What vitamin E do pregnant women need? Vitamin E during pregnancy: dosages and natural sources

The quality of our modern diet is so poor, and the nutritional value of the foods we eat is so low that scientists are sounding the alarm. Vegetables, fruits, herbs and meat contain less and less substances so necessary for the normal development of the human body. Therefore, each of us, leading an active lifestyle, must ensure the supply of essential vitamins and minerals to the body from the outside in the form of vitamin-mineral complexes or single preparations.

During pregnancy, the need for many of the substances increases several times. Firstly, a significant part of the mother’s resources (if any) is taken over by the child. Secondly, some of them should enter the woman’s body in increased quantities, since they take part in the process of formation, development and gestation of the child. Vitamin E is one of these vital vitamins for the fetus during pregnancy.

Why do you need to take vitamin E during pregnancy?

Vitamin E or tocopherol is probably the most important and necessary vitamin during pregnancy. It even has a corresponding name: translated from Greek, “tokos” means “birth”, and “ferro” means to wear. So it’s not hard to guess that it helps to bear a healthy baby.

Tocopherol is an antioxidant, that is, it protects against cancer. A lack of vitamin E leads to muscle weakness, a decline in the body's protective functions and development, as well as infertility and menstrual problems. It helps fight and protects against adverse environmental influences, especially for rapidly dividing cells (including the embryo). And in combination with vitamin C, tocopherol prevents the development of Alzheimer's disease and atherosclerosis.

Vitamin E helps improve oxygen transport, prevents the formation of blood clots in blood vessels, reduces the size of lower extremities, and improves the condition of skin, hair and nails.

Among all the vitamins our body needs, vitamin E is the most “feminine”: it helps restore the disrupted menstrual cycle in girls, ripen the infantile uterus, is used for late onset of menstrual function, and treats existing ovarian dysfunction. In addition, it increases reproductive functions (which is important when trying to get pregnant) and improves the functioning of the gonads in men and women.

Vitamin E helps to bear a child and prevents possible threats. It is necessary for the normal development of the fetus (in particular, it takes part in the formation of the baby’s respiratory system), therefore, together with vitamin E, it is the first thing that is necessarily prescribed to a newly pregnant woman. It improves ovarian function, maintains normal hormonal levels (restores the imbalanced balance of hormones, the production of estrogen and progesterone) and prevents involuntary abortion.

Vitamin E is similar in its effects to the hormone progesterone. It maintains pregnancy, improves the maturation of the placenta, regulates its functioning and the condition of its vessels, prevents abruption and other disorders. It also participates in the production of prolactin, a hormone that ensures lactation.

Vitamin E dosage during pregnancy

However, despite all the positive properties of this vitamin, you should not abuse it during pregnancy. Since tocopherol is a fat-soluble vitamin and can accumulate in adipose tissue, and adipose tissue tends to be deposited during pregnancy, some doctors believe that this can lead to an overdose with unpredictable consequences. In addition, vitamin E makes muscles elastic, which is undesirable during childbirth. So it is usually not prescribed at the end of pregnancy.

So, you should not exceed a person’s daily requirement for this vitamin. And there is no particular point in doing this, since it is believed that increasing the dose of tocopherol does not lead to an increased positive effect on the course of pregnancy and fetal development.

The daily human need for vitamin E is about 20 mg. Drug dosages are indicated in international units (IU). 1 IU corresponds to 0.67 mg of tocopherol or 1 mg of tocopherol acetate.

Many women may be indignant because the doctor prescribed them 200 or even 400 mg per day! Well, in each individual case, the recommended dosage of vitamin E may differ - everything is selected according to indications. During pregnancy, a dose not exceeding 1000 mg of tocopherol per day is considered safe. But still, you shouldn’t get carried away with vitamins.

Often, gynecologists do not separately prescribe vitamin E for their patients. However, in this case, multivitamin complexes containing a daily dose of tocopherol must be selected. If you do not take vitamin E separately, you can take it with food. This vitamin is not synthesized by animals and is found only in plants: vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, rose hips, green vegetables, eggs, brown rice, oatmeal, buckwheat. Particularly high amounts of tocopherol are found in wheat germ oil, bran and whole grain products.

It is important to know that inorganic iron is completely or largely destroyed when in contact with vitamin E. Therefore, it is recommended not to use iron-containing preparations together with tocopherol, and to consume boiled foods rich in iron only 8, or preferably 12 hours after taking vitamin E.

