Prenatal vitamins are fortified with vitamins and minerals that are advantageous during pregnancy. These vitamins and minerals provide the mother's body with beneficial elements to support a healthy pregnancy as well as providing vital elements to help the baby develop in a healthy manner. Although prenatal vitamins are specifically catered to pregnant women, you can take them if you are not pregnant.
Folic Acid
Prenatal vitamins are packed with significant amounts of folic acid. Folic acid, also referred to as folate, is important to prevent the development of neural tube defects and help the brain, skull and spine develop in a healthy manner. For this reason, it is just as important for women who are not pregnant, but plan to become pregnant, to consume folic acid consistently. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, women ages 19 and older should generally consume 400mcg each day. Once a woman becomes pregnant, she should increase her intake of folic acid to 600mcg each day.
Calcium
Calcium is also an essential ingredient in prenatal vitamins because it is needed to maintain the mother's bone health and it helps baby's teeth and bones develop properly. The Office of Dietary Supplements advises that women ages 19 to 50 consume 1,000mg of calcium each day. The same amount is recommended for pregnant women.
Iron
Generally, iron is essential to the healthy development and maintenance of red blood cells. The need for iron increases during pregnancy because blood volume increases as the fetus grows. In addition, your baby also needs iron as it develops. Consuming iron regularly before, during and after pregnancy helps you to develop a solid reserve of iron, which becomes increasingly important near the end of pregnancy due to the blood lost during delivery. In general, women ages 19 to 50 should consume 18mg of iron each day. When you become pregnant, you should increase your intake to 27mg per day.
Timing of Prenatal Vitamins
Overall, it is appropriate for you to take prenatal vitamins even if you are not pregnant. However, you should only take them if you are looking to become pregnant in the near future. Because they contain increased amounts of vitamins like folic acid, calcium and iron, they can actually provide an excessive amount of these vitamins, which could negatively impact your health. The Mayo Clinic advises that women who are looking to become pregnant should start taking prenatal vitamins up to three months before they plan to conceive a child.
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