Prenatal vitamins are designed specifically with pregnant women in mind. Because pregnant women have to support both their own body's needs and the needs of their developing baby, prenatals contain more nutrients than a standard woman's multivitamin. If you are pregnant, opt for a prenatal over a standard multivitamin, or you may miss out on certain key nutrients.
Folic Acid
According to the Cleveland Clinic, pregnant women should get between 800 and 1,000mcg of folic acid from their prenatal vitamin. However, many multivitamins only contain around 400mcg. Why the extra need? In the earliest weeks of pregnancy the neural tube forms, which later develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord. Folic acid can help prevent neural tube defects, and may prevent a range of birth defects such as brain damage and spina bifida. Folic acid also helps with blood and protein production for both mom and baby.
Calcium
Calcium is an important nutrient for all women; however, pregnant women are at an even greater risk for bone problems without sufficient calcium in their diets. According to the Cleveland Clinic, mothers-to-be who do not get enough calcium during pregnancy may lose bone density. The developing baby needs calcium for healthy bone production, and will take it from mom's bones if necessary. While a woman needs around 1,000mg of calcium per day during pregnancy, the Cleveland Clinic recommends she take a supplement that contains at least 200 to 300mg. The average women's multivitamin contains sufficient amounts of calcium; however, it may be lacking in many other vitamins and minerals. Women who are concerned about the amount of calcium in their diets may wish to choose a prenatal containing more, or may wish to further supplement this nutrient with their diet.
Iron
Pregnant women need more iron than the average woman, an amount which can be tricky to get from diet alone. The Cleveland Clinic recommends pregnant women take a prenatal vitamin that contains at least 27mg of iron, which is nearly twice the average woman's daily requirement. Women who opt for a multivitamin over a prenatal vitamin may be short on iron, putting them at risk for pregnancy-related anemia. Even women who take their prenatal regularly may be at risk if their iron levels were low before they became pregnant.
When to Start Prenatals
Because prenatals contain more of many key nutrients, they are preferable to a multivitamin during pregnancy. However, women who are actively trying to get pregnant should also consider a prenatal. Taking a prenatal early can help a woman prepare her body for pregnancy, increasing her iron stores and ensuring she gets sufficient folic acid during the first month of pregnancy. This can help both her and her baby get off to a healthy nutritional start even before she knows she is pregnant.
Member Comments