Vitamin B12 in Pregnancy and Postpartum: Why It Matters More Than You Think
Eggs B12
When it comes to pregnancy nutrition, iron, folate, and vitamin D often take the spotlight — but there’s another nutrient that deserves just as much attention: vitamin B12.
This powerhouse vitamin supports everything from your baby’s brain development to your own energy, mood, and recovery. Here’s what every parent should know.
🌱 What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential, water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in:
The production of red blood cells
Nerve and brain function
DNA synthesis
Energy metabolism
Because the body doesn’t produce B12, it must come from food or supplements.
🤰 Why B12 Matters in Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your need for B12 increases — both to support your growing baby’s neurological development and to maintain your own energy and red blood cell production.
Low B12 in pregnancy has been linked with:
Increased risk of neural tube defects (alongside low folate)
Fatigue and low mood
Anaemia (especially when paired with low folate or iron)
Impaired fetal brain and nervous system development
🍼 Postpartum: The Often-Missed Recovery Nutrient
After birth, B12 continues to play a vital role in:
Energy restoration and mood regulation — essential during the early postpartum period
Breast milk quality — adequate B12 ensures your baby receives enough for brain and nerve growth
Hormonal balance and mental clarity — supporting focus and emotional wellbeing
Low B12 postpartum is surprisingly common, especially in mothers who experienced heavy blood loss, follow vegetarian or vegan diets, or have absorption issues (common after pregnancy-related gut changes).
🥗 Where to Get It
Food sources:
Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy
Fortified plant-based milks, nutritional yeast, and cereals (for vegetarian/vegan diets)
Supplementation:
For those with low intake or absorption, a high-quality supplement or prenatal containing methylcobalamin (active B12) can help maintain healthy levels. Always check with your midwife, GP, or nutritionist before starting supplements.
💆♀️ Supporting Absorption & Energy Holistically
Gut health plays a key role in how well we absorb B12. At The Bubba & Me Club, our Nutrition Consultations can help you:
Identify early signs of deficiency (fatigue, tingling, brain fog)
Optimise your diet for absorption
Explore gentle, natural ways to support energy and hormone balance postpartum
✨ Key Takeaway
Vitamin B12 is one of the most underrated nutrients in pregnancy and beyond. Keeping your levels topped up supports your body, your baby, and your overall wellbeing.
If you’re feeling low on energy, mood, or focus — or you simply want reassurance your nutrition is on track — book a Nutrition Consultation in Tunbridge Wells this month.
📍 Personalised support for pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond — at The Bubba & Me Club.
