Prenatal vitamins are dedicated supplements made for pregnant women to provide additional vitamins and minerals required for both mother and the child. The importance of prenatal vitamins come into the picture due to the benefit it provides for both mother and the child in terms of the development of a baby's bones and teeth, preventing neural tube defects, and supplementing insufficient diets.
Here is the reason why prenatal vitamins are important
As we discussed in the previous article regarding good fruits to eat while pregnant, pregnant women need more folic acid and iron than normal women. The reasons for the importance of prenatal vitamins are mentioned below:
- Folic acid is an essential chemical component for the prevention of neural tube defects. This occurs during the first month of pregnancy or even before you know you are pregnant. A neural tube defect is a birth defect of the brain, spinal cord, and spine.
- Iron is also an essential nutrient for the development of the placenta and fetus. It helps your body to produce blood and supply oxygen to the fetus.
Importance of prenatal vitamins on prenatal development
The questions of whether you are taking prenatal vitamins are one of the prominent questions your doctor will ask throughout the pregnancy period. Consumption of prenatal vitamins is important if you are not able to eat properly to provide essential nutrients to your baby.
Now, you must be wondering what should you look for in prenatal vitamins? Here's the answer you are looking for.
Look for prenatal vitamins that have;
- 400 micrograms of folic acid
- 27 milligrams of iron
- 1300 milligrams of calcium
- 70 milligrams of vitamin C
- 3 milligrams of thiamine
- 6 micrograms of vitamin B12
- 2 milligrams of riboflavin
Importance of prenatal vitamins before pregnancy
Presently, specialists propose beginning a pre-birth nutrient with 400 micrograms of folic corrosive before you attempt to have an infant. This significant supplement forestalls spinal deformities in developing children. Check whether your pre-birth nutrient has DHA. This kind of omega-3 unsaturated fat can help the soundness of your infant once you get pregnant.
How to choose prenatal vitamins
It's up to you and your medical services provider to ensure you pick prenatal vitamins that are protected and safe for you. Your doctor will likely suggest that you begin taking a prenatal nutrient, either a remedy one or an absurd brand, at your first pre-birth test. Except if your doctor suggests it, don't take some other nutrient or mineral enhancement while you are taking a pre-birth supplement.
When should you start taking prenatal vitamins?
Health care professionals recommend that women should take prenatal vitamins before they become pregnant because embryo development begins within 3 to 4 weeks of pregnancy before you know you are pregnant. Consumption of folic acid daily prevents serious birth defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. These defects affect the brain development spinal cord of the child.
How long should you take prenatal vitamins?
Your health care provider or birthing specialist may prescribe that you keep on taking prenatal vitamins after you deliver your baby, particularly if you are breastfeeding. If you are again planning to conceive, you should meet with your doctors to talk about any pregnancy plannings.
Different types of prenatal vitamins
Prenatal vitamin contains folic acid, calcium, iron, iodine, and vitamin A, C, E. These ingredients varies depending on the type of product. Based on your specific needs, a doctor will recommend the right types of prenatal vitamins for you.
1. Iron
Iron is important for the development of the placenta and fetus. It can also help in increasing the number of red blood cells and health professional recommends 30mg/day dose of iron for pregnant women to prevent iron deficiencies. learn more about 6 effective foods to overcome iron deficiency.
2. Calcium
Calcium is important for the development of strong bones and a baby's skeleton. Health care providers recommend about 1000 to 1300 milligrams of calcium daily for pregnant and lactating women. learn more about calcium-rich foods to supplement calcium deficiencies in your body.
3. Iodine
Iodine is essential for the development and proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Your doctor will recommend consuming 220 to 290 mcg of iodine daily to overcome hypothyroidism caused by iron deficiency.
4. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for the proper development of the eye. A deficiency in vitamin A will lead to night blindness and doctors recommend consuming about 770 mcg of vitamin A daily.
5. Folic acid
Folic acid helps in the development of the spinal cord and the brain. It can also help in preventing neural tube defects. CDC recommends consuming 400 micrograms of folic acid daily for women of childbearing age.
Side effects of prenatal vitamins
Common side effects of prenatal vitamins may include common side effects of pregnancy. Sometimes, you may also develop hiccups and sometimes you may not have any side effects. A list of common side effects are mentioned below:
Discomfort in digestive systems
- upset stomach
- gas
- bowel movements
Change in skin and hair
- hair loss
- skin dryness
- skin itchiness
- skin rashes
Other aches and pains
- stomach bleeding
- muscle weakness
- stomach irritation
- urinating more often
- appetite loss
- mouth-watering
- back pain, muscle pain, joint pain
Conclusion
A prenatal vitamin is important for the proper development of a baby and healthy pregnancy. But you should monitor side effects while consuming these vitamins and consult your health care providers.
