What Are Prenatal Vitamins

Pregnant women should take prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy. These vitamins and mineral supplements are exclusively formulated to make up for any nutritional inadequacy in the diet of the mother. The fetus needs ample amounts of these vitamins and minerals in order to develop properly. Not having enough of these vitamins will lead to negative implications on the part of the baby.

A mother who takes prenatal vitamins will get adequate amounts of calcium, folic acid and iron. These are three of the most fundamental vitamins and minerals needed by developing babies. And how important are they anyway?

First of all, iron ensures the presence of red blood cells in the body which is responsible for the distribution of oxygen throughout the entire system. Without it, the development of the baby will be at risk and can also cause anemia for both the mother and the child.

On the other hand, vitamin B9 or what we commonly refer to as folic acid plays a part in the development of deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA. This nutrient is present in green, leafy vegetables and helps a lot in the growth of tissues and cells in the body. Neural tube defect, an illness that affects the neurological system most specially the brain and spinal cord, is a result of folate deficiency and unfortunately, this is very common among newborn babies.

Another important nutrient that prenatal vitamins can provide is calcium. It’s a mineral that is in charge of making the teeth and bones of the developing fetus strong. It also plays a role in making the heart, nerves and muscles of the baby healthy. The bone density of the mother will be compromised if she experiences any inadequacy of calcium in her body.

It’s really important to have adequate levels of these vitamins and minerals in pregnant women. However, a soon-to-be mother should understand that she won’t only get these from pills or supplements. Pregnant women must also make sure that they’re eating healthy meals.

That being said, prenatal vitamins aren’t supposed to substitute proper nutrition and healthy diet. These are just taken by pregnant women to provide themselves with calcium and folic acid that aren’t present in food. Also take into account the importance of seeing an OB Gynecologist or a licensed medical practitioner before ingesting any pill or nutritional supplement.

To get more helpful tidbits, please visit pregnancy vitamins; as an option you should also visit prenatal vitamin.

Important Prenatal Vitamins to Take: Folic Acid, Iron and Vitamin A

One of the most important events in a woman’s life is getting pregnant. When a woman gets pregnant, the feeling of thrill and excitement is there. Hence, pregnancy is something to look forward to. But in spite of these feelings, there are still many questions that bother pregnant women like, “Is taking medicine dangerous for pregnant women?” “Does it have any side effects?” “Is it always recommended to take prenatal vitamins?”

For many experts, women who are found to have been taking prenatal vitamins are discovered to be healthier and it also proved to have the same effect on their child while still in the mother’s womb. If you are thinking that eating the right kinds of food is already enough, you’d better think twice.

Taking prenatal vitamins does not replace the nutrients but they instead supplement the nutrients present in the body. Fertility experts advised that women should not only eat the right kinds of foods but also to take prenatal vitamins.

One very important prenatal vitamin necessary for pregnant women to take is folic acid. Folic acid, which is part of the vitamin B family is critical for a strong pregnancy and healthy fetal development. This vitamin is not only intended for pregnant women who are less healthy during pregnancy but it also holds true even for healthy pregnant women. Folic acid is known to reduce the risk of birth defects like spina bifida, neural tube defects and other birth defects like congenital heart conditions. Spina bifida is the most common neural tube defect. These congenital abnormalities can be a major problem for the family and is also a threat to a child’s life. Women therefore,should take an abundant quantity of folic acid not only when one becomes pregnant, but also during the time when you are already preparing yourself for pregnancy. To note, some doctors advise pregnant women to take 200 micrograms (mcg)of folic acid or also known as folate everyday.

Two separate studies in 1991 and 1996 found out that folic acid can help prevent neural tube defects, urinary tract and cardiovascular defects. Deficiency folic acid will lead to low birth weight and increased incidence of neural tube defects.

Iron, which is a main component of hemoglobin carries oxygen which helps in the transportation from the pregnant woman down to her child. It enhances the child’s growth and also helps the mother maintain a healthy body during childbirth.

The third recommended prenatal vitamin is Vitamin A. Again, Vitamin A is important for healthy embryonic development, cellular and tissue growth. It also helps in the development of other parts in the body such as our eyes, hearts, skin and our mucous membranes. More importantly, Vitamin A helps us fight infections and repair damaged tissues. It also helps with lactation to replace that lost in breastfeeding.

Thus, intake of prenatal vitamins is truly essential for women not only during pregnancy but onwards. And what’s best about it is knowing that you have also imparted a healthy life to your child.

Natasha Marryat runs the Why Can’t I Get Pregnant blog where she blogs about pregnancy issues. Hop over to her blog to learn more about trying to get pregnant.