Prenatal vitamins are recommended for those who are pregnant and those trying to conceive. Prenatal vitamins usually contain higher amounts of folic acid, calcium and iron than normal adult multivitamins. These extra nutrients are important for a developing baby. If you are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant, it is vital that you take a prenatal vitamin to fill in the gaps that you may be missing through your diet.
During Pregnancy
Taking prenatal vitamins during pregnancy is by far the most important time to take prenatal vitamins. Most prenatal vitamins contain between 600 to 1,000mcg of folic acid. Folic acid helps your baby's brain and spinal cord develop properly. Extra calcium promotes strong bones in both you and your baby, thus lowering your risk for developing osteoporosis. Extra iron helps the development of red blood cells and muscle tissues for your baby. Adequate intake of iron also lowers the risk for pre-term birth and low birth weight. Some prenatal vitamins contain docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, which helps support the development of your baby's brain and eyes. Prenatal vitamins also include other essential vitamins and nutrients important for your baby's development.
Pre-Pregnancy
If you are trying to get pregnant, a prenatal vitamin can help you get important vitamins that you are missing. It is best to start taking a prenatal vitamin three months before you conceive. Since the baby's neural tube, which eventually becomes his or her brain and spinal cord, develops during the first month of pregnancy, it is best to make sure that you are already taking your prenatal vitamin at the time that you conceive. If you are not planning a pregnancy, but are in your child-bearing years, take a multi-vitamin to make sure you are getting at least the recommended daily allowance of folic acid.
During Breast Feeding
Your doctor may recommend that you continue to take your prenatal vitamin even after you have had your baby, if you plan on breast feeding. By providing breast milk to your baby, you are providing him or her with the essential nutrients needed to grow and develop. Breastfeeding also builds the baby's immunity. Along with a healthy, balanced diet and proper hydration, you will need to continue your intake of 1,000mg of calcium each day.
When You Are Not Pregnant
You may have heard that taking prenatal vitamins can result in stronger nails and thicker hair. However, these claims are unproven. Since prenatal vitamins contain more folic acid, iron and calcium than the recommended daily allowance for adults, taking them may put you at risk for symptoms of toxicity. The recommended daily allowances of folic acid, iron and calcium are 400mcg/day, 18mg/day and 1,000 mg/day, respectively, for healthy adult females. Iron toxicity causes the most severe symptoms, such as constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and possibly even death. If you are not pregnant or do not plan to be, take a regular multivitamin instead of a prenatal vitamin.
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