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.