Reasons to supplement iodine for pregnant mothers

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A mother lacking iodine during pregnancy can give birth to a child with congenital hypothyroidism, dullness, becoming a burden to the family and society. Therefore, in order for the fetus to develop optimally and the mother to be healthy enough to give birth, nurture and take care of the child, it is necessary to supplement iodine for pregnant mothers as prescribed by the doctor.

1. What is Iodine?

Iodine (Iodine) is a chemical element that occurs naturally in seawater and in some soils. Iodine is also found in marine organisms (fish, shrimp, seaweed), some soil crops, and in preparations from animals grazing on soil that contain iodine. In addition, iodine is also added to some foods such as salt and bread.

2. Why is it necessary to supplement with iodine for pregnant women?

The role of iodine for the human body in general and pregnant women in particular is very important. In the human body, the thyroid gland needs iodine to produce hormones that control metabolism and help the body grow. During pregnancy, the need for iodine of the pregnant woman's body increases by about 50% to meet the thyroid hormone needs of both mother and baby.
The hormones secreted by the thyroid gland will help develop the brain and nervous system of the fetus. After birth, thyroid hormones continue to be passed on to the baby through breast milk, ensuring the baby's brain and nervous systems develop. If a pregnant woman does not get enough iodine in her diet, the mother and fetus may be iodine deficient.
Iodine deficiency causes the thyroid gland to rapidly increase in size, causing thyroid enlargement or goiter. At the same time, iodine deficiency also affects the ability to produce hormones, making it difficult for pregnant women to chew and swallow, leading to hypothyroidism causing weight gain, fatigue, poor cold tolerance, depression. Besides, iodine deficiency can also greatly affect the brain development of children during pregnancy and after birth. Some children have difficulty learning due to iodine deficiency.
The most serious consequence of iodine deficiency is affecting the development of the fetus. Pregnant women with iodine deficiency have a high risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and birth retardation due to brain damage and low birth weight. In addition, children with iodine deficiency right from pregnancy are prone to birth defects such as paralysis of limbs, slurred speech, strabismus, deafness, and dumbness. Iodine deficiency also increases perinatal mortality.

3. How to supplement with iodine for pregnant mothers?

Iodine supplementation is essential. However, pregnant women need to know how much they should take in, not more or less than the recommended amount. According to the US National Institutes of Health, the recommended daily intake of iodine for pregnant women is 220 mcg. If you do not absorb enough iodine every day, pregnant women can compensate by eating foods rich in iodine or taking iodine supplements as prescribed by the doctor.
To ensure that mother and baby do not have iodine deficiency, pregnant women should note:
Organic bread, bread without salt or homemade bread often do not contain iodine. It is recommended to eat bread packaged for iodine supplementation, but check the iodine content on the bread's food label; Should eat seafood, but should avoid swordfish, sea bass, ... during pregnancy because the meat of these fish has high mercury content; Eat eggs, meat, vegetables (cooked potatoes, white beans, apples) and dairy products; Women with morning sickness who can't eat animal products need iodine supplements through drugs; Use salt with added iodine.

4. Note when supplementing with iodine for pregnant women

Supplement the right amount of iodine, not excess or lack. If pregnant women absorb iodine beyond the limit, the baby will be born with congenital hypothyroidism. When left untreated, hypothyroidism leads to cognitive impairment in infants and young children. At the same time, absorbing too much iodine also causes bad effects such as: goiter due to abnormally enlarged thyroid gland; thyroiditis and thyroid cancer ; burning sensation in the throat, mouth, and stomach; fever, diarrhea and stomach pain; nausea and vomiting; weak pulse and coma (rare cases); Be wary of the presence of nitrates in foods because they affect the absorption of iodine. Pregnant women should avoid processed foods and cold meats, hot dogs because they contain a lot of nitrates; If the pregnant woman has been taking iodine supplements in the past due to a thyroid problem, tell the doctor; Potassium iodide (KI) can be used to manage iodine deficiency and thyroid disorders; Iodine should not be used during pregnancy. Iodine tincture is an antiseptic used to treat minor wounds. Iodine alcohol is a mixture of 2% iodine and 2% sodium iodide in 50% alcohol. Ingestion of iodized alcohol by mistake can lead to death. If you are planning to become pregnant or are pregnant, women should go to the hospital to check iodine levels in the body and have the best solution to improve health status. Changing the diet, paying attention to supplementing with necessary nutrients is a measure to help pregnant women stay healthy and the fetus in the womb develops comprehensively.

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