Beginning soon after conception, pregnancy is characterized by a period of fast physiological and nutritional changes in the mother to support the developing fetus and placenta. Pregnancy-related dietary guidelines place a strong emphasis on getting enough calories while avoiding foods and drinks that could harm the growing fetus. Pregnancy-related micronutrient recommendations include those for calcium, folic acid, and iron. Consuming multivitamins on a daily basis is essential for controlling DNA methylation with folate and B vitamins, preventing oxidative damage through antioxidants, promoting bone metabolism with calcium and vitamin D, and supervising cell growth, differentiation, and proliferation with retinol, calcium, and vitamin D.
