Whether you're already pregnant or are trying to become so, if you've looked into pregnancy nutrition at all, you're probably aware that many women take a prenatal vitamin during pregnancy. There are a staggering variety of prenatals available by prescription and over the counter, but some simple guidelines will help you select the right one.
Function
The purpose of a prenatal vitamin is to help provide for your needs as a pregnant woman--and those of your developing baby. Many pregnant women are somewhat limited with regard to diet, either due to nausea or to food aversions, explain Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel in their book "What To Expect When You're Expecting." Prenatal vitamins help ensure optimal vitamin and mineral consumption even when diet isn't optimal.
Features
While many of the ingredients in a prenatal vitamin are similar to those in a regular multivitamin, you should watch for a few key ingredients that pregnant women need in higher amounts than found in ordinary vitamins. Folic acid, notes Dr. Raymond Poliakin in his book "What You Didn't Think To Ask Your Obstetrician," is one vitamin that's crucial to proper development of a baby, and your prenatal should contain 800 to 1,000 mcg.
Considerations
Many prenatal vitamins also contain high levels of iron, explains Dr. Miriam Stoppard in her book "Conception, Pregnancy and Birth." Prescription prenatals may be even higher in iron than over-the-counter prenatal vitamins, so it's worth discussing your iron needs with your doctor before making a vitamin choice. Some women experience significant gut disturbance from the iron in prenatal vitamins, meaning that for those with sensitive stomachs and lower iron needs, a lower-iron prenatal vitamin may be a good idea.
Time Frame
One important consideration with regard to a prenatal vitamin is when to begin taking one. Once a woman knows she's pregnant, it's a good idea to talk to her physician about starting a prenatal. If you're trying to conceive, however, you may benefit from certain vitamins that commonly occur in prenatals, even if you don't need a full prenatal vitamin. In particular, notes Dr. Poliakin, it's worth taking folic acid during the time when you're trying to conceive.
Warning
Because of the high quantity of iron in prenatal vitamins, it's best not to take them if you're not actually pregnant. Furthermore, prenatal vitamins can be toxic to men and children, again because of the high quantities of iron. Whether you're prescribed a prenatal or you purchase one from the store, make sure to keep it out of the reach of children, and don't use it as a regular--that is to say, non-prenatal--multivitamin.
References
- "What to Expect When You're Expecting"; Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel; 2008
- "Conception, Pregnancy and Birth"; Miriam Stoppard, M.D.; 2008
- "What You Didn't Think to Ask Your Obstetrician"; Raymond Poliakin, M.D.; 2007
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