult your healthcare provider before choosing any prenatal vitamins on your own.

Q. Can you manage nutrient deficiency via a healthy diet?

A. You can manage mild nutrient deficiency by consuming the following:

·         Leafy greens, lentils, and jaggery

·         Diary products, eggs, and ragi

·         Fish, iodized salt, and fortified cereals

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Pallavi Aggarwal

A Certified Nutritionist with a rich healthcare background in health journalism, the author has immense experience in curating reader-friendly, engaging, and informative healthcare blogs to empower readers to make informed pregnancy-related decisions.