When you become pregnant your doctor will advise you to begin taking prenatal vitamins because they are filled with the nutrients your baby needs to grow. Prenatals can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy or with a prescription. You may wonder why you should pay more for prenatals when you can just take regular vitamins. The prenatal vitamins are formulated specifically for pregnant women and will ensure the best chance at having a healthy baby.
Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are made just for you, a pregnant mom-to-be. These vitamins contain essential nutrients that you need in just the right amount. Chancing it and simply taking a cluster of vitamins, instead of prenatal vitamins, puts you at risk for either not consuming enough nutrients or possibly taking too many nutrients.The American Pregnancy Association explains taking multiple supplements during your pregnancy can increase the risk of a vitamin overdose, putting your baby at risk.
Iron
Iron is a vitamin found in prenatal vitamins. Iron is crucial during your pregnancy because it helps with the production of hemoglobin. As your body grows, so does your blood volume and it is important that enough is produced so you do not become deficient. The Baby Center explains that consuming iron helps to avoid iron-deficiency anemia that can reduce your risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight and infant mortality.
Calcium
Calcium is found in most prenatal vitamins because it helps to build strong bones and teeth in both you and your baby. Calcium also aids in producing healthy nerves and muscles, including your baby's growing heart. On average most prenatal vitamins contain between 100 and 200 mg, according to the Baby Center.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, found in prenatal vitamins, helps to prevent neural tube defects. Folic acid can protect against spinal abnormalities as well as serious brain defects. Many prenatal vitamins contain around 600 micrograms of folic acid, which is a safe amount for you and your baby. The March of Dimes suggests that women should not exceed 1,000 mcg of folic acid a day.
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