1. Fortified With Folic Acid
Folic acid helps prevent birth defects in the brain and spinal cord of the fetus. The most common defect of this type is spina bifida, which leaves a hole in the spine. The opening causes nerve damage that may lead to paralysis or mental retardation. The FDA requires companies to fortify foods like flour, bread, grains and cereal with folic acid in an attempt to reduce the risk in women who may not know they are pregnant.
2. Chock Full of Calcium
As a baby grows, it pulls calcium from the mother to form its bone. If the mother doesn't provide enough calcium through her diet, the baby takes the calcium from the mother's body. Many pregnant women experience their first cavity during pregnancy because the baby pulls the calcium from the teeth. The baby may also take calcium from the mother's bones, which lowers the mother's bone density. On average, pregnant women should consume 1,200 to 1,500 mg of calcium per day.
3. Eat Well for Two
While you may think that you can continue to eat like you did before you were pregnant, a prenatal vitamin won't substitute for nutritious eating. Prenatal vitamins should supplement your diet and ensure that you get extra nutrients and vitamins to compensate for your baby's needs. During pregnancy, you need 300 extra calories per day to support your baby's growth. You may need to cut foods that contain vitamin A to keep your consumption under 10,000 IU per day.
4. Skip the Prescription
Doctors often write prescriptions for prenatal vitamins. If your insurance covers prescriptions, this helps cover the cost of your prenatal vitamins. Over-the-counter prenatal vitamins work just as well as prescription vitamins, though, as long as the recommended dose of vitamins and minerals remains the same. Some companies use chemically engineered or synthetic ingredients instead of natural products. Stores that specialize in vitamins usually sell an all-natural prenatal vitamin, which your body should absorb better.
5. Watch Your Daily Dose
If you take vitamins, talk with a doctor before starting a prenatal vitamin. Certain vitamins or supplements block the body from absorbing prenatal vitamins correctly. Pay attention to the number of times you need to take prenatal vitamins during the day. Some brands plan for women to take six vitamins a day: two vitamins with each meal. Be realistic about how many pills you want to take a day. If you want to take vitamins only in the morning, opt for a one-a-day prenatal vitamin. Women who get sick or nauseous after taking prenatal vitamins should consider switching brands or taking the vitamins at night.
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