When you find out that you are pregnant, you likely want to ensure that your baby gets everything she needs to grow and develop properly. Getting sufficient amounts of all the vitamins and minerals is vital to ensure your health and your baby's health. Even if you eat a healthy and balanced diet, you may still fall below the recommended amount of some nutrients. Prenatal vitamins provide a way for you to get the nutrients you and your baby need by supplementing what you get from your regular diet.
Step 1
Ask your prenatal care provider to prescribe prenatal vitamins for you. Many obstetricians will prescribe a prenatal vitamin based on your needs. For example, if you are anemic, you will need a prenatal vitamin that contains more iron than a pregnant woman who has a sufficient iron count.
Step 2
Speak to a pharmacist to find out what over-the-counter prenatal vitamin he recommends. Most pharmacists are familiar with the products offered at their pharmacy and may be able to make a recommendation based on your needs. Alternatively, you can ask your prenatal care provider for an over-the-counter prenatal recommendation.
Step 3
Compare over-the-counter prenatal vitamins if your doctor hasn't prescribed one for you. The prenatal vitamin you choose should have approximately 30 mg iron, 4,000 to 5,000 IU vitamin A, 400 IU vitamin D, 800 to 1,000 mcg folic acid, 70 mg vitamin C, 15 mg zinc, 400 IU vitamin D, 200 to 300 mg calcium, 10 mg of vitamin E, 2.2 to 12 mcg vitamin B12, 1.5 mg thiamine, 17 mg niacinamide, 2.6 mg pyridoxine and 1.6 mg riboflavin, according to Cleveland Clinic. Stay away from prenatal vitamins that contain more than these amounts, as overdosing on these nutrients is possible and may harm you and your baby.
Step 4
Consider the type of pill you need. Prenatal vitamins are available in pill, gelcap and chewable formulas, with the pill form being most common. Some women, especially those who are in the first trimester and suffering from morning sickness, may have trouble swallowing large pills. In that case, finding another form may be necessary.
Tips and Warnings
- Bring your prenatal vitamins to your doctor's appointments so your practitioner knows what you are taking. If she has to prescribe any medications for you during your pregnancy, the vitamins you are taking may affect her medication choices.
- In some cases, you may have to mix single vitamin and mineral supplements to get the nutrition you need; however, you should never do this without consulting your prenatal-care provider to ensure you aren't overdosing on any nutrients.
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