Many pregnant women faithfully take their prenatal vitamins throughout pregnancy; some even start prenatal vitamins before they get pregnant. But others literally can't stomach prenatal vitamins, and worry about the effect not taking prenatal vitamins might have on their babies. Prenatal vitamins ensure that you get all the nutrients you need during pregnancy, but for most nutrients, a healthy diet can supply the same needs. Some supplements are still recommended at different times in pregnancy; talk with your medical practitioner for specific recommendations to keep you and your baby healthy.
Early Pregnancy Essentials
The most essential vitamin supplement in early pregnancy is folic acid, part of the B-complex vitamins. An adequate folic acid intake reduces the risk of neural tube defects by 50 to 70 percent, according to BabyCenter. Even if you don't take a multivitamin in early pregnancy, take a minimum of 400mcg of folic acid even before you get pregnant. Increase to 800 to 1,000mcg of folic acid once you become pregnant, the Mayo Clinic suggests. Neural tube defects, which include anencephaly, a missing part of the brain, or spina bifida, an abnormal opening in the spine, occur very early in pregnancy, usually within the first 28 days after fertilization. Continue folic acid supplementation through the first three months of pregnancy.
Iron
Many women complain of nausea if they take supplements containing iron early in pregnancy. In the first trimester, extra iron is usually not necessary, but the National Academy of Sciences recommends taking 30mg of supplemental iron in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Pregnant women need extra iron because they have an increase in red blood cell production to carry oxygen to the fetus through the placenta. If you don't get enough iron, you will become very tired and short of breath with exertion. Iron deficiency can lead to preterm delivery or low birth weight in infants. Taking vitamin C along with iron aids in iron absorption.
Calcium
Calcium needs in pregnancy increase, so even if you're not taking a prenatal vitamin, you may need to take calcium supplements. To protect the baby, calcium is taken from your bones to supply the fetus with the calcium he needs for growth. Because you need 1,000mg of calcium per day, 1,300mg if you're a pregnant teen, supplements are the best way to obtain what you need. Prenatal vitamins don't contain enough calcium to supply all your needs, because the capsule would have to be too large to swallow. Vitamin D supplements aid in calcium absorption; many pregnant women have vitamin D deficiencies and may benefit from supplements.
Considerations
Most medical practitioners suggest prenatal vitamins because they serve as an insurance policy if your diet doesn't supply all the nutrients you need. Women who eat well and don't want to take a prenatal vitamin should discuss their options with their medical practitioner, who may suggest supplementing with just the essentials such as folic acid.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Increasing Iron in Your Diet During Pregnancy
- BabyCenter: Folic acid in your pregnancy diet
- Mayo Clinic: Pregnancy diet: Essential nutrients when you're eating for two
- March of Dimes: Vitamins and minerals during pregnancy
- Healthcommunities.com: Pregnancy & Nutrition, Healthy Diet Guidelines
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