This isn’t an easy topic to write about nor is it an easy topic to find information about since it’s quite complex, however, we will share with you as much information as possibly can about this subject so that you no longer have any questions left un-answered by the end of this article.
What Are Prenatal Vitamins?
Your doctor may suggest that you take them when you begin to plan for pregnancy, as well as while you’re pregnant. Eating a healthy diet is always a wise idea — especially during pregnancy.
What To Look For In Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins help ensure that you get the nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy.
Look for prenatal vitamins that have: 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid
400 IU of vitamin D
200 to 300 milligrams (mg) of calcium
70 mg of vitamin C
3 mg of thiamine
2 mg of riboflavin
20 mg of niacin
6 mcg of vitamin B12
10 mg of vitamin E
15 mg of zinc
17 mg of iron
150 micrograms of iodine In some cases, your doctor will give you a prescription for a certain type of prenatal vitamin.
When Should You Take Prenatal Vitamins?
It’s best to start taking prenatal vitamins while you’re trying to get pregnant. The birth defects prevented by folic acid happen within the first few weeks of pregnancy — before you even know you’re expecting.
How Will Prenatal Vitamins Make You Feel?
To ease nausea: Try taking vitamins with food or before you go to sleep. Talk with your doctor about switching to another kind. The iron in prenatal vitamins can make you constipated.
Drink water to wash down the extra fiber and help you digest it more easily.
What About Other Extra Vitamins?
A prenatal vitamin includes all the vitamins and minerals a pregnant woman needs. Taking too many vitamins or minerals may harm your baby. If you took special supplements before you got pregnant, don’t take them now unless your doctor approves.
Omega-3 fatty acids may help your baby’s brain develop. If you don’t eat fish high in omega-3s (anchovies, herring, salmon, sardines) your doctor may recommend an omega-3 supplement.