Especially for- Elena Kichak

Every woman planning to become a mother should take care of a sufficient supply of nutrients. For this reason, many girls try to understand why doctors recommend drinking vitamin E during pregnancy. The positive effect is difficult to overestimate, and experts recommend taking it with strict adherence to the optimal dosage.

Beneficial features

Supports ovarian function and optimal hormonal levels to eliminate the risk of involuntary abortion. For this reason, E is useful for pregnant women and their future children.

Why is vitamin E prescribed to pregnant women?

prevention of cancer;
improving muscle condition and giving them additional strength;
strengthening the immune system;
preventing the development of anemia;
activation of oxygen transport throughout the body, eliminating the risk of blood clots in blood vessels;
increasing the chances of maintaining pregnancy by supporting reproductive functions, normalizing the functioning of the gonads, eliminating the risk of miscarriage in the early stages;
participation in the normal development of the fetus (primarily, vitamin E is involved in the formation of the child’s respiratory system).

In the 21st century, experts still recommend taking a beneficial component, the effect of which can be compared to the hormone progesterone. Doctors prescribe vitamin E to pregnant women to maintain an interesting position and preserve the possibility of having a beautiful baby in 9 months.

Main tasks of reception

It is imperative to understand why pregnant women and those who are still planning to conceive need to take vitamin E. In each period, the beneficial properties of the component manifest themselves differently.

removal of toxins and waste from the body;
gradual decrease in blood pressure;
normalization of ovarian function;
improvement of metabolic processes;
formation of the placenta and synthesis of lactation hormone;
increasing overall physical endurance for conception;
regulation of the production of progesterone, which can protect against infections and diseases of an intimate nature.

Subsequently, the beneficial properties manifest themselves to an even greater extent, which can be noticed by every woman.

Experts advise drinking vitamin E during pregnancy to have the following effects on the expectant mother and her baby:

improving the movement of oxygen to the fetus;
prevention of blood clots;
eliminating the threat of miscarriage;
support for the development of the baby and the formation of all his life systems;
normalization of the hormonal system.

A deficiency of this nutrient is dangerous to the health of many girls. In such situations, there is a risk of uterine dysfunction and serious problems with pregnancy.

After the baby is born, vitamin E helps improve lactation.

If conception does occur, the risks of spontaneous abortion increase. Taking into account these scientifically proven facts, experts recommend taking vitamin E.

Doctors note that it is best for pregnant women to follow a specific schedule for taking vitamin E. This determines whether they will be able to notice a positive effect on the body.

Capsules. In the first trimester, it is recommended to take vitamin capsules with meals. The minimum dose per day is 0.8 mg, the maximum is 3 mg. The exact number of capsules is determined by the doctor.

Multivitamins. In the second and third trimester, taking capsules is not necessary. Taking into account that pregnant women still need vitamin E, it is recommended to take a vitamin complex containing the required component.

Products. The diet should include eggs, milk, liver, sprouted wheat grains, unrefined vegetable oils, avocados, mangoes, peaches, broccoli, spinach, and nuts. In this case, care must be taken to avoid the risk of developing an allergic reaction. Experts prescribe vitamin E to pregnant women and recommend diversifying their diet.

Vitamin support for the female body when carrying a baby is a mandatory task. Taking multivitamins and capsules is required for the proper development of the baby and eliminating the risk of spontaneous miscarriage.

Taking a course of vitamin E activates reproductive functions, thanks to which pregnancy will successfully end in 9 months with the birth of a healthy baby.

The beneficial properties of tocopherol are beyond doubt. This antioxidant is found in many plant foods. It is recommended to be used not only by women, but also by men when planning a child. However, not everyone thinks about why pregnant women need vitamin E and what benefits it brings to the baby.

Why do you need vitamin E during pregnancy?

Vitamin E is of great importance during pregnancy. It helps not only the proper formation of the child’s organs, but also the health of the expectant mother. Gynecologists advise prescribing it to women throughout the entire period of pregnancy to prevent stretch marks from appearing on the chest and abdomen. The vitamin is useful for both hair and nails. The correct dosage must be observed, otherwise the benefit may turn into harm.

