Prenatal vitamins are important not only for a healthy pregnancy, but for the health of the developing baby as well. While many vitamins and minerals are important during pregnancy, many play important roles in key developmental stages. Getting enough of these key nutrients increases the odds of a healthy pregnancy and birth.
Folic Acid
Folic Acid is one of the most important components of a prenatal vitamin. It is so important to fetal development that MayoClinic.com recommends women who are trying to get pregnant should start taking supplements containing folic acid at least three months in advance. In addition, the March of Dimes suggests women who may become pregnant, even if not actively trying, take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid supplement every day. Folic acid is a key component of healthy neural tube development, which occurs so early in pregnancy that some women may not even know yet that they are pregnant. The recommended amounts vary; however, the American Pregnancy Association recommends all pregnant women take a daily supplement containing at least 600 micrograms of folic acid.
Iron
Iron is also important early on in pregnancy as the mother's blood supply increases. Iron helps prevent anemia during this time, and may also help prevent premature delivery as well as low birth weight. In addition, adequate iron intake is beneficial for both mom and baby's muscle development throughout pregnancy. The APA recommends pregnant women get at least 27 mg of iron daily.
Calcium
Calcium helps baby build strong teeth and bones during development. Mothers-to-be who do not get enough calcium in their diets are at risk for losing the calcium from their own bones since the baby has to get it from somewhere, which makes bone density loss a threat for women who do not get adequate calcium every day. In addition, MayoClinic.com reports that calcium helps baby's muscle and nervous systems function smoothly. According to the APA, pregnant women should aim for around 1000 to 1300 mg of calcium every day.
DHA
DHA is an omega 3 fatty acid that is vital for baby's brain and eye development. While it can be found in oily fish, not all women get enough of this key nutrient from their diet alone. The March of Dimes recommends pregnant women get at least 200 mg of DHA every day. Unfortunately, DHA is not always included in prenatal vitamins. Women who are lacking this important nutrient in their diet may require a separate supplement.
Prenatals vs Multivitamins
For women who are trying to get pregnant or who are already pregnant, prenatal vitamins offer a guarantee that she will get the vital vitamins and minerals required for healthy baby development. Unlike a standard multivitamin, prenatals often contain higher concentrations of these optimal nutrients, eliminating any guesswork. While prenatal vitamins are not an excuse to pay less attention to the diet, they can help pregnant women ensure they are getting adequate nutrition to meet both their own needs and those of their developing baby.
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