Vitamin A is  a fat soluble vitamin stored in the liver. It is important for the growth of the fetus including development of the heart, lungs, eyes, kidney and bones. It also includes  development of  circulatory, respiratory and central nervous system. However you have to know that too much vitamin A intake can increase your risk for birth defects.

Vitamin A covers two nutrients known as  retinol or retinoids and provitamin A carotenoids. Preformed vitamin A  is found in animal products such as milk, egg and liver. Provitamin A carotenoids  are found in fruits and vegetables. There are a lot more carotenoids in nature but only a few can be  converted into vitamin A. The most common is beta carotene.

How much vitamin A do you need ?

Pregnant women, 19 and older: about 770 micrograms RAE of vitamin A (approximately 2,565 IU) per day
Pregnant, 18 and younger: 750 mg (2,500 IU)

Breastfeeding women, 19 and older: 1,300 mcg RAE (4,330 IU)
Breastfeeding, 18 and younger: 1,200 mcg RAE (4,000 IU)

Vitamin A and pregnancy

Too much of this vitamin  can cause birth defects in the unborn child. Liver contains the highest amount of performed vitamin A. It is better to avoid it during pregnancy to be sure that you dont get too much at once. 3-ounce serving of beef liver can contain more than 12 times the recommended daily amount of vitamin A.

Most prenatal vitamins contain this vitamin . It is therefore important to read the label to make sure you are not getting more than the recommended dose. Before you take any supplement during pregnancy, seek the okay of your doctor first.