Pregnancy is a crucial period when a woman's nutritional needs increase significantly to support the growth and development of the baby. Vitamin B plays a vital role during pregnancy as it is involved in various physiological processes necessary for the health and well-being of the mother and the baby.

Here are the key reasons why Vitamin B is important during pregnancy:

Neural Tube Development: Folic acid, a B vitamin (B9), is especially important during the early stages of pregnancy. It is essential for the proper development of the baby's neural tube, which later forms the brain and spinal cord. Adequate folic acid intake helps prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, which can have serious consequences on the baby's health and development.

Red Blood Cell Formation: Vitamin B12 and folate (B9) are vital to produce red blood cells. As the mother's blood volume increases during pregnancy, these vitamins play a significant role in preventing anaemia, a condition characterized by a deficiency of healthy red blood cells. Anaemia can lead to fatigue, weakness, and complications during pregnancy.

Nervous System Development: Vitamin B12, along with other B vitamins, supports the development of the baby's nervous system. Adequate intake is necessary for the proper growth of the brain and nerves, contributing to the baby's cognitive and motor skills.

Energy Metabolism: Vitamin B, including thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), and biotin (B7), are essential for energy metabolism. During pregnancy, when the body's energy demands increase, these vitamins help convert food into energy, supporting the mother's increased energy needs.

Hormone Regulation: Vitamin B6 is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and hormones, including serotonin and dopamine. It plays a role in regulating mood and reducing symptoms of morning sickness, which is common during the early stages of pregnancy.

Protein and Amino Acid Synthesis: Vitamin B6, along with other B vitamins, is important for the metabolism of proteins and amino acids. This is crucial for the development and growth of the baby's tissues and organs.

Immune Function: Vitamin B contributes to a healthy immune system, which is essential for both the mother and the baby during pregnancy. A well-functioning immune system helps protect against infections and ensures a healthy pregnancy.

FORMS of Vitamin B needed during pregnancy.

There are eight different forms of B vitamins, each with their own function:

·        Vitamin B1- Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, plays vital roles during pregnancy. Vitamin B1 promotes the conversion of carbohydrates into energy for you and your baby. Vitamin B1 is essential for the brain development in infants. Vitamin B1 enhances the proper operation of your heart, neurological system, and muscles. Food items containing Vitamin B1 include whole grain goods, cereals, bread with added vitamins, pasta, peas, dried beans, some fish, and pork. Vitamin B1 is also present in dairy products, fruits, and vegetables, although only in trace levels.

·        Vitamin B2- Vitamin B2 is also known as Riboflavin. Vitamin B2 promotes healthy skin, clear vision, and the growth and development of the baby's muscle, bone, and nerve. Vitamin B2 also reduces the chance of developing preeclampsia. Wheat flour, bread goods, milk, fortified cereals, and other foods are all great sources of vitamin B2.

·        Vitamin B3- Vitamin B3, also known as Niacin, found in two different compounds, nicotinamide, and nicotinic acid. Both help in the release of energy from meals. Vitamin B3 promotes the health of the mucous membrane, neurological system, and skin. Vitamin B3 is necessary for the baby's brain development. It also promotes digestion, reduces severe migraine, and eases nausea.

·        Vitamin B5 - Vitamin B5 also called pantothenic the component of acid CoA (coenzyme A), is required for several chemical processes in cells. Vitamin B5 helps in avoiding pregnancy-related muscular cramps. Hormones are released that help in reducing stress. Vitamin B5 also helps in the metabolism of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. Vitamin B5 is found in vegetables and meat.

·        Vitamin B6 - Vitamin B6, commonly known as Pyridoxine, is required for your body to metabolise carbs, proteins, and lipids. It helps in the synthesis of antibodies, neurotransmitters, and red blood cells. Pyridoxine is vital for the brain and nervous system development of your child. Vitamin B6 helps keep healthy blood glucose levels, relieves morning sickness and shields babies from low birth weight. Beans, nuts, seafood, and lean meat are ideal sources of vitamin B6.

·        Vitamin B7 - Vitamin B7, also known as Biotin, is essential for developing embryo throughout pregnancy. Vitamin B7 treats hair loss, brittle nails, and skin rashes. Egg yolk, liver, milk, oats, Swiss chard, mushroom, salmon, pig, cheese, raspberries, cauliflower, and molasses are among the rich sources of vitamin B7.

·        Vitamin B9 - Vitamin B9 or folic acid is most important during pregnancy. Folic acid prevents neural tube defects (NTDs) and major birth issues involving the brain (such as anencephaly) and spinal cord (such as spina bifida). Vitamin B9 also reduces the chance of other birth-defects such as cleft palate, cleft lip, and some heart defects in neonates, as well as preeclampsia in pregnant women. Red blood cell synthesis is necessary to prevent anaemia. Thus, Vitamin B9(Folic Acid) helps in DNA synthesis, placental function, and development of the baby.

·        Vitamin B12 - Vitamin B12, commonly known as Cobalamin is necessary for the synthesis of fatty acids and myelin, which support the maintenance of the central nervous system's (CNS) and appropriate neurological function. Vitamin B12 in the metabolism of lipids, proteins, and carbs, elevates your mood, gives you more energy, and reduces stress during pregnancy. It helps with DNA synthesis and red blood cell production when combined with folate. Vitamin B12 is also helpful in creation of the neural tube and the brain of the foetus.

TRIMACARE- The best prenatal supplements during pregnancy for Vitamin B

One Trimacare multivitamin tablet contains 20+ nutrients, making it the only prenatal supplement needed during pregnancy. These nutrients in Trimacare prenatal pill include folate, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin B12, iodine, vitamin d, iron, vitamin c, zinc, vitamin k, calcium, magnesium and more. Since the Omega 3s are sourced from deep-sea algae, Trimacare women's prenatal vitamin is considered 100% vegetarian and ideal for pregnant women who take vegetarian diet.

Trimacare prenatal pills contains vitamin B in various forms. Vitamin B1 as thiamine mononitrate, Vitamin B2 as riboflavin, Vitamin B3 as niacin, Vitamin B5 D-pantothenate calcium, Vitamin B6 as pyridoxine hydrochloride, and Vitamin B7 as methyl cobalamin.

It's important to ensure sufficient intake of these B vitamins during pregnancy through a well-balanced diet that includes various nutrients. Leafy green vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products are good dietary sources of vitamin B. To include vitamin B supplements in your diet, you must consult a doctor and know about the nutritional requirements during pregnancy.