According to most doctors, vitamin E and pregnancy are strongly linked. The name "tocopherol" is translated from Greek as "promoting birth." In addition, vitamin E during pregnancy acts like the important hormone progesterone and performs very important functions:

Allows the embryo to implant in the uterus.
Prevents spontaneous miscarriage.
Protects against infections and inflammatory diseases.
Maintains hormone balance.
Improves blood circulation in the placenta, prevents its detachment.
Helps the proper development of the fetus.
Prevents thrombus formation.
Lowers blood pressure.
Synthesizes the production of the lactation hormone prolactin.
Removes toxins and waste from the body.

Vitamin E during early pregnancy

Attachment to the uterine cavity and the formation of many fetal organs occurs at 3-12 weeks. In order for this process to proceed correctly, vitamin E should be prescribed in the first trimester of pregnancy. Doctors do not recommend taking the substance in capsules: you need to balance your diet so that it includes foods enriched with this component:

avocado;
wheat sprouts;
sesame seeds;
sea buckthorn;
sunflower seeds;
rose hip;
milk;
meat;
spinach;
almond;
egg yolk;
walnuts;
broccoli;
legumes

Some products are used to make oil, which is also a source of useful substances. Vitamin E in the early stages of pregnancy is in most cases prescribed as maintenance therapy to increase the endurance of the embryo. It strengthens the walls of fetal vessels and prevents uterine hypertonicity. It is recommended to drink it before meals along with folic acid tablets.

Vitamin E in the second trimester of pregnancy

Vitamin E intake should increase slightly during the second trimester of pregnancy. The fetus grows and requires more nutrition. Many women during this period begin to feel the first movements of the child. To the diet that the mother had in the first weeks, you should add multivitamins, in which the exact dosage of substances necessary for the formation of the internal organs of the unborn baby is selected. Vitamin E for pregnant women from 14 to 27 weeks helps normalize blood flow in the placenta, which is very important at this stage.

Vitamin E in the third trimester of pregnancy

From the 27th week, the final stage in the development of the child in the womb begins. He is actively gaining weight, his respiratory system and internal organs are forming. Vitamin E is especially important in the third trimester of pregnancy, but you should not take it in addition to multivitamins. In some cases, the doctor increases the dosage at his own discretion, if indicated.

Vitamin E for threatened miscarriage

The diagnosis poses the greatest danger in the early stages, up to 12-14 weeks. If a drug containing tocopherol has not yet been prescribed, you should start taking it after consulting a doctor. Folic acid is prescribed along with vitamin E if there is a threat of miscarriage. It should be borne in mind that even the correct intake of vitamins will not help maintain pregnancy if you do not follow the regimen established by the gynecologist.

Vitamin E at conception

During experiments, scientists found that experimental mice stopped reproducing as soon as products containing the necessary substances were removed from the diet. Even before pregnancy, you should take a vitamin. It is especially useful for the female body. Tocopherol acts as a regulator of processes in the entire reproductive system:

normalizes the menstrual cycle;
treats ovarian dysfunction;
regulates metabolism;
promotes maturation and fertilization of the egg;
normalizes hormonal levels.

Vitamin E is not only needed by women during conception. During the planning period, a man should also eat foods enriched with this vitamin. It improves sperm quality and makes sperm more motile. According to reviews and medical statistics, couples who previously had problems conceiving were able to conceive a child after 2 months of taking vitamin preparations.

Daily value of vitamin E

When consuming any components, it is important to follow the exact dosage. It depends on gender, age, weight and presence of diseases. The daily requirement of vitamin E for the average person is about 15 mg. As the period increases, the need may increase. The norm of vitamin E during pregnancy in the second and third trimester is 20-25 mg per day. The optimal dose is contained in the drug Alpha-tocopherol acetate from Meligen.

How to take vitamin E during pregnancy

At this time, it is especially dangerous to self-medicate. How to take vitamin E during pregnancy and according to what regimen should be determined by your attending physician. Based on the data obtained from the patient’s tests and ultrasound, he makes a diagnosis and decides how much vitamin E to take during pregnancy. In some cases, it is necessary to make nutritional adjustments or prescribe complex vitamin preparations.

Vitamin E contraindications

Even before starting to drink vitamin E, pregnant women need to find out if there are any contraindications. To do this, you need to carefully read the instructions for the drug. General contraindications for vitamin E:

allergy to the components of the drug;
myocardial infarction;
cardiosclerosis;
thromboembolism.

