If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, doctors recommend taking prenatal vitamins to ensure you get enough of the essential vitamins and minerals so the baby grows well and is less likely to have birth defects. These vitamins are available either over the counter or by prescription, but not all prenatal vitamins are the same.
Vitamin Content
One thing you need to look for when choosing prenatal vitamins is the vitamin content. Take special care with over-the-counter prenatal vitamins, as they may contain less of some vitamins, especially folic acid, than prescription prenatal vitamins. Choose a vitamin that contains calcium, iron, iodine, manganese, vitamin B-6, zinc and at least 400mcg of folic acid, recommends WhatToExpect.com.
Vitamin Quality
During pregnancy, it is particularly important to take high-quality prenatal vitamins made by a well-respected manufacturer. This limits the risk of contamination and makes it more likely you will be able to absorb the vitamins contained in the supplement. Not all supplements actually contain the amount of vitamins and minerals listed on the label, as evidenced by a 2009 article on MSNBC.com about many prenatal vitamins not containing sufficient iodine. Prenatal vitamins that contain the U.S. Pharmacopeia's seal of approval are guaranteed to dissolve quickly, making it easier for you to absorb the vitamins and minerals they contain.
Risks
Do not exceed the RDA for any vitamins and minerals, as this could put you and your baby at risk. Take special care when combining prenatal vitamins with other vitamin or mineral supplements, as it is easy to accidentally consume too much. Some prenatal vitamins cause constipation or gas, usually due to the iron they contain. Drinking water and eating more foods that contain fiber can help with this.
Considerations
Both over-the-counter and prescription prenatal vitamins come in a variety of price ranges. If the vitamin your doctor recommends is too expensive, ask for an alternative. Likewise, if you experience side effects from your prenatal vitamin or it is difficult for you to swallow, speak with your doctor. There are chewable options, as well as prenatal vitamins that have special coatings to make them easier to swallow.
References
- MSNBC.com; Many prenatal vitamins lack enough iodine; Feb. 25, 2009
- American Pregnancy Association; Prenatal Vitamins; October 2008
- What to Expect: Choosing the Best Prenatal Vitamin
- Mayo Clinic; Prenatal vitamins: Give your baby the best start; Mar. 20, 2010
- eMedTV; The Best Prenatal Vitamins; Kristi Monson, PharmD; Dec. 29, 2007
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