One of the best things a woman can do during her pregnancy is take a prenatal vitamin. However, a prenatal vitamin is designed to be a supplement only, not to take the place of good nutrition. With a combination of healthy eating and a good prenatal vitamin, pregnant women can ensure they are getting everything their developing babies need.
What's in a Prenatal?
A prenatal vitamin is not the same as a multivitamin. Prenatal vitamins are designed to supplement a pregnant woman's specific nutritional needs, which are often different than those of her non-pregnant counterparts. Prenatal vitamins contain more iron, calcium and folic acid than the average multivitamin, three very important vitamins and minerals for healthy embryo and fetal development. If a woman does not get enough of these nutrients during her pregnancy, she is at a greater risk for pregnancy complications. These include neural tube defects, bone density loss and anemia.
Healthy Pregnancy Diet
Pregnant women are encouraged to focus on nutrient-rich foods during their pregnancy. For instance, fortified cereals and leafy greens are good sources of folic acid. In addition, low-fat dairy products provide calcium, vitamin D and protein, all of which are vital for the unborn baby's development. Colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and lean proteins are also high on the list of recommended pregnancy foods. The American Pregnancy Association recommends pregnant women get at least three servings each of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products every day. In addition to this, they recommend nine servings of whole grains.
Diet Alone
It is possible for a woman to get everything she needs from her diet alone if she consults a nutritionist and is diligent about what she eats; however, this is not necessarily recommended. The March of Dimes reports that some pregnant women may need more nutrients than others, especially if they have underlying health conditions. Pregnant women with dietary restrictions such as vegetarianism or lactose intolerance may find it challenging to get enough iron and calcium in their diets without the use of supplements. In addition, women who do not have access to plentiful healthy foods or women who did not eat well prior to their pregnancy can benefit from supplements to ensure they are getting enough of what their baby needs to grow.
Prenatals Alone
While prenatal vitamins do supply most of a pregnant woman's daily dose of vital minerals and vitamins, they do not take the place of healthy eating. For one, prenatal vitamins do not contain protein. Pregnant women need at least 71g of protein every day for healthy baby development, says the Mayo Clinic. In addition, pregnant women also need more calories than they did before they were pregnant to support their body's changes and to fuel their baby's growth. Finally, prenatal vitamins do not often contain either fiber or essential omega-3s, both of which are recommended during pregnancy. The best approach for women is to eat as well as they can during their pregnancy, and to take a prenatal vitamin as directed by a physician to fill in any potential gaps.
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