Getting your daily vitamin and mineral requirements through food is typically the best way to meet your body's needs, even when pregnant. Sometimes, however, prenatal needs are not met through food alone. Prenatal vitamins can be obtained over-the-counter at most drug stores, or through a doctor's prescription. It is best to consult your physician about your pregnancy and your dietary needs, as some prenatal vitamins can target women with certain deficiencies that may be more than you need and be harmful to you or your baby. If you have any questions regarding your prenatal dietary needs, consult your doctor.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is an important vitamin component for pregnancy. Folic acid helps prevent birth defects in the neural tube, which translates into spinal cord and brain issues. Spina bifida, a condition where the spinal cord is exposed, and anencephaly, a severe underdevelopment of the brain, are common neural tube defects. According to the American Pregnancy Association, folic acid should be taken even before pregnancy, as neural tube defects commonly develop in the first 28 days of pregnancy, often before you know you are pregnant. The appropriate dose for adult women is 400mcgs of folic acid daily.
Iron
Iron contributes to muscle and blood cell growth in both the fetus and the mother during pregnancy. Iron is necessary to avoid anemia, a condition where healthy red blood cells are lacking in appropriate numbers. According to the University of California Medical Center, anemia is particularly common the second half of pregnancy and can be avoided by taking 30mg of iron daily. Symptoms of anemia may include fatigue and general lethargy.
Calcium
Calcium is important during pregnancy, because it is a key component in the development of healthy teeth and bones in both the fetus and the mother. Calcium also contributes to the health of muscular, circulatory and nervous systems in both the baby and mother. According to the March of Dimes, calcium is most needed by the fetus during the last two trimesters of development. During this time, if there is not enough calcium in the mother's diet, the fetus will leach calcium from the bones of the mother. This can lead to osteoporosis later in life for the mother. To avoid this, 1,000mg should be supplemented daily.
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