Once you find out you are pregnant, you may wonder how you can give your developing baby his best start. Although many vitamins and nutrients that are important for a healthy pregnancy can be found in certain foods, pregnant women need very specific types and amounts of vitamins and minerals to support their growing fetus. Combining a healthy diet with a prenatal vitamin will help ensure you are getting your daily supply of essential nutrition for your baby. Prenatal vitamins are available over-the-counter or from your health practitioner.
They Supply Folic Acid
Folic acid, also called folate, has been shown to prevent serious birth injuries such as neural tube defects or spina bifida. Prenatal vitamins generally contain between 600 and 1,000 mcg of folic acid. Since folic acid is so important in very early pregnancy, it is recommended that women who are trying to conceive ingest at least 400 mcg of folic acid before pregnancy and increase the dosage through prenatal vitamins once pregnancy is confirmed. Folic acid is also found in foods such as pasta, bread, and dark green or orange fruits and vegetables.
They Provide Calcium
Calcium, which is a vital nutrient in any diet, is especially important in pregnancy. Calcium helps to develop and sustain healthy bones and teeth for your baby. Additionally, calcium allows circulatory, nervous, and muscular systems to function well. It is important for pregnant women to get at least 1,000 mcg of calcium each day.
Since calcium is a bulky material, prenatal vitamins are not designed to give you a full day's required amount, and they typically only contain 100 to 200 mcg. Therefore, it is important to ingest additional calcium daily through dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt.
They Offer Iron
Pregnancy increases a woman's need for iron in her diet, and many women do not ingest enough iron from food alone to meet this requirement. Prenatal vitamins contain between 27 and 60 mcg of iron to help account for the increased usage by your baby. If your doctor determines from initial blood work that you need additional iron because of anemia or an iron deficiency, he will prescribe a vitamin that gives you the amount you need.
They Give DHA
Some, but not all, prenatal vitamins contain DHA, which is an important omega-3 fatty acid. DHA supports eye, nerve and brain development. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a prenatal vitamin containing DHA if you cannot find one on the store shelf. Alternatively, you may take a separate DHA supplement pill to get the recommended amount of 300 mcg per day.
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