During pregnancy, a mother's need for several vitamins increases to support growth of both maternal and fetal tissues.
Vitamins are substances that are required in very small amounts for specific metabolic tasks.
Vitamin needs during pregnancy are usually met by a well-balanced and varied diet, but a few of these nutrients require special attention. Here is a summary of what's currently known about these nutrients, along with a few good food sources. The best way to maximize your intake of vitamins is to get them from foods. High doses of vitamin supplements can interfere with absorption of other nutrients and, in extremely high doses, some nutrients increase risks of birth defects. During pregnancy, folate plays a primary role helping cells to multiply in the developing fetus and protecting against maternal anemia.