Prenatal vitamins are important to take as part of your pregnancy health routine. Not only do they assure that you and your baby are getting a good amount of nutrients, they also assure you that your baby is getting what he or she needs to grow, and they can help prevent birth defects.
In fact, a woman doesn't have to wait until she's pregnant to start taking prenatal vitamins. If you are trying to get pregnant you can start earlier to help prepare your body to support Baby. This is especially so with the case of certain nutrients like folic acid, which are most important early on in the pregnancy. Every woman should make sure she has enough folic acid before a pregnancy starts, because many women don't even realize they are pregnant until after the crucial period where folic acid is most necessary is over.
Nutrients You Need
While this is by no means an exhaustive list of nutrients that pregnant women need, but these are the nutrients that most prenatal vitamins make sure to supplement more than others.
Folate - Important to neural development of the baby. Not enough folate early in pregnancy could lead to neural tube defects. This is available in a synthetic form called folic acid.
Iron - Helps Mom and Baby's blood carry oxygen. Iron may also be important to help prevent anemia in some pregnant women, especially around the second and third trimesters.
Calcium - Important for bone development. Getting enough calcium through a prenatal vitamin that Mom doesn't have to worry about losing her won bone density to support Baby's growth. You will probably have to supplement your calcium intake in more ways than just a prenatal vitamin, however, because calcium is so bulky and you need so much of it, manufacturers can't fit a whole day's worth into a vitamin.
Choosing a Vitamin
Whatever prenatal vitamin you choose, make sure to talk to your doctor first. While you want to make sure to get enough of all necessary vitamins and minerals, overdosing on some nutrients can do just as much harm as good. Your doctor will be able to give you more guidance and recommendations based on your own pregnancy risks and concerns. Pregnant women should also evaulate their diet to make sure they are eating well. See our article with tips for a healthy pregnancy diet.
