Taking a prenatal vitamin during pregnancy helps your baby get the nutrients she needs for healthy development. If you are planning on conceiving, start taking a prenatal vitamin three months prior to conception, advises MayoClinic.com. Gesticare DHA, manufactured by Azur Pharma, is a prenatal vitamin that offers a distinctive approach to vitamin delivery. It offers a two pill supplement and a time release of two specific and critical nutrients.
Prenatal Vitamins vs. Regular Vitamins
Nutritional needs during pregnancy are different for a woman than at other times. Prenatal vitamins are formulated to meet these specific requirements by providing the essential nutrients needed by a growing fetus. Three nutrients that are in high demand during pregnancy are calcium, folic acid and iron. Prenatal vitamins such as Gesticare DHA offer these in higher doses than regular vitamins to ensure there is enough calcium for developing bones, teeth, circulatory and nervous systems; folic acid for neurological development; and iron to support blood and muscle cell growth. Consult with your physician before taking any vitamin supplement, especially during pregnancy.
Omega-3 and Prenatal Vitamins
Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in the production of prostaglandins, substances that regulate a number of bodily functions such as blood pressure, nerve transmission, blood clotting, hormone production and allergic responses. Gesticare DHA provides two of the most important omega-3 fats -- docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA. DHA and EPA are necessary for your baby’s visual and neurological development. Together, they prevent early labor and delivery and decrease the risk of pre-eclampsia, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Check with your doctor to see whether you need an Omega-3 supplement.
Gesticare DHA
Gesticare DHA is a two pill delivery system by prescription only. One tablet contains a multivitamin and a second gel capsule contains the Omega-3 fats DHA and EPA. The multivitamin is time-released, dissolving the iron in the stomach and the calcium in the intestines to prevent interaction. A 1998 paper in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" states that calcium interferes with iron absorption, and in severe cases may even cause iron deficiency. Prenatal vitamins should only be taken under your doctor's supervision.
Precautions
Gesticare DHA should be avoided if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. Taking more than 3 g of Omega-3 fatty acids daily can increase bleeding times and they should not be taken if you are on anticoagulants or have a bleeding disorder. If you experience any of these common side effects, speak to your doctor; vomiting, constipation, nausea, darkened stools and diarrhea. Seek immediate medical attention if you have an allergic reaction, black or tarry stools, cramping, stomach pains or blood in your bowel movements.
Member Comments