Prenatal vitamins are multivitamins especially formulated for pregnant and lactating women. They contain a complete multivitamin with higher amounts of folic acid, and sometimes additional iron and calcium. They are available by prescription from a doctor, obstetrician or midwife, or over the counter at most pharmacies and health stores.
Extra Folate
Folate, is a b-complex vitamin that helps prevent neural tube and other birth defects that arise from a deficiency in folic acid. The most common of these defects is Spina Bifida, a condition in which the spinal cord is not closed properly, causing nerve damage, paralysis and mental retardation. Because defects from a folic acid deficiency can develop in the earliest stages of pregnancy, prenatal vitamins are recommended for women who are trying to conceive or who are of childbearing age. That ensures the vitamin is already in the system before a woman knows she is pregnant. The US Public Health Service recommends that all women of childbearing age get 400 micrograms of folic acid each day. Up to 4,000 micrograms is considered beneficial up to 30 days before conception and during the first month of pregnancy.
Foods that are natural sources of folic acid are green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans and nuts. Many breakfast cereals and flours are also fortified with folic acid. Despite this, most people are simply not able to eat enough foods in their regular diets to get the necessary amount of folic acid for a healthy pregnancy. A prenatal supplement can be the best way to be sure the levels are adequate.
Healthy Bones
Calcium is another important component of a prenatal vitamin. Developing infants take the calcium they need from the mother's body if there isn't enough of it in the diet. It's recommended that women get 1,000 mg of calcium each day. Natural sources include dairy products and yogurt. The necessary amount of daily calcium is not contained in any prenatal vitamin, because it would make the pill too big to swallow. Too much calcium also interferes with iron absorption.
Iron is important during pregnancy as it is an important component in blood production, and the growing baby's and mother's bodies need iron to carry oxygen through the bloodstream.
A Supplement, not a Substitute
Prenatal vitamins won't compensate for a poor diet. They are only intended to ensure that a woman has adequate vitamin intake each day and balance out a healthy diet by providing nutrients that are harder to get.
Some women find prenatal vitamins cause or increase nausea related to pregnancy. If this is the case, try taking the vitamins at night or switch brands to see if a different type is easier to take.
It is important to know that not all prenatal vitamins have the same nutritional components. Some have less calcium or iron than others, and some may have too much vitamin A, which can cause birth defects if too much is taken. Your doctor can give you the information you need about proper vitamin levels. From there, you'll need to keep track of the nutrients you receive in your daily diet and check the labels of prenatal supplements to reach your ideal levels. As you're comparing prenatal vitamins, look for the following doses:
Your doctor or midwife may give you a prescription prenatal vitamin, or you may choose an over-the-counter brand. In either case, the vitamins will be equal in value if they contain nutrients in the amounts listed above. Prenatal vitamins are not always costly. A prescription will usually be covered by a medical prescription plan.
If you have a thyroid condition, be aware that prenatal vitamins may interact with a common synthetic hormone called Synthroid. Your level of Synthroid may need to be increased to compensate for the difference. Check with your doctor for more information.
 | It's one of the most common questions pregnant women ask: When should I start taking prenatal vitamins? |
 | For high-risk pregnancies, a perinatologist's specialized care offers advantages over the generalized care an obstetrician provides. |
So you found out you're pregnant, Congratulations! But what comes next? First off, of course you're going to want to make an OB/GYN appointment, however don't just go with any OB. Ask around from your friends and family, and ask about their personal experiences with their OB. |
At one point and time all first time mothers to be are in unchartered territory. As a new mother to be, you rely on the expertise of your OB/GYN to ensure that you have a safe and healthy delivery. There are some circumstances that are unavoidable and no OB/GYN can foresee, however, there are things that can be avoided if the OB/GYN is doing their job properly. |
Perhaps most famous for its role in preventing birth defects, folic acid (known as folate when found in foods) has many functions. In fact, this member of the B family of vitamins is so important that experts consider it brain food. |
