If you choose to take a supplement during pregnancy, it’s wise to check whether or not you actually need to take vitamin B as a prenatal supplement. It could be that you can get enough vitamin B in your diet.

If you’re low in vitamin B and your diet isn’t sufficient, there is some risk of neural tube birth defects. It can also cause you to experience fatigue and nausea.

Read on to be more informed about everything vitamin B!

What is vitamin B?

The B vitamin group is a class of water-soluble vitamins. They are essential for the synthesis of red blood cells and have a vital role in cell metabolism.

The vitamin B complex is made up of groups of vitamin B, from B1 to B12.

Vitamin B complex during pregnancy is it safe?

The right recommended intake, prescribed by an experienced practitioner, is known to be safe and is essential during pregnancy.

All B vitamins help the body convert carbohydrates into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy. These B vitamins are often referred to as B-complex vitamins.

The requirement for folic acid (vitamin B9) is increased in pregnancy. As mentioned above, taking folic acid supplements decreases the baby’s chances of developing defects in the central nervous system and other neural tube defects.

Be sure to read Prenatal Multivitamins: Are They A Waste Of Money?

Can you have too much vitamin B in pregnancy?

It is important you take only the amount prescribed to you or as outlined on the bottle.

Doctors recommend you do not take large doses of vitamin B6 while pregnant, as it might cause numbness and nerve damage in some women.

Vitamin B deficiency in pregnant women

For any women of childbearing age, not having enough vitamin B12 can mean miscarriage or infertility.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to:

Increased risk of early birth
Effects on baby’s brain development
Possible neural tube defects.

It is recommended you take a vitamin B complex if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Vitamin B for nausea during pregnancy

Unfortunately, vitamin B rarely reduces vomiting associated with morning sickness. The good news is the nausea of morning sickness is often greatly improved by taking vitamin B6.

Vitamin B has been seen to have no harmful effects on the baby, resulting in a healthy pregnancy.

Importance of vitamin B12 during pregnancy

We know that vitamin B is vital and the body needs it to produce red blood cells. It is also vital to prevent spina bifida and other nervous system defects in your newborn.

Does vitamin B make you poop?

Vitamin B complex might make you poop, as it helps the contraction of muscles in the bowel system, increasing the amount of digestive juices.

One of the potential side effects of B12 is diarrhea, although some women report constipation and allergic reactions that appear as a rash.

Vitamin B shot while pregnant

The vitamin B shot is safe to have while pregnant. It is often recommended if you have low energy, if you’re a strict vegetarian or vegan, or if you are breastfeeding.

The medication is called hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B 12) and is derived from the natural form of vitamin B.

For more information please read You May Have A Vitamin B12 Deficiency.

Which vitamins should be avoided in pregnancy?

There are a number of vitamins that should be avoided in high doses. The most common are vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E, as they might have dangerous effects for you and your baby.

Be mindful that these are contained not only in supplementation but also in foods such as liver and pate. These foods are best avoided in pregnancy.

Vitamin B6 as a prenatal vitamin

One of the beneficial effects of vitamin B6 is that it helps babies to metabolize carbohydrates and proteins. Taking vitamin B6 when pregnant will help develop your baby’s brain and nervous system.

You can also get B6 from your diet, as listed below.

Foods high in vitamin B6

Garlic
Beans
Sweet potatoes
Chickpeas
Avocados
Hazelnuts
Sunflower seeds
Brown rice
Prune juice
Spinach
Bananas
Papayas
Chicken
Pork loin
Wild salmon
Turkey
Grass-fed beef
Tuna
Leafy greens.

Does vitamin B cause weight gain?

Generally, a symptom of B12 deficiency is loss of appetite. Taking the supplement will help with this and you may notice some weight gain having been able to eat a balanced diet.

Foods rich in vitamin B1 and vitamin B7 for pregnant women

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is vital to your developing baby and your overall pregnancy outcome.