Overdose of vitamins during pregnancy

Exceeding the daily intake is very dangerous. This can happen if the dosage of vitamin E during pregnancy is chosen incorrectly. In this case, the patient notices side effects:

headache;
dizziness;
allergic rash;
nausea;
intestinal disorder.

For an accurate calculation, it is necessary to take into account all sources of tocopherol entering the body. The doctor should ask the woman in detail about the foods she eats and carefully study the composition of complex vitamins. An overdose of vitamins during pregnancy leads to the development of serious pathologies in the child, but for this the norm must be exceeded several times.

Video: why drink vitamin E

Being in an interesting position, girls need to saturate their diet with useful substances: minerals, amino acids. Vitamin E during pregnancy is prescribed, if not during planning, then in the early stages. It is one of the most important connections for both mother and child.

What is it prescribed for?

It is believed that girls need to take certain vitamins regularly, regardless of various factors. Vitamin E is one of these. It is called the elixir of beauty, because it promotes skin elasticity, nail strength and good hair condition.

How is vitamin E useful during planning and pregnancy?:

Tocopherol helps improve reproductive functions. Before conceiving, many women experience various problems; to eliminate them, doctors often prescribe vitamin E;
It helps protect the skin from stretch marks and acne. It is a known fact that the condition of the epidermis depends on a number of external and internal factors. This includes care, proper nutrition, and walks in the fresh air. Tocopherol promotes the production of elastin, resulting in protection against the appearance of wrinkles and stretch marks. It can be taken orally and applied to problem areas;
Its deficiency may be the main cause of hair loss and brittle nails;
Like magnesium, it is an antioxidant. Its use will help normalize the functioning of the nervous system and protect against stress;
Folic acid, calcium and substance E contribute to the normal development of the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy. They are responsible for the functioning of the child’s future nervous system. In addition, they protect it from aggressive external factors.

But, tocopherol may also be harmful for the female body. Firstly, you may be allergic to it. It manifests itself in rashes and stomach upset. Secondly, according to some doctors, this substance dissolves in adipose tissue, which actively grows during pregnancy. Ultimately, its quantity may exceed the permissible limit.

Thirdly, it is not advisable to drink it in the third trimester. At this time, it can be extremely dangerous due to its ability to increase the elasticity of the uterus - this can contribute to premature birth.

Video: important vitamins during pregnancy

How to take vitamin E

Vitamin E is sold in capsules and solution; any type can be taken both during pregnancy and during planning and after childbirth. The doctor prescribes a dose based on the individual characteristics of the body. Considering that its excess in the body is very dangerous, you need to be careful when choosing the right dose.

The optimal daily dosage of vitamin E for the average adult is 20 mg, but during pregnancy this figure can vary greatly. In some cases (if there is a possibility of miscarriage at first), the dose is up to 400 mg. In this case, it is better to buy yourself tablets or multivitamins.

Photo – Vitamin E in products

When preparing for pregnancy, the optimal solution would be products containing this compound.

Table of products containing tocopherol and its dosage in it:

Product	Amount of tocopherol in 100 grams	Required amount per day (calculated at 300 mg/day)
Almond	27	1000
Wheat germ oil	300	100
Sunflower oil	75	400
Olive oil	7	4250
red fish	30	1000
Walnut	23	1100
Dried fruits	5	6000

Instructions on how and how much to drink vitamin E during pregnancy:

You should drink it throughout the first trimester - twice a day before meals. Depending on the chosen regimen, the doctor may prescribe one in the morning and one before bed. The dose of vitamin E is the smallest 200 mg, the maximum – 400 mg (only if there is a threat of pregnancy failure);
In the second trimester, this pattern changes slightly. During the period of active fetal development, the vitamin is prescribed in a complex of various minerals (calcium, zinc, magnesium). In most cases (if the pregnancy proceeds without pathologies), it should be taken once a day on an empty stomach. It's best in the morning;
This course lasts a month, after which you need to take a break. You should start taking tocopherol again only after taking tests from your doctor. Based on the general condition of the body, he makes a conclusion. Many girls are prohibited from taking it until the end of pregnancy;
In this case, nutrition comes to the fore. Containing products should be present in the daily diet: nuts, dried fruits, fats.

