Vitamin-B12 Deficiency during pregnancy: Risks, Symptoms & Prevention

Reviewed by Public Health Expert (MPH), with experience in maternal and child health programs.

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Vitamin-B12 – Find the evidence, consequences and prevention measures. Pregnancy related vitamin-B12 deficiency could be detrimental to the growth of the fetus. Vitamin-B12 is a very crucial nutrient essential in pregnancy. Pregnant women, who are deficient in nutrients, may experience health problems and may also influence the growth and development of their babies. Learning about the causes, risks and prevention of Vitamin-B12 deficiency is one of the ways to achieve a more successful pregnancy.

Introduction:

The issue of Vitamin-B12 deficiency in pregnancy is increasing, especially among pregnant women with a vegetarian or even a vegan diet. Because most of the Vitamin-B12 is available in foods with animal origin, insufficient consumption may lead to development of complications to the mother and the developing fetus.

Sufficient Vitamin-B12 is necessary to form red blood cells, brain and fetal health. In case of inadequate intake, the chances of anemia, neurological and birth defects may rise.

Mothers who follow strict vegetarianism are more likely to have Vitamin-B12 deficiency.

This may increase the possibility of birth defects including brain and spinal cord.

Your diet is having the following suggestive food rich in Vitamin-B12, please check:

What is Vitamin-B12 deficiency?

Being water-soluble, vitamin-B12 (cobalamin) aids the formation of red blood cells, supports the brain and nervous system and participates in developing DNA. Vitamin-B12 requirement increases significantly during pregnancy as it contributes to the fetus growth.

Cobalamin or vitamin B12 needed to:

• Formation of red blood cells
• Correct nervous system and brain functioning.
• DNA reproduction and cell division.

The vitamin B12 needs are higher during pregnancy as the vitamin helps the brain of the fetus to develop and the nervous system to grow.

Why vitamin-B12 is important during pregnancy?

Vitamin B12 is essential in the proper development of the fetus. It closely interacts with folate to assist in the development of the neural tube that is later developed into the brain and the spinal cord of the baby.

If the level is low it leads to :

• Neural tube defects
• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight
• Growth and neurological developmental delays

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Recommended Intake of Vitamin B12 in Pregnancy:

• Pregnant women: 2.6micrograms (mcg) a day. – Check in Amazon
• Women who are breastfeeding: 2.8mcg per day.

Such needs might differ according to personal health issues, so it is advisable to consult a physician.

Reasons why Pregnant Women are Vitamin B12 Deficient:

The deficiency of vitamin B12 during pregnancy may be as a result of:

• Strict vegetarianism or veganism.
• Poor dietary intake
• Absorption disorders-digestive disorders.
• Pernicious anemia
• Past history of gastric or intestinal surgery

Since the body is not able to synthesize the Vitamin B12, it should be consumed in the diet or in the form of supplements.

Maternal Complications:

1. Megaloblastic Anemia

• The symptoms can be fatigue, weakness, paleness of the skin, dizziness and shortness of breath.

2. Neurological Problems

• Chronic lack may lead to memory, mood fluctuations, numbness or tingling of hands and feet, walking difficulties and learning difficulties.

3. Pregnancy Complications

• Vitamin B12 has been linked to a high risk of preterm births in pregnancy.

Fetal Complications:

• In pregnant women, taking vitamin B12 before birth supports the correct closure of the neural tube in the fetus. It may increase the risk of birth defects like spina bifida and anencephaly.
• Developmental Delays: Insufficient Vitamin B12 during pregnancy may lead to developmental delays, cognitive impairment, and neurological abnormalities of the child.
• Failure to thrive can happen with newborns, a warning sign that their growth is weak and their feeding may be off.
• Eating a vegetarian or vegan diet may mean that women during pregnancy are not getting enough Vitamin-B12 as it mostly appears in animal foods.
• Pregnant women need greater quantities of nutrients and vitamins than they previously needed, therefore they need to monitor their diets.
• When pregnant, women must consume more vitamins and minerals than usual and this means they need to focus on their diet.

Diets Rich in Vitamin B12

The food sources of vitamin B12 in animals are:

• Meat and poultry
• Fish and shellfish
• Eggs
• Milk, cheese and yogurt
• Fortified cereals

Plant-based milk, nutritional yeast and breakfast cereals are fortified foods that can be used by vegetarians and vegans to get Vitamin B12.

Dietary Modifications: Check in Amazon

• All nutritionists should acknowledge the necessity of Vitamin B-12 and inform the patients where it is available like from meat, eggs, dairy products & fortified cereals etc.
• Vegetarians and vegans can try special forms of plant-based food, including soy milk, nutritional yeast and B12 supplements.

Supplementation: Check in Amazon

• If their health-care provider advises it, expectant women at risk of deficiency should add Vitamin B12 to their diet.
• Because the body needs extra B12 during pregnancy, many prenatal vitamins include it.
• Vitamin B12 is normally found in prenatal vitamins.
• Supplements may be necessary to women who are at risk of deficiency.
• The use of supplements should never be without a medical practitioner.

Regular Monitoring:

• At this time, testing pregnant women includes measuring vitamin B12 and other vitamins in their blood.
• As soon as the symptoms are spotted, both the mother and her baby get the treatment they need.

Medical Conditions which are to be managed:

• Doctors often give shots of B12 for pernicious anemia or other digestive system problems to prevent a lack of B12.
• Pernicious anemia
• Digestive system disorders
• Malabsorption conditions

Concluding Points:

The deficiency of vitamin B12 during pregnancy is an acute yet avoidable disorder. Pregnant women may take care of their health by adhering to the balanced diet, taking the right supplements and attending a regular checkup to ensure that the fetus develops well.

The importance of early realization and adequate control of Vitamin B12 levels is essential to be healthy during pregnancy and a good beginning to the infant.

FAQs:

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Trusted References and Research Sources:

1. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin B12 and Other B-Complex Vitamins – NCBI Bookshelf
2. Vitamin B12 Reference Intervals – Clinical Insights from PubMed Research
3. Vitamin B12 Deficiency – Causes, Symptoms, and Management (StatPearls, NCBI)
4. Vitamin B12 Reference Intervals on Beckman, Roche, and Siemens Analytical Platforms – PubMed
5. Top Foods You Should Eat if You Have a Vitamin B12 Deficiency – Healthline
6. Vitamin B12 Foods – 12 Excellent Dietary Sources for Energy and Health
7. Vitamin B12 Dosage Guide – How Much Should You Take Per Day?

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