Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated multivitamin supplements for the nutritional needs of women who are trying to become pregnant and those who are pregnant. In conjunction with healthy eating habits, this vitamin gives you the recommended daily allowance of the vitamins and minerals required during pregnancy. You can purchase prenatal vitamins over the counter or with a prescription from your physician. Talk to your physician to determine the best prenatal vitamin for your health.
Pregnancy Preparation
Planning a healthy pregnancy starts with nutritionally preparing your body for the creation of a new life. Preconception health care is a proactive stance you take to know the risk factors that may impact you or the baby during pregnancy and make choices to prevent these risks. This is important throughout your pregnancy, but especially in the first weeks after conception, when the embryo grows and develops at a rapid rate. Prepare your body for the changes associated with becoming pregnant by taking a physician recommended prenatal vitamin. Your baby will thrive in the healthy environment you create inside your body.
Reduce the Risk of Birth Defects
Prenatal vitamins differ from the average multivitamin because they have increased amounts of folic acid. This nutrient is in the B-group of vitamins and is crucial in reducing the risk of brain and spinal cord birth defects. Spina bifida, wherein the spine of the developing baby does not form properly in utero, is the most common neural tube defect. This particular problem occurs in the first 28 days after conception and is due to low folic acid stores in your body. In addition to a healthy diet that includes natural sources of folic acid, like leafy green vegetables, citrus and beans, you can get the increased dose of folic acid from a prenatal vitamin. Choose a prenatal vitamin with 800 to 1,000 mcg of folic acid unless otherwise specified by your physician.
Strengthen Bones and Teeth
During pregnancy your baby draws the mineral calcium from you to form strong bones and teeth, as well as a healthy nervous system. Therefore, you need increased amounts of calcium to nurture the growth of your baby and protect your circulatory, muscular and nervous system. To properly absorb calcium, vitamin D is also required. During the third trimester, your body requires even more calcium and vitamin D. As part of a healthy diet throughout pregnancy, take a prenatal vitamin to supplement the calcium and vitamin D. You need at least 1,000 mg of calcium a day during pregnancy. Most prenatal vitamins do not have that much, however, so look for one with no less than 300 mg. Vitamin D is also recommended at 400 IU a day.
Prevent Anemia
Hemoglobin, a protein in the red blood cells carrying oxygen to your tissues, is made with the help of the mineral iron. Your body changes during pregnancy to accommodate a larger volume of blood as it creates a blood supply for your baby. Your need for iron doubles, and if you are not getting enough of this nutrient, iron-deficiency anemia can occur. Dietary sources of iron include fish, fortified cereals and poultry, but a prenatal vitamin also provides your daily recommended iron. Look for a prenatal vitamin with 27 to 30 mg of iron to supplement your diet.
References
- Womenshealth.gov; Prenatal Care; March 6, 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Prenatal Vitamins; March 20, 2010
- American Pregnancy Association; Prenatal Vitamins; October 2008
- Cleveland Clinic; Prenatal Vitamins; Dec. 21, 2009
- BabyCenter: Prenatal Vitamins: A Nutritional Insurance Policy
- MayoClinic.com; Pregnancy Diet; May 23, 2009
Member Comments