During pregnancy your nutritional needs changes. Taking prenatal vitamins ensures that you get all the nutrients you need for your growing baby. You may need additional amounts of folic acid, calcium and iron than you would normally consume in your diet. Taking prenatal vitamins when you get pregnant or prior to conceiving will give your baby the best chance to grow healthy.
Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are different than regular vitamins because they contain more calcium, iron and folic acid than normal multivitamins. Even on your healthiest eating day you may fall short of the nutrients that are essential to your growing baby's health. Prenatal vitamins can also prevent delivering a low birth weight baby.
Nutrients
Prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, which can help reduce your baby's risk of having neural tube defects and a low birth weight, according to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Prenatals also include iron because iron helps deliver oxygen to the red blood cells for your baby. Iron is also needed to increase your blood volume as your body grows larger. Calcium is also found in prenatal vitamins because it is needed to build strong bones in both you and your baby.
Taking Prenatal Vitamins
You should begin taking prenatal vitamins three months prior to getting pregnant or as soon as you become pregnant. The baby's neural tube and brain begin to develop in the first trimester when nutrients are most crucial. Taking prenatals during your entire pregnancy is recommended even though common side effects include nausea and constipation. Taking your prenatal vitamins with a snack or with juice or water can help you avoid unwanted side effects.
Considerations
Check with your doctor before beginning prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins are available over the counter at most pharmacies. Some prenatal vitamins, however, require a prescription. If you are having trouble remembering to take your prenatal vitamins, take them at night, which may also help prevent nausea.
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