Food supplements for pregnancy

The nutritional needs of the expectant mother increase during pregnancy, both to support her own health and to support the development of the placenta and the baby. While the main recommendation remains to follow a varied and balanced diet, certain nutrients such as vitamin B9, vitamin D, iron and omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficially complemented through targeted supplementation. The intake of certain vitamins and/or minerals such as vitamin D¹ or iron² contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Furthermore, health authorities recommend folic acid (vitamin B9) supplementation from the time of trying to conceive and up to 8 weeks after the start of pregnancy.

Pregnancy vitamins can be taken as soon as you start trying to conceive, as, alongside a balanced diet, they help build up essential nutrient stores to support a more confident conception journey. During the nine months of pregnancy, dedicated food supplements can complement a varied and balanced diet to help meet the increased nutritional needs of the expectant mother, particularly for vitamin B9 and vitamin D which contribute respectively to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy² and to the normal function of the immune system³.

To support new mothers after pregnancy, Boome also offers a range of post-partum products that are compatible with breastfeeding (except Libido Boost).

While every woman's situation during pregnancy is unique, health authorities recommend supplementing with vitamin B9, vitamin D, and sometimes iron.

What is vitamin B9 used for?For any pregnancy plan, vitamin B9 supplementation, also known as folic acid, is recommended 4 weeks before conception and up to 8 weeks after, with a recommended dose of 400 µg per day. Folic acid plays a role in the cell division process and helps reduce the risk of neural tube development abnormalities in the fetus.

However, other nutrients are also important during pregnancy, such as choline, iodine, and magnesium. Your healthcare professional may also prescribe a blood test to check your iron intake and, if necessary, recommend appropriate supplementation such as our Iron food supplement.

Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, plays an important role even before conception. It comes in two forms: folic acid, a synthetic form commonly used in food supplements, and folates, a naturally occurring form found in food, whose bioavailability is recognized. It plays a role in the cell division process and contributes to the normal synthesis of amino acids, two processes particularly active during the first weeks of pregnancy.

Vitamin B9 also helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus. This is why supplementation is recommended in addition to a diet rich in plant-based folates (green vegetables, legumes), as soon as pregnancy is planned.

Pregnancy requires special attention to consumption habits. It is essential to eliminate alcohol and drastically reduce caffeine intake. Regarding diet, avoid eating raw or undercooked meats, fish, and eggs, as well as certain raw milk cheeses, to protect against the risks of listeriosis and toxoplasmosis. For body care, it is advisable to be wary of cosmetics containing endocrine disruptors, such as certain phthalates or parabens. If in doubt about a product, consult the ingredient list.

Boome's pregnancy collection offers food supplements formulated to support the nutritional needs of pregnancy. These products are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Consult your doctor or midwife before any supplementation.

In addition to dietary supplements, certain foods pose a specific risk of infection during pregnancy:

• raw-milk cheeses (and their rinds, including those on soft cheeses),
• raw or undercooked fish (sushi, tarama, smoked fish),
• cooked artisanal deli meats (rillettes, pâtés, foie gras),
• ground or raw meat,
• raw shellfish and sprouted seeds

due to the risks of listeriosis, toxoplasmosis, and anisakiasis.

As for caffeine, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends not exceeding 200 mg per day from all sources combined (coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate). If you have any doubts about a food or product, ask your healthcare provider for advice

Sources:

• Foods to Avoid and Hygiene Precautions During Pregnancy, Ameli
• Listeriosis During Pregnancy, Santé.fr
• Caffeine: EFSA Estimates Safe Intakes, EFSA (2015)

Becoming a mother is a unique journey, but the daily life of a pregnant woman is often accompanied by a host of questions and doubts as the months go by.

First Trimester: waiting and adjusting

• Pregnancy viability: the fear of a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy before the first official ultrasound.
• Early physical discomforts: coping with intense fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and mood swings caused by hormonal changes.
• Doubt and caution: the stress of making a mistake regarding diet (toxoplasmosis, listeriosis) or taking medication without realizing it.
• The announcement: choosing the right time to tell friends, family, and your employer.

Second trimester: looking ahead and a changing body

• The baby’s health: anxiety about screening for Down syndrome and other abnormalities during the morphological ultrasound at 22 weeks of gestation.
• Physical changes: weight gain, the onset of the first aches and pains (specifically relating to the back, ligaments), and the impact on intimacy or self-image.
• Diagnosis of gestational diabetes: anxiety about the glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and any associated dietary restrictions.
• Decreased vigilance: uncertainty about the level of physical activity permitted for pregnant women or about performing everyday tasks.

Third Trimester: the urgency of D-Day and what comes after

• Childbirth and pain: fear of contractions, complications, episiotomy, or cesarean section, and hesitation about an epidural.
• Fetal health in late pregnancy: monitoring the baby’s movements (“Is the baby moving enough?”) and the risk of preterm labor.
• Logistics and lifestyle: finalizing the birth plan, packing the hospital bag, buying baby supplies, and finding childcare.
• Preparing for the postpartum period: concerns about successful breastfeeding, managing hormonal changes (especially the “baby blues”), exhaustion, and returning home.

Questions about your pregnancy? Explore our blog.

Every stage of motherhood brings its own set of questions. To guide you through your day-to-day life, we regularly share detailed articles, practical advice, and expert insights on the Boome blog to provide you with the information you need to feel confident and at ease.

Our articles are not a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional (doctor, midwife, or gynecologist). If you feel the need, please don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.