Recommendations For Prenatal Vitamins

While you are pregnant, it is important to eat a well-balanced diet to assure that you are getting the necessary vitamins and minerals for you and your growing baby. Though this may sound easy, things such as morning sickness, cravings and an increased need for certain nutrients can make getting everything you need from food a difficult task. Prenatal vitamins, either from a doctor's prescription or an over-the-counter source, assures that you are getting everything your body needs to grow a healthy baby.

Recommendations

According to the American Pregnancy Association, one multivitamin specifically formulated for a pregnant woman should be all that you need during pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid taking several vitamins to get the nutrients they need. Taking more than one increases the chance of overdosing on certain vitamins and minerals. Always listen to your doctor's recommendations for supplement use during pregnancy.

Folic Acid

During pregnancy, a woman needs to increase her intake of certain nutrients, according to Dr. Roger Harms of the Mayo Clinic. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps your baby's brain and spinal cord develop. Without adequate folic acid intake, your baby is at risk for developing neural tube defects. Pregnant women are recommended to take 800 micrograms of folic acid per day, according to Harms.

Minerals

A complete prenatal vitamin should include an elevated amount of certain minerals necessary during pregnancy. Harms says a pregnant woman needs to increase her consumption of iron and calcium. An increased iron intake is essential due to the increased demand on your cardiovascular system. Iron helps your blood carry oxygen: Since your blood volume increases during pregnancy, so does your need for iron. Harms recommends getting 30 milligrams of iron per day while pregnant. Calcium is necessary to develop your baby's growing skeletal system. During pregnancy, you should consume 1,000 to 1,500 mg of calcium per day.

Types

Prenatal vitamins are available in two types, notes Drugs.com. One type is a pill meant to be swallowed. The second type is a chewable pill, which may be easier on the stomach for some pregnant women. You should always take your prenatal vitamin with a full glass of water. Not all prenatal vitamins will work for all women; an upset stomach shouldn't keep you from taking your prenatal vitamin. Trying a variety of brands and types can help you decide on the right one for you.