To get enough nutrients to support a developing baby, pregnant women are instructed to take a prenatal vitamin. The vitamins are specially formulated to meet the increased nutritional needs of pregnant women, and can make up for what their diets may fall short on. There is no one-size-fits-all prenatal vitamin; however, most women can benefit from getting a minimum of certain key vitamins and minerals.
Iron
Iron is one of the most important nutrients a woman can get during her pregnancy. It aids the delivery of oxygen to the unborn baby through the blood and is stored in the body like a bank. Women who do not have enough iron stored before their pregnancy may still be at risk for anemia even if taking a prenatal vitamin, once their iron stores are depleted. To avoid pregnancy-related anemia, pregnant women are advised to get a minimum of 27 mg of iron every day, per the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. However, the Cleveland Clinic advises pregnant women take a vitamin containing at least 30 mg of iron.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is vital for healthy neural tube development in the unborn baby. Women who do not get enough during this critical stage, which takes place during the first month after conception, increase their risk of having a baby with spinal cord or brain damage. The neural tube forms so early during pregnancy that ACOG recommends all women of childbearing age get at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. However, for pregnant women these needs increase. ACOG recommends 600 micrograms daily during pregnancy, but the Cleveland Clinic recommends pregnant women aim for 800 to 1,000 micrograms. The content of folic acid in prenatal vitamins may vary, so be sure to read the label to ensure it meets your doctor's recommendations.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Both calcium and vitamin D play a role in the baby's bone development. Pregnant women need 1,000 mg of calcium daily, and between 200 and 400 international units of vitamin D, per the Cleveland Clinic. These needs are especially critical toward the end of a woman's pregnancy. Women who do not get their daily requirement of calcium risk losing bone density during their pregnancy, which may cause developmental and mobility problems later on in life. And not all prenatals contain enough vitamin D. The Mayo Clinic reports that if yours does not, you may need additional supplements. Check with your doctor.
Vitamins A, B and C
While they may not get as much attention, several other vitamins are crucial during a woman's pregnancy. Vitamins A and C promote healthy bone development, and A is also important for baby's eyesight. Both vitamins B-6 and B-12 are important for blood cell development. Cleveland Clinic recommends women take a prenatal vitamin that contains 4,000 to 5,000 IUs of vitamin A, 2.6 mg of B-6, at least 2.2 micrograms of B-12 and 70 mg of vitamin C.
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