Prenatal vitamins are nutrients that are needed to help with the development of your baby, to promote healthy physical and mental development, as well as to prevent deficiencies and birth defects. Women who are pregnant need more of almost every vitamin and mineral there is than do women who are not pregnant. You can develop a diet to be sure you receive all of the prenatal vitamins you need, but it is difficult to achieve all of the amounts recommended. That is why supplements for prenatal vitamins are becoming more popular.
There are over 50 prenatal vitamins that are essential to the healthy development of your baby. Here is a list of the most important prenatal vitamins and nutrients:
- Folic Acid is a B Vitamin that is especially important before conception and during the first trimester. It helps prevent the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida, anencephaly, and encephalocele.
- Calcium helps to develop your baby’s teeth and bones.
- Iron develops red blood cells that deliver oxygen to your baby, as well as helping to form your baby and the placenta.
- Protein is the main building block for your baby’s cells.
- Vitamin A is one of the prenatal vitamins that contributes to healthy skin, cell growth, and resistance to infection.
- Vitamin C promotes healthy gums, teeth, and bones.
- Vitamin D is another of the prenatal vitamins that builds bones and regulates calcium absorption.
- More prenatal vitamins in the B Vitamin complex include thiamine for brain development, Vitamin B6 for developing your baby’s brain and nervous systems, and riboflavin, which promotes bone, muscle, and nerve development.
- Zinc aids the growth of body tissues and may help to reduce neural tube defects as well.
The supplement for prenatal vitamins that you choose should be based on an analysis of what nutrients you cannot get enough of simply by eating a healthy diet. There are many prenatal vitamins available, both by prescription and over the counter.
As mentioned above, folic acid is an incredibly important vitamin during your baby’s early development and the amount needed is nearly double that of when you are not pregnant. Some doctors believe a supplement of just folic acid, along with a healthy diet, is enough. Others, however, think that supplements including additional prenatal vitamins are better since they contain other important nutrients that can help your baby.
You should consult your doctor and decide together what kind of prenatal vitamins you need help with. Whether you decide on prescription-strength or over-the-counter prenatal vitamins, you should look for supplements that include most or all of the nutrients listed above. Be aware of the amounts of each that are needed. Compensate for any lacking prenatal vitamins by eating the right foods.
Remember that a supplement for prenatal vitamins cannot make up for bad eating habits. It is up to you to eat right and provide your baby with the proper nutrients and prenatal vitamins he or she needs.
By Monica Drusch