Prenatal vitamins typically contain the quantities of vitamins and minerals required for a healthy pregnancy. In "The Pregnancy Book," pediatrician William Sears points out that there is little difference between liquid and capsule prenatal vitamins and that a pregnant woman should choose the vitamin format that works best for her lifestyle. The benefits of prenatal vitamins cannot be overstated because they help protect against numerous birth defects and complications.
Decreased Birth Defects
In her book, "What's Going on in There?" neurologist Lise Eliot explains that folic acid is critical to a healthy pregnancy. This vitamin is a form of vitamin B-9 and helps prevent birth defects and miscarriage. The textbook "Child Psychology" points out that folic acid may also help protect a fetus against environmental toxins. Babies whose mothers smoked but took folic acid have better outcomes than babies whose mothers smoked and did not take folic acid. Most doctors recommend that women begin taking prenatal vitamins that contain folic acid six to 12 months prior to getting pregnant.
Skin and Nails
Many pregnant women find that prenatal vitamins improve the condition of their hair, skin and nails. Sears explains that this may be due to the B-complex vitamins in prenatal vitamins.
Healthy Mothers
Prenatal vitamins contain larger quantities of calcium and iron than traditional vitamins, according to Eliot. Pregnant women occasionally suffer from bone and tooth problems when fetal calcium requirements deplete the mother's calcium supply. When pregnant women fail to get enough iron, they may become anemic, which can result in a difficult pregnancy and delivery. Additional calcium and iron help prevent these negative health consequences.
Drinking Prenatal Vitamins
Sears recommends that women who have difficulty swallowing pills drink prenatal vitamins. For some women with morning sickness, liquid prenatal vitamins may be easier to keep down, especially if they are taken with bland food such as dry toast or oatmeal. Pregnant women who have trouble with prenatal vitamin supplements should consult their doctor and try several types of prenatal vitamins until they discover something that works.
References
- The Pregnancy Book; William Sears, M.D., et al.
- Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology; Gerald Audesirk, et al.
- What's Going On In There?; Lise Eliot
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