----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2006 11:00
PM
Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] supplements
during pregnancy
Hi
Paivi,
Iron should only be taken by women who are anaemic, or you can see
they are heading that way (ie Hb going down.) Of course these women need
full investigation too, with iron studies and a medical examination and
history. There has been some question that giving iron to women who don't
need it can lead to blood which is more viscid, and reduces the blood flow
through the placenta.
Folic acid on the other hand, drastically reduces the incidence of
neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly, with a possible
side effect of a small increase in the possibility of having twins. Women
who have a history of a previous baby with a neural tube defects are
prescribed higher doses. Folic acid should be taken pre-conception and for
the first fourteen weeks.
I
don't see the need for any other supplementation than folic acid, unless the
woman has a demonstrated deficiency or they are strict vegans, in which case
I believe supplementation with B12 is recommended.
Regards,
Nicole.
Hi,
I lived in US, when expecting my first one
and there it was always in the magazines, that all women planning
pregnancy or pregnant should take folic acid supplements. Here in
Finland we don't really hear about folic acid. It is mainly the iron, that
is suggested during pregnancy. Or multivitamins. Pharmaceutical companies
are recommending all sorts of stuff, but what really are the important
ones... What kind of supplements do you midwives recommend for your
clients to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Päivi
Independent Childbirth educator
Finland