Photo – Vitamin E in capsules

After childbirth, an overdose of vitamin E is no longer as dangerous as during pregnancy, and the dosage rate is completely different. It is not recommended to take it for the first month - the body has accumulated enough nutrients, but you can start from the second month. Doctors recommend returning to the usual dose - from 20 to 60 mg (taking into account lactation).

Sometimes specialists in antenatal clinics also prescribe tocopherol injections. The injection solution is practically no different from the drinking solution, except that it is absorbed faster. Used for critical deviations.

Possible negative effects of tocopherol

Incorrect or excessive dosage of vitamins during pregnancy can have an extremely negative impact on the condition of both mother and child. An argument against prescribing a synthesized vitamin to a pregnant woman is that tocopherol can remain in adipose tissue, remaining there until it dissolves. During the period of bearing a child, significant changes occur in a woman’s body, as a result of which fat is burned more actively and tocopherol is released into the blood in larger quantities.

Due to these processes, an overdose may occur, resulting in unpleasant symptoms:

Changes in the functioning of the nervous system.
Decreased liver and kidney function.
Increased uterine tone, which is especially undesirable in the second and third trimesters.

The risk of excessive tocopherol accumulation increases if a woman takes vitamin-mineral complexes without following the instructions - more than once a day, without understanding the dosage, or if the period of taking the drug is too long.

Canadian scientists believe that the benefits of synthetic vitamin E for pregnant women are exceeded - it does not fully perform some functions. For example, it does not eliminate miscarriages in the first trimester and does not prevent the development of late toxicosis (preeclampsia and eclampsia).

A high dosage of vitamin preparations can lead to dire consequences:

Increases the risk of stillbirth.
Promotes low weight gain in the child.
Increases the likelihood of cardiovascular system defects.
Increases the risk of developing health problems in infants.

Studies conducted in the USA helped establish that children who were supplemented with synthesized vitamins were at risk for developing allergies and bronchial asthma. Scientists are inclined to think that the question of prescribing vitamin E in capsules should be decided individually, based on the nature of the woman’s diet.

Experts advise correcting the deficiency of an element with help - it is a varied and nutritious diet that allows you to fully and safely satisfy the body's needs. It is unacceptable to take synthetic vitamins in capsules in the later stages - tocopherol provokes hardening of the muscles of the uterus, thereby creating a threat of premature birth.

Menu for pregnant women

According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, a pregnant woman's diet should include meat, seafood, cereals, nuts, legumes, fresh vegetables and fruits, and vegetable oils. A nutritious diet with all of the listed products will provide the full amount of calories and all useful elements, while there is no need to prescribe synthetic vitamins in capsules.

One tablespoon of unrefined, non-deodorized sunflower oil can meet a woman's daily requirement for vitamin E during pregnancy, so no special effort is required. In addition to vegetable oils, tocopherol is found in green peas, legumes, spinach, cereals and butter. Ideally, foods high in vitamin E should be consumed in combination with foods containing light fats - since tocopherol is a fat-soluble vitamin, it is better absorbed in this tandem.

When are pills still needed?

More than half of the inhabitants of our country are deficient in vitamins. This applies to a greater extent to people living in areas with cold climates, where there are significantly fewer sunny days a year and the cost of fruits and vegetables is higher. In this case, the doctor may advise the pregnant woman to take additional synthetic tocopherol in capsules.

In addition, there are other situations in which the doctor will prescribe a vitamin preparation:

Inability to eat foods containing tocopherol in large quantities for any good reason.
Chronic diseases that provoke a deficiency of useful elements.
History of miscarriages, premature births, stillbirths and fetal anomalies.
Diabetes.

If the attending physician has decided that it is necessary to take a synthetic drug, you need to familiarize yourself with some rules in advance. You should find out why the medicine is prescribed and for how long it is taken. It is highly undesirable to make prescriptions and change the dosage on your own, as this can lead to a deterioration in the condition of both mother and child.

In pharmacies, tocopherol is supplied in capsules, tablets and injection solutions. In most cases, capsules with oily contents are prescribed - in this form it is better absorbed. In addition, the substance is part of complex. For example, it contains exactly the recommended daily allowance of vitamin E.

Tocopherol is considered one of the essential elements for the full development of the fetus and the prevention of pregnancy complications. However, as with any pharmaceutical drug, there are limitations to its use. You should not use it without a doctor’s recommendation or in excessive quantities. A woman always has a choice: to drink synthetic drugs or meet the need with food.