Why Prenatal Vitamins Are Good

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you have no doubt heard of prenatal vitamins. Newspaper articles, magazines and parenting books are packed with reminders to take your prenatal vitamins. Your doctor may also have recommended you get started on one. But just why are prenatal vitamins so important?

Function

Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated multivitamin and mineral preparations that include the correct proportions of nutrients to meet the needs of pregnant and nursing mothers.

Significance

Pregnant women have increased dietary need for some nutrients, such as iron, and taking a daily prenatal vitamin can prevent deficiency. In addition, having adequate intake of some nutrients such as folic acid can prevent pregnancy complications.

Types

Prenatal vitamins can be obtained by prescription or over the counter in a drug or health food store. There are no significant differences between prescription and over-the-counter prenatal vitamins; the only real reason to go with prescription prenatal vitamins is that the cost may then be covered by your health insurance.

Expert Insight

Taking prenatal vitamins for three months prior to conception can be a wise move, as having an adequate intake of folic acid at the time of conception will drastically decrease the risk of your baby having neural tube defects.

Considerations

Do your research before choosing a prenatal vitamin. Some brands do not have the correct levels of nutrients in them, as prenatal vitamins are not well regulated. Asking your doctor for a recommendation is a safe bet.

Misconceptions

Although prenatal vitamins can be beneficial and can prevent some nutrient deficiencies, they will not counter the effects of smoking during pregnancy or of a poor diet. Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet and live a healthy lifestyle--in addition to taking prenatal vitamins--in order to give your baby the best start.