Thanks to advances in reproductive medicine, many people are able to get pregnant who might not otherwise. Fertility research has also added to medical knowledge about early pregnancy. We now know the importance of overall health to conception and implantation, even before a woman becomes pregnant. Nutrition is a key factor in preconception health.
Prenatal or Preconception Vitamins
For many years now, obstetricians have encouraged pregnant women to take daily nutritional supplements that are specifically formulated to optimize the maternal environment for a fetus. It turns out that such supplements are not only beneficial during the prenatal--before birth--period. They can also have a positive impact on pregnancy before conception even occurs. The same nutrients featured in prenatal vitamins can also be taken by women who aren't pregnant yet but who hope to be soon.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, or folate, has been proven effective in reducing the incidence of certain neural defects in unborn children, so it's a major component of prenatal vitamins. Experts recommend a minimum of 400mcg per day to avoid the risk of neural tube defects in offspring.
Calcium
Women always need more calcium than men for bone health, and it's even more important when a woman's body is working hard to help a little one grow. For women who are lactose intolerant or who simply don't drink enough milk or eat enough dairy products, prenatals can make up the difference.
Iron
Avoiding anemia is doubly important when you're eating for two, so preconception vitamins usually include about 30mg of iron. For this reason, supplements can be especially important for vegetarian moms-to-be.
Too Much of a Good Thing
It is possible to have too much of a good thing with vitamins, so never double-up on your daily. Dr. Eric Levens of Shady Grove Fertility Center warns that taking vitamins over and above standard prenatals might actually provide harmful levels of certain nutrients, as well as potential contaminants. Breea Johnson, MS, RD, LDN of Pulling Down the Moon echoes Dr. Levens' concerns about the extras in supplements--colorings and other additives--that should make a health-conscious, fertility-minded consumer think twice before choosing a vitamin.
Other Considerations
What to Expect suggests you check vitamins before purchasing them for the United States Pharmacopeia, or USP, seal of approval. This seal tells consumers that a vitamin will be optimally absorbed by the body. Also, and especially if you'll be taking the same vitamin during pregnancy, be sure you can tolerate swallowing the supplement you've chosen. Some prenatal tablets can be very large, and that won't work for everyone. Iron in supplements can cause constipation and gas--if that happens, consult your physician for alternatives.
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