Vitamins Essential for Pregnancy
Vitamins and proper nutrition is essential during pregnancy. A fetus needs vitamins and nutrition to thrive, both physically and mentally. Many vitamins can be found in fresh vegetables and fruits, but some can be supplemented through pill form. Knowing what important vitamins to take during nine months of pregnancy can help you be healthy, as well as have a healthier pregnancy.
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Prenatal vitamin
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A prenatal vitamin is a specially formulated multivitamin that helps make up for any nutritional deficiencies in the mother's daily diet. Numerous vitamins and minerals, folic acid, iron and calcium are contents of a prenatal vitamin.
Folic acid
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Folic acid intake recommendation is 600 mcg per day, and folic acid can be taken while trying to conceive. It is easier for your body to absorb synthetic kind of folic acid that is found in supplements. Folic acid reduces neural tube defects as research has shown.
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Iron
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Pregnant women can be iron deficient due to higher blood volume being pumped, resulting in blood thinning. Iron is necessary for a pregnant woman to prevent iron-deficiency anemia.
Calcium
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Calcium can be taken in a pill form, or can be found in food products such as milk and cheese.
DHA and essential fatty acids
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Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and omega-3 fatty acid helps develop baby's brain, eye tissue and nerves. Most prenatal vitamins do not contain DHA, but women can get enough essential fatty acids through foods such as walnuts, flaxseed and soybeans or through DHA supplements.
Which kind to take?
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Prenatal vitamins can be purchased over the counter, or you can speak to your practitioner about the brand recommended. Vitamins in pill form can take some time to adjust to, because additional amounts of iron can cause constipation or nausea.
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