The Impact of Vitamin Deficiencies on Pregnancy and Baby's Health
August 20, 2025Did you know that over 50% of women of reproductive age worldwide are affected by at least one micronutrient deficiency? Pregnancy is a memorable phase in a woman’s life that needs special nutritional attention. Without proper supplementation or guidance, even the healthiest diets may fall short, especially when considering factors like pre-existing health conditions or food access issues. Moreover, vitamin deficiency during pregnancy often goes unnoticed until it shows up in complications, such as fatigue, preterm birth, or developmental delays. It can even lead to several complications for both the mother and the child.
Usually, a blood test is conducted to identify a deficiency of vitamins, minerals, and other critical nutrients to suggest the best diet plan and treatment approach. Let’s see the most common vitamin deficiencies in pregnancies and babies’ health, their impact, and how to mitigate them easily.
Top Vitamin Deficiencies in Pregnancy and How They Affect the Baby
Let’s check out this table for a detailed analysis of how vitamin deficiency during pregnancy impacts maternal and baby’s health:
|
Vitamin |
Role |
Impact (In case of Deficiencies) |
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Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) |
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Vitamin D (Calciferol) |
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Vitamin A (Retinol) |
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Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) |
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Vitamin C |
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Folate (Folacin) |
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Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) |
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Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) |
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Vitamin K |
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A deficiency of vitamin K can lead to a severe bleeding disorder known as Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB). |
How Much Vitamin Do You Need Per Day During Pregnancy?
If you have a vitamin deficiency during pregnancy, you should follow the recommended amount of vitamins. Below, we mentioned the official recommended amount of each vitamin during pregnancy and its sources:
- Folic Acid: The recommended amount is 600 mcg/day during pregnancy. The ideal sources of folic acid are avocados, lentils, bananas, leafy greens, spinach, and Brussels sprouts.
- Vitamin A: The recommended amount is 770 mcg/day and it’s present in good quantity in carrots, green leafy vegetables, and sweet potatoes.
- Vitamin B12: The recommended amount of vitamin B12 is 2.6 mcg/day, and its dietary sources are cereal, seaweeds, nutritional yeast, fortified non-dairy milk, and supplements.
- Vitamin B6: The recommended amount of vitamin B6 during pregnancy is 1.9 mg/day. You can get it from walnuts, avocados, peanuts, cauliflower, corn, bananas, bell peppers, prunes, and tomatoes.
- Vitamin C: The recommended amount is 80-85 mg/day, and oranges, kiwi, papaya, red bell peppers, and citrus fruits are the best sources of vitamin C.
- Vitamin D: The recommended amount is 10 mcg/day. The best source of vitamin D is fresh and clean sunshine. Besides, you can get it from fortified non-dairy milk and cereals.
- Vitamin B2: The recommended amount is 1.4 to 1.6 mg/day. Sources include milk products, almonds, grapes, apples, cereals, meat, and eggs.
- Folate (Folacin): The recommended amount of folate during pregnancy is 600 mcg/day. The best sources to meet this vitamin deficiency during pregnancy are peanuts, sunflower seeds, parsley, walnuts, beans, spinach, broccoli, and watercress.
- Vitamin K: The recommended amount of vitamin K is 90 mcg/day. The best sources are leafy vegetables, egg yolk, chicken thigh, beef, and tomatoes.
Manage Vitamin Deficiency During Pregnancy With the Right Advice!
Vitamin deficiency during pregnancy can have drastic consequences on both the mother's and the baby’s health. Vitamins A, B-complex, C, and D are among the most critical vitamins that need attention during this period. In cases where dietary intake isn’t sufficient, your healthcare provider may suggest some supplements, but in moderation; otherwise, it may result in toxicity and adverse effects. Eating a balanced diet, taking prenatal vitamins, and keeping up with regular checkups can go a long way in supporting a healthy pregnancy.
If you are planning to conceive or facing any fertility concerns, don’t hesitate to consult the experts at Apollo Fertility because early guidance makes all the difference.
Folic acid, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, and B-complex vitamins are the best consumed during pregnancy. However, it is essential to have them in moderation or after consulting your healthcare provider.
It depends on your vitamin profile if you find any vitamin deficiency after going through a blood test, then you can take prenatal vitamins every day during pregnancy. This provides all the essential nutrients that will help in your baby's growth.
Overconsumption of vitamin A can harm your baby’s development. So, it’s best to consume it in the recommended amount of 770 mcg/day during pregnancy.
Consumption of folic acid enhances your chances of getting pregnant naturally and improves your chances of undergoing fertility treatments. A deficiency of folic acid can increase the risk of a fetus's neural tube defects in the baby.
