It’s up to you whether you decide to take an additional vitamin C supplement; you might feel the need to do so during the cold and flu season or if you have other young children at home who are constantly passing on their preschool germs to you. However, you should first consult your doctor to determine whether that is okay and how much more medication you need to take.
That goes for vitamin C, too, as the research is unfortunately lacking. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that some studies have investigated vitamin C’s effects on pregnancy and birth outcomes, but the results have been mixed. Vitamin C improved outcomes in some cases, but not in others.
It basically just means “enough vitamin C to turn you into an orange,” but some vitamin producers claim it means their formulas are more likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream and less likely to upset the stomach than other forms of vitamin C.
Don’t try to self-treat with vitamin C if you have COVID-19 symptoms or a fever while pregnant. Call your doctor.
Don’t forget that you can increase your levels of vitamin C safely and effectively by consuming more of it through food. Eat a lot of red and green peppers, broccoli, cherries, spinach, strawberries, and citrus fruits.
What happens if you take vitamin C while pregnant?
Your body is undergoing some significant changes, so maintaining your health will require all hands on deck.
With its ability to speed up the healing of wounds and strengthen the immune system, vitamin C during pregnancy is a crucial member of your nutrient team.
Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron.
This is really important when you’re pregnant.
Because your blood volume increases to support the mighty task of growing a human, so does your need for iron.
A condition known as iron deficiency anemia can result from not getting enough.
It results in signs like fatigue, wooziness, and headaches and could cause your skin to turn yellow.
Despite the prevalence of this condition, there are some risks for both you and your unborn child, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth differences.
Your prenatal vitamins will probably contain iron, along with vitamin C to aid in your body’s absorption.
Talk to your doctor, however, if you’re at all concerned about a deficiency.
Is vitamin C safe during pregnancy?
Also called ascorbic acid, vitamin C has a number of important jobs to do in our bodies.
It plays a role in wound healing, supports your immune system, and prevents scurvy (although that’s likely not something we have to worry about too much these days. Phew!).
All of this is crucial throughout your life, but it is especially helpful while you are pregnant.