Prenatal Vitamin Information
Of the many things on your pregnancy to-do list, finding a good prenatal vitamin is one of the most important. With so many vitamin brands and blends available, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you and your baby. But knowing what prenatal vitamins contain and why they're so important is the first step to deciding which vitamin meets your nutritional needs.
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Ingredients
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Prenatal vitamins differ most noticeably from standard multivitamins in their content of folic acid, iron and calcium, nutrients that are especially important for a pregnant woman and growing fetus. Folic acid can slash your baby's risk of neural tube defects and may decrease the risk of low birth weight and preterm delivery. Iron prevents iron-deficiency anemia, which is of special concern during pregnancy because iron stores are easily depleted as your body works to make more blood than usual. Iron also supports muscle development and may decrease the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight. Calcium is important for the strength of both mother and baby's bones and teeth and promotes normal functioning of the circulatory, nervous and muscular systems. It's important to reassess your need for additional supplements when you begin taking prenatal vitamins. When taken with prenatals, some nutritional supplements may provide too much or too little of a given nutrient so speak with your doctor about adjusting your supplement intake.
Availability
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Prenatal vitamins are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Over-the-counter vitamins are adequate for most pregnant women, but your doctor can recommend the best brand for you or let you know if your nutritional needs require a prescription vitamin blend. If you choose an over-the-counter vitamin, read the label carefully to see what each pill contains. The FDA does not set standards for vitamin content so, with your doctor's assistance, you'll need to decide which brand best meets your needs.
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Starting Prenatal Vitamins
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If you're planning on becoming pregnant, begin taking prenatal vitamins about three months before trying to conceive. This will help ensure your body has the nutrients it needs to prevent defects of the neural tube, a part of the fetus that develops in the first month. Continue taking them throughout pregnancy and possibly even while breastfeeding, if your doctor advises.
Problems
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If you're having trouble swallowing your vitamins, talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for coated, chewable or small vitamins. Some over-the-counter brands also sell "petite" vitamins; instead of one big vitamin you'll take two or three smaller-sized pills. If the vitamins cause nausea, try taking them with food, at bedtime, or chew gum or hard candy afterward.
Prenatal Vitamins and your Diet
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Prenatal vitamins are an excellent way to ensure you and your baby are getting the nutrients you both need for proper development. But they're never a substitute for healthy eating or an excuse to live on junk food for nine months. Fresh produce, whole grains and dairy contain many other vital nutrients including fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids that you and your baby require so think of your vitamins as extra insurance against problems, not a single solution for a perfect pregnancy.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by xandert; morguefile.com
