Proper nutrition during pregnancy is vital to have the healthiest baby possible. Taking the right types and amounts of vitamin and mineral supplements provide extra insurance that both you and your baby will receive all the nutrition you need. Know which vitamin and mineral supplements are the most important for your pregnancy.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, or folate, is a B-vitamin essential for a healthy pregnancy. Women who may become pregnant should take 400 mcg of folic acid each day to reduce chances of a neural tube defect that occurs early in pregnancy. Even after the first trimester, 400 mcg of folic acid daily can help reduce your chance of anemia. If you have already had a baby with a neural tube defect, your doctor or midwife may prescribe additional folic acid to prevent recurrence.
Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are formulated to provide folic acid supplementation, as well as additional B-vitamins, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and other vitamins and minerals. A daily prenatal vitamin can ensure you get the basic amount of these vitamins. Read the label of your prenatal vitamin and talk to your health-care provider to make sure your prenatal vitamin is right for you. If you have difficulty swallowing prenatal vitamin pills, ask your health-care provider or pharmacist about chewable vitamins.
Calcium
Prenatal vitamins contain some calcium, but often fall short of the recommended daily amount. Pregnant teenagers require 1,300 mg of calcium a day, and pregnant women 19 and older should have 1,000 mg a day. While low-fat dairy products are a rich source of calcium, some pregnant women dislike or cannot tolerate dairy. Review your calcium intake with your health-care provider and see if you need a calcium supplement.
Iron
Dietary iron is an important mineral for pregnant women. Iron is the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells. The average pregnant woman needs 27 mg of iron each day. However, some women require additional iron due to anemia. Your midwife or doctor should check the iron level in your blood at least a couple of times during your pregnancy. If you develop anemia, you may get a prescription for extra iron to ensure enough oxygen travels to the baby and to make sure you do not become too anemic after delivering your baby.
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