Vitamin B7 is also known as biotin. Mild biotin deficiency is often seen during pregnancy. It can lead to abnormal development in the fetus.

Below are all the foods rich in vitamin B1 and vitamin B7 to include in your healthy diet:

Peas
Oats
Pork
Lentils
Pecans
Salmon
Brazil nuts
Dried beans
Wheat germ
Nutritional yeast
Whole grain pasta
Fortified bread or cereals.

Foods rich in vitamin B7 for pregnant women

Oats
Avocado
Spinach
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Legumes
Royal jelly
Fortified cereal
Brewer’s yeast
Blackstrap molasses
Swiss chard
Wild salmon
Mushrooms
Wheat bran
Cheese
Raspberries
Cauliflower
Egg yolks
Chicken
Potatoes
Soy
Milk
Cashew nuts
Liver/organ meats
Pork.

Vitamin B pregnancy dose

B vitamin supplements contain a number of B vitamins, not just one; that’s why the supplement is called a complex of vitamins.

The dose will vary for your requirements, as some women might have enough vitamin B in their diet.

If you can’t get enough via your diet, the National Institute of Health recommends 500mcg while breastfeeding and 600mcg when pregnant.

For more information on dosage, talk to your care provider about the correct amount for you.

Does Vitamin B complex make you sleepy?

There is some evidence that taking the B vitamin in the evening can affect your sleep. It is recommended you take B vitamins in the morning, ideally with some food to increase absorption.

Does vitamin B supplementation cause birth defects?

We have discussed vitamin B deficiency along with the implications for the baby of low birth weight and birth defects. There is no research that shows vitamin B itself causes birth defects.

Is vitamin B the same as folic acid supplements?

One of the eight B vitamins, B9 is also known as folate or folic acid. Vitamin B9 assists the body in using proteins and fat.

Folic acid supplements (prenatal vitamins) are recommended for pregnant women to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

Please read Folic Acid For Pregnancy – Facts You MUST Know for more information.

Is there a vitamin B4?

Vitamin B4, also known as adenine, is soluble in water. Closely related to B2 and B3, adenine is the vitamin that generates our bodies’ energy levels.

Below are all the foods that provide Vitamin B2 and Vitamin B3 to your diet.

Foods rich in vitamin B2 for pregnant women

Almonds (roasted) are an excellent source
Sweet potatoes
Carrots
Oats
Peas
Tempeh
Broccoli
Leafy vegetables
Green vegetables
Spinach
Fenugreek
Asparagus
Mushrooms
Whole grain cereals
Nutritional yeast
Fortified cereals
Brussel sprouts
Cottage cheese and ricotta
Milk
Egg
Natural yogurt
Wild salmon (it has the highest concentration of B2 found in animal sources)
Pork, chicken, beef (liver and kidneys offer high amounts).

Foods rich in vitamin B3 for pregnant women

Turkey
Venison
Wild salmon
Chicken breast
Peanuts
Crimini mushrooms
Liver
Tuna
Peas
Tahini
Kidney beans
Grass-fed beef
Sunflower seeds
Avocados
Asparagus
Tomatoes
Bell peppers
Sweet potato
Brown rice

What is vitamin B5 good for?

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is absolutely vital. It helps maintain the production of red blood cells. B5 also supports the stress and sex hormones in glands at the apex of the kidney and adrenal glands.

B5 assists in breaking down the carbohydrates and fats we need to maintain energy levels.

Here are some vitamin-rich foods that contain B5:

Sunflower seeds
Sweet potato
Avocado
Whole grains or fortified cereals
Crimini mushrooms
Oats
Organic corn
Cauliflower
Wild salmon
Chicken breast
Milk
Oranges
Bananas
Sun-dried tomatoes
Trail mix (seeds, nuts, and chocolate chips).

Vitamin B for skin in pregnancy

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is responsible for glowing, refreshed skin during pregnancy. B2 is also vital for keeping the eyes healthy in pregnant women.

You can take 1.4mg of riboflavin daily.

Foods rich in riboflavin: