Prenatal vitamin supplements supply vitamins and minerals that both mother and baby need during the nine months of pregnancy. They protect against diseases caused by deficiencies and promote the normal developmental processes taking place in the womb. If you plan to become pregnant, you should start taking supplements a few months before conception to ensure that both you and the baby are getting the right nutrients from the first day of pregnancy.
Features
A prenatal vitamin may contain 100 percent or more of the daily recommendation for pregnant women of most essential vitamins and minerals, with the exact amount depending on the specific brand. These supplements typically supply more folic acid, iron and calcium than standard multivitamins designed for people who are not pregnant.
Consequences for Baby
Without sufficient levels of essential vitamins and minerals, a baby may not develop properly in the womb. In some cases, the lack of particular nutrients may cause birth defects. A deficiency of folate in the early months of pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects such as spina bifida. A vitamin D deficiency in a mother-to-be may cause rickets in the newborn. The use of a prenatal vitamin may also reduce the risk of premature labor and birth.
Maternal Health
Because the mother's body pulls nutrients from her own system to meet the needs of the baby, a mom-to-be will often become deficient in nutrients before her baby is affected. Pregnant women are particularly prone to deficiencies in calcium, which is necessary for bone strength, and iron, which is important in blood cell production and muscle activity.
Alternatives
It is possible to get all of the necessary nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy from food sources, although taking a supplement is easier. Many foods are fortified with folic acid, a synthetic form of the vitamin folate, including breads, pasta and some juices. Leafy vegetables, legumes and liver are natural sources of this vitamin. Lean meats and egg yolk can provide iron. Dairy products, spinach and fortified juices all contain calcium. A healthy diet containing five or more servings of vegetables and fruits every day will often provide the necessary levels of other vitamins and minerals your baby needs.
Considerations
A prenatal vitamin provides many nutrients, but it may not provide them all. For example, 100 percent of the recommendation for calcium is typically not provided in a prenatal vitamin since this mineral is very big and would make these supplements uncomfortably large. Many pregnant women take a separate calcium supplement or meet their calcium needs through food sources. Since iron deficiency is common in pregnancy, some women need additional iron beyond what is provided by a prenatal vitamin. Some moms-to-be also take supplemental vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acids.
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