Role Of Micronutrients In Fertility
That said, some promising studies have begun to shed light on the role of vitamins in getting and staying pregnant. Vitamins play important roles in female health. They’re essential for many functions, including: menstruation and ovulation
thyroid function
energy production
immune function
oocyte (egg) quality and maturation So, adequate vitamin and mineral intake is critical when trying to create the right environment for a healthy pregnancy.
Some nutrients may even reduce symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a common underlying cause of infertility. It’s important to remember, though, that more research is needed.
Stop Lighting Up
“Men who smoke have a lower sperm count and abnormal-shaped sperm,” Ross says.
Your child’s odds of having sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) also go up if you use tobacco. And although e-cigarettes may have fewer toxins, they still have nicotine, which prevents a baby’s brain and lungs from growing the way they should. It’s best to start early — it often takes about 30 tries to kick the habit for goo.
What Are Prenatal Vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins are made for people who are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant. Folic acid is the most important vitamin for pre-pregnancy health. Please fill out this field.
Taking 400 mcg of folic acid every day for at least 1 month before and during pregnancy can help lower the risk for problems with the baby’s brain and spine — called neural tube defects (NTDs). Talk to your doctor or nurse about the dose that is right for you. Most nutrients should come from the foods you eat, but it’s also a good idea to take prenatal vitamins.
Your nurse, doctor, or midwife can recommend the best vitamins for you, on top of folic acid.
When Do I Need To Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins?
Start taking folic acid at least 1 month before you start trying to get pregnant. The first few weeks of pregnancy are a really important time for fetal health and development.
Taking folic acid and other prenatal vitamins can help reduce the risk of some birth defects. If this happens to you, talk with your doctor about changing brands or the types of vitamins you’re taking.