Prenatal vitamins are important for both your own health and that of your unborn child. Prenatals give you back-up assurance: They help you make up for any of the vital vitamins and minerals that may be missing from your diet. All prenatals do not contain the same ingredients, however. Be sure to read the label on your vitamins before making your final choice.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is the 800 pound gorilla when it comes to prenatal supplements. Folic acid is essential throughout pregnancy; however, it is especially critical during the first few weeks, when the baby's neural tube develops and closes. Getting enough folic acid during this important stage can help prevent problems in the neural tube, which later becomes the baby's brain and spinal cord. Before pregnancy, a woman should get at least 400 mcg of folic acid every day, says the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Once she becomes pregnant, however, she needs between 600 and 1,000 micrograms, recommended by the American Pregnancy Association and the Cleveland Clinic respectively. Check with your doctor to see how much folic acid he recommends for your personal needs.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium and vitamin D go together during pregnancy, as both contribute to the development of the baby's skeleton and its teeth. Missing out on calcium during pregnancy may leave you more vulnerable to bone density loss. In addition, calcium helps aid the function of circulation and the nervous system. How much do you need? ACOG recommends 1,000 mg of calcium daily for pregnant women, and 200 to 400 international units of vitamin D. While they are important throughout pregnancy, MayoClinic.com warns that a woman's vitamin D needs increase during her third trimester. Check with your doctor to ensure that your prenatal can keep up. Eating a diet rich in dairy products and fish also can help.
Iron
Iron is another key player when it comes to pregnancy nutrients. Women who do not get enough iron during their pregnancy may become anemic. ACOG recommends pregnant women get a minimum of 27 mg of iron every day throughout their pregnancy. However, for some women, this may not be enough. An iron supplement may be necessary, especially if your iron stores were low prior to your pregnancy.
Other Vitamins and Minerals
While they may take a back seat to the major vitamins and minerals, many other vitamins and minerals are also crucial for an unborn baby's development. These include the B vitamins, vitamins A, C and E as well as minerals like zinc. Cleveland Clinic recommends the following: B-1, also known as thiamine, 1.5 mg; B-2, also known as riboflavin, 1.6 mg; B-3, also known as niacinamide, 17 mg; B-6, also known as pyridoxine, 2.6 mg; B-12, 2.2 to 12 mcg; Vitamin A, 4,000 to 5,000 IU; Vitamin C, 70 mg; Vitamin E, 10 mg; and zinc, 15 mg.
To ensure your prenatal contains enough nutrients, read the label carefully and check with your doctor for any further recommendations.
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