Vitamins are organic compounds that are required for survival by humans and other organisms. The human body can not synthesize vitamins by itself, so people must get vitamins from outside sources, such as food and sunlight. Pregnancy is a time when women's bodies are working overtime to provide nutrients to the growing fetus. There are several vitamins that pregnant women need significantly more of to help promote a healthy developing fetus. Most prenatal vitamins are available over-the-counter as vitamins and are only prescribed by a physician under special circumstances.
Folic Acid and Calcium
Pregnant women may benefit by taking prenatal vitamins with extra folic acid and calcium. According to the Institute of Medicine, pregnant women need around 600mcg of folic acid per day, but no more than 1,000mcg per day. Folic acid, also known as folate, is linked to a reduced chance of the baby developing neural tube defects. Calcium is also helpful during pregnancy. According to PrenatalVitamins.org, women who supplement with calcium during pregnancy may have a reduced risk for high blood pressure as well as maternal death, although the latter is quite rare. The Institute of Medicine states that pregnant women should consume 1,000mg per day, but no more than 2,500mg. Calcium is essential for fetal bone formation, blood clotting, nerve transmission and muscle contraction.
B Vitamins
Over-the-counter prenatal vitamins should also contain all of the essential B vitamins. The Diet Channel states that the daily recommended intake of B vitamins for pregnant women is 1.5mg of vitamin B1, 1.6mg of B2, 17mg of B3 and 2.2mg of both B6 and B12. All of these intakes are higher than what is needed by women who are not pregnant. The B vitamins are responsible for a wide range of functions that can benefit the health of a developing baby. B vitamins are responsible for nerve transmission, regulation of brain cells, healthy birth weight, infant length and head circumference, and energy storage and production.
Other Vitamins and Nutrients
There are several other vitamins and nutrients that women should look for when purchasing over-the-counter prenatal vitamins. Pregnant women need around 27mg of iron per day but no more than 45mg. Iron is helpful during pregnancy because it helps the mother and baby's blood carry extra oxygen. PrenatalVitamins.org also states that pregnant women may benefit from choosing over-the-counter prenatal vitamins with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid. Infants up to 2 years old who are prenatally supplemented with DHA may have advanced attention spans. Other prenatal vitamins and nutrients may include extra probiotics and co-enzyme Q10. PrenatalVitamins.org states that pregnant women who supplement with co-enzyme Q10 are 44 percent less likely to experience pre-eclampsia, a serious complication in which the mother may develop high blood pressure.
Member Comments