Megadoses of vitamins A, B6, C, D, E, K, or too much iron, zinc, or selenium can be harmful during pregnancy. Again, see your physician or other provider for guidance. Women with PKU who have high blood levels of phenylalanine during pregnancy are likely to give birth to children with mental retardation and other congenital abnormalities. By lowering phenylalanine levels during early pregnancy you can reduce these risks. Nervous System One of the most promising new pre-conceptional recommendations is a daily dose of folic acid.
Folic acid is one of the vitamins in the B-complex.
It has been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of abnormalities of the spinal column, such as spina bifida, particularly when taken from the earliest days of pregnancy. Your health care provider will prescribe the dosage and course that s best for you. While all women who may become pregnant can benefit from folic acid supplementation, the therapy is especially recommended to women with a history of fetal neural tube defects. Some of the most common neonatal problems are also the most preventable. While smoking and taking addictive drugs are always bad for your health, you should take special measures to kick these habits as you plan a pregnancy.