Supplements in pregnancy

[chocolatequeen]

Hi all,

Now 6 weeks pregnant, taking folic acid and zinc. Have been told that calcium and magnesium are important too, but can only find them together with something else called BORON. Any ideas as to what it is, and whether i can take it during pregnancy?

[fuzzywuzzy]

I used to take pregnacare, but not until the second trimester as I was far too busy throwing up i the first trimester....

[chocolatequeen]

Can't get Pregnacare - living abroad, and the pregnancy supplements here seem to be a little different from the english ones.... very low levels of calcium and folic acid. Not being sick yet - hoping these first few weeks will set a precedent for the next few!!

[Tinker]

Think folic acid is only useful upto first 4 weeks - ie spinal column is fully formed by then. No harm in continuing to take it though. Would have thought just a good balanced diet would be ok

[PiccadillyCircus]

You're recommended to take folic acid for the first 12 weeks.

Boron is a chemical element (knew my chemistry degree would come in useful one day) but can't remember anything about it

[Tinker]

There you go, asked it myself last year Neural tube closes 28 days after conception

[aloha]

Boron is a naturally occuring mineral that aids the absorption of calcium and is perfectly safe. YOu find it in quite a few calcium supplements, along with vitamin D. I took Pregnacare and some supplements by Zita West plus Osteocare when I could remember (calcium supp) plus choline, fish oils and, at the end, probiotics.

[LittleB]

I take Sanatogens Pro Natal, I'm 31 weeks pregnant and have been taking it since ttc, it has all the crucial things such as Folic acid etc, and lots of others beside. Its cheaper than pregnacare and is usually on offer in Boots for buy 2 get 1 free. I don't know how important it is to take it, but I usually take a vitamin supplement when not pregnant anyway, it just makes sure me and baby are getting everything we need.

[Tessiebear]

My MW told me that apart from Folic acid in the first 12 weeks - if you are eating a normal balanced diet you do not NEED to take supplements.
I am 25 weeks and find that taking the supplements actually makes me feel sick and leaves a "taste" for ages afterwards, so i have not bothered. I will probably have to take iron after my next bloods though

[chocolatequeen]

Cheers! Maybe just more milk will do for now... Back in the UK in April, will pop to boots to check out the sanatogen - thanks for that LB. Did a search on Boron on internet - some sites say that it should not be taken in pregnancy, as it raises levels of oestrogen and progesterone. This may not cause any problems, but there's no hard evidence yet. Also, it shows it is successful in preventing pregnancy in rats. Wierd.

[Carriemumsnet]

We're actually running an ad campaign at the mo for some pregnancy supplements and they're giving trial packs away for free - so if you or anyone you know want to give them a try - just click on the link in the ad at the top of this thread - they're free after all!

[fuzzywuzzy]

If you're interested in pregnacare I think they do offer international shipping via their website, I know they ship within the UK for free take a look here they usually do offers on their website too ie BOGOF etc.