Women want their babies to be born as healthy as possible, and since not all pregnant women eat ideal diets, most doctors prescribe prenatal vitamins when a woman becomes pregnant. However, it can be a good idea to start taking these vitamins even before you become pregnant, or take at least a folic acid supplement, according to an article by Dr. Elisa Ross on DrSpock.com.
Function
Prenatal vitamins contain most of the vitamins and minerals that are particularly important during pregnancy, including folic acid, iron and calcium, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Taking these vitamins can help make up for any deficiencies in your diet, although they cannot replace a healthy diet.
Time Frame
Because folic acid is particularly important during the first four weeks of pregnancy, a time when many women do not even know that they are pregnant, it can be good for women who are planning to get pregnant to make sure that they are getting enough of this nutrient, either through taking a folic acid supplement, a multivitamin or a prenatal vitamin, according to Dr. Ross. Otherwise, consider starting a prenatal vitamin as soon as you learn you are pregnant.
Significance
The folic acid in prenatal vitamins can help prevent brain and spinal cord birth defects in your baby, according to the March of Dimes. Consuming enough of the essential vitamins and minerals keeps you from getting depleted yourself and supplies the nutrients that your baby needs for proper growth and development. If you don't consume enough nutrients then your body takes what the baby needs from your vitamin stores.
Warning
Be careful not to take too many supplements during pregnancy, as it is possible to get too much of certain nutrients, such as vitamin A, and this can be harmful to both your baby and you. Always speak with your doctor about all of the supplements you are taking to make sure that they are safe in combination and safe during pregnancy, recommends the American Pregnancy Association.
Expert Insight
The March of Dimes recommends eating a balanced and healthy diet to get most of the nutrients that you need, and that those who cannot get sufficient amounts of the essential nutrients through their diet may need to take a supplement. This includes pregnant women and those who plan to become pregnant, as pregnancy increases a woman's vitamin and mineral needs.
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