List of Prenatal Vitamins Available

Doctors at the American Pregnancy Association report that prenatal vitamins are important for healthy fetal development. Women typically supplement their regular diets with a list of prenatal vitamins available though their obstetricians or off the shelf. Women supplementing prescribed vitamins with over-the-counter vitamins should tell their doctors to ensure no harmful interactions or overuse will affect their babies.

Folic Acid

Folic acid, or folate, is an important vitamin that helps support a newborn's spinal development. It is important that supplemental folate be taken in the first four weeks of the pregnancy to avoid conditions such as spina bifida. Doctors at Dr. Spock, an online informational resource site, recommend all women of childbearing age take a folic acid supplement because they often don't know they are pregnant until at least two weeks into the pregnancy. Folate can be found in over-the-counter vitamins such as Centrum or One-A-Day. Recommended preventive doses of folic acid are about 400 micrograms. Prenatal prescription vitamins typically have closer to 1,000 micrograms of folic acid.

Calcium

While calcium is important for building bones in every person, additional calcium vitamins are even more important for fetal bone development. Calcium also helps to send nerve signals and build a healthy heart. Women who don't get enough calcium are at a high risk for developing osteoporosis because the baby will draw out the calcium from the mother's body. Pregnant women should get about 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day. A calcium supplement should be fortified with vitamin D, which aids in the absorption of calcium.

Iron

Mothers can become anemic from a lack of iron as the baby uses up large amounts of iron for building blood cells. Severe anemia can lead to low birth weights and premature births. Iron supplements or vitamins with added iron are available over the counter. The most commonly used iron vitamin for pregnant women is ferrous sulfate. Doctors keep a close eye on iron levels in pregnant women, balancing needed supplement with side effects. Too much iron, more than 900 milligrams per day, can cause cramping and constipation.

Prescription Prenatal Vitamins

Many doctors recommend their patients take specially formulated prenatal vitamins that they prescribe, report doctors at the Cleveland Clinic. In addition to folic acid, calcium, vitamin D and iron, complete prenatal vitamins usually include vitamin A, B-12, zinc and other minerals and nutrients, as well as vitamins C and E.