There is so much controversy and misinformation
regarding what can and cannot be used during pregnancy. One major issue is
regarding Vitamin A. Many doctors tell their pregnant patients that during the
first trimester [3 months] that they are not allowed to take Vitamin A supplements.
Let us clarify why:-
SYSTEMIC VITAMIN A - [means taking a supplement by mouth] - This is
the form of Vitamin A the doctor is referring to and concerned about if one
gets too much. Vitamin A supplements should not be taken during the first 3
months of pregnancy as high doses of Vitamin A have been found to possibly
cause birth defects and liver toxicity. Vitamin A is very important to you and
your baby and a healthy diet will provide sufficient amounts. It is found
naturally in meat, fish, dairy, fortified cereals, fruit and vegetables [beta
carotene]. It is critical for you and your baby to have a good balanced diet.
TOPICAL VITAMIN A - [means applied externally to the skin] - Vitamin
A, in the forms of Retinyl Palmitate or beta carotene, are safe to be applied
to the skin during pregnancy. These have great benefits for the skin, aiding
condition, and in combination with other natural ingredients, helps to prevent
stretch marks. Very importantly these forms of Vitamin A when applied
externally work on the skin but do not work systemically [do not penetrate into
the blood stream] so will not be toxic.
Kayla Pretorius
There is so much controversy and misinformation regarding what can and cannot be used during pregnancy. One major issue is regarding Vitamin A. Many doctors tell their pregnant patients that during the first trimester [3 months] that they are not allowed to take Vitamin A supplements. Let us clarify why:-
SYSTEMIC VITAMIN A - [means taking a supplement by mouth] - This is the form of Vitamin A the doctor is referring to and concerned about if one gets too much. Vitamin A supplements should not be taken during the first 3 months of pregnancy as high doses of Vitamin A have been found to possibly cause birth defects and liver toxicity. Vitamin A is very important to you and your baby and a healthy diet will provide sufficient amounts. It is found naturally in meat, fish, dairy, fortified cereals, fruit and vegetables [beta carotene]. It is critical for you and your baby to have a good balanced diet.
TOPICAL VITAMIN A - [means applied externally to the skin] - Vitamin A, in the forms of Retinyl Palmitate or beta carotene, are safe to be applied to the skin during pregnancy. These have great benefits for the skin, aiding condition, and in combination with other natural ingredients, helps to prevent stretch marks. Very importantly these forms of Vitamin A when applied externally work on the skin but do not work systemically [do not penetrate into the blood stream] so will not be toxic.