Lots of different prenatal vitamin types are available on the market. According to the Mayo Clinic , pregnant and adult women need 1, milligrams mg of calcium daily. Prenatal vitamins typically have between and mg of calcium. Calcium is important for all women because it keeps their bones strong. Folic acid. Taking in enough folic acid is linked with reducing neural tube defects like spina bifida.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women and those trying to get pregnant take in micrograms mcg of folic acid every day from all sources. Since it may be difficult to get this much folic acid from foods alone, a supplement is recommended. Foods that have folic acid also known as folate include beans, leafy green vegetables, asparagus, and broccoli.
Many fortified foods including cereal, bread, and pasta have folate too. This mineral is necessary to create new red blood cells in the body. Because a woman increases her blood volume during pregnancy, iron is a must-have. According to the Mayo Clinic , pregnant women need 27 mg of iron a day. Always talk with your doctor before starting to take prenatal vitamins. While you can buy prenatal vitamins over the counter, doctors can prescribe them too. Women who are carrying multiples, pregnant teenagers, and pregnant women with a history of substance abuse have a higher risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Prenatal vitamins are particularly important for these women. Doctors often recommend that women who are breastfeeding also continue taking prenatal vitamins after delivery.
Prenatal vitamins can serve as a further supplement to lactating women who need plenty of nutrients to make breast milk.
Because the brain and spinal cord are already forming at the early stages of pregnancy, folic acid is vital. Women of childbearing age could also eat more folate-rich foods as an alternative to taking a supplement. Prenatal vitamins are specific to the needs of pregnant and breastfeeding women. Be sure to let your doctor know if you use any of these products so you can be certain you are not getting too much of a good thing. Some people prefer to get their prenatal vitamins from a prescription because it increases the likelihood that the prenatal vitamins are high quality and, if you have particular dietary needs, a vitamin can be prescribed specifically for you.
If you choose to purchase your prenatal vitamins over-the-counter, it is very important to read labels so you know how much of which vitamins and minerals you are taking. As general rule, look for a prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid, iron, calcium, and Omega-3 fatty acids specifically DHA.
Other key nutrients to look out for are vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc. However, be aware that it is possible to have too much of some vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A, so make sure you know the appropriate dosages for you. Many diet and vitamin supplements that are sold at grocery and health food stores are not subject to the same kind of regulation and scrutiny as prescription prenatal vitamins. If you opt to buy yours over-the-counter, make sure you know what you are taking.
It is always best to buy well known brands from reputable stores. Some organizations also independently rate supplements, so if you want extra assurance that your prenatal vitamins meet a high quality standard, look for labels marked with seals of approval from organizations such as NSF International or the U.
Pharmacopeial Convention and always discuss your choice with your doctor. Sometimes people experience discomfort when taking prenatal vitamins. Queasiness and constipation are common complaints, and some people struggle with swallowing large pills.
It might be tempting to quit but it is very important that you keep taking a daily prenatal vitamin as advised through your pregnancy. Although not all birth defects are preventable, a woman can take steps to increase her chances of having a healthy baby. One of these steps for all women of childbearing age, even if they are not trying to conceive any time soon, is to take a prenatal vitamin and mineral supplement.
A prenatal vitamin will help ensure you are getting the right amount of nutrients before and during pregnancy. By the time you realize you are pregnant, it might be too late to prevent those birth defects. This is especially important because half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. Folic acid, or vitamin B9, is needed for the proper development of the human body.
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