Prenatal vitamins are pre-formulated for a pregnant woman's specialized needs. The amount of vitamins and minerals in your prenatal can vary, however, based on the type of prenatal vitamin you take. Before choosing a prenatal vitamin, talk to your doctor for a specific recommendation that is suited to your own particular needs.
Differences
Not all prenatal vitamins are the same. Some vitamins are chewable, and some are meant to be swallowed. Some are available over the counter, while others may require a doctor's prescription. Different brands and forms of prenatal vitamins, while all are chock full of the nutrients you need during your pregnancy, may actually contain different amounts of these key vitamins and minerals. You can walk up and get a prenatal formula anywhere vitamins are sold; however, it may not have the right nutritional mix for your needs.
Three Key Nutrients
Three of the most important ingredients in a prenatal vitamin are calcium, iron and folic acid. Calcium helps maintain mom's bone density while her baby's skeleton develops. Iron and folic acid help with blood formation and oxygenation, in addition to prevention of pregnancy complications such as anemia and neural tube defects. To get enough of these key ingredients, Cleveland Clinic recommends taking a prenatal vitamin that contains between 200 and 300 mg of calcium, 30 mg of iron and 800 to 1,000 micrograms of folic acid. This is a general guideline that is appropriate for most women; however, your particular needs may vary based on your diet and lifestyle.
Other Important Nutrients
While these are some of the most important nutrients for pregnancy, women need many other extra vitamins and minerals to support their developing baby throughout their nine months. These include vitamins B-6 and B-12, which help with red blood cell formation, in addition to vitamins A and C, which help with eyesight, gum and teeth development. Cleveland Clinic recommends taking a supplement that contains 2.6 mg of B-6, and between 2.2 and 12 micrograms of B-12. Your supplement should also contain between 4,000 and 5,000 IU of vitamin A and 70 mg of vitamin C, per Cleveland Clinic.
What is a Prenatal Missing?
Even the most ingredient-rich prenatal vitamin is not necessarily perfect. Mayoclinic.com warns that most prenatals do not have enough vitamin D for a pregnant woman's needs, which are greatest in her third trimester. Cleveland Clinic recommends your supplement contain at least 400 IU of vitamin D; however, you should check with your doctor to see if this amount is enough. If not, be sure to include plenty of dairy products in your diet every day. In addition, most prenatals do not contain another important nutrient for pregnancy: omega-3 fatty acids. To get these, you can either take a separate supplement, or include low-mercury fatty fish in your diet a few times per week.
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