In this article we will be discussing a very common question: vitamins safe to take while pregnant.
What Are Prenatal Vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins are supplements made for pregnant women to give their bodies the vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy 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.
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From what you should eat and drink, to what to expect from pregnancy and birth, or what products to buy and what to run from – chances are there is a lot of well-meaning but overwhelming advice coming your way. Ideally, women should take folic acid from before they plan to become pregnant, right through the first trimester. What to take: folic acid/folate tablets which contain at least 400 micrograms, every day, from 12 weeks before conception to the end of the first trimester (first 12 weeks, or three months, of pregnancy).
Iodine
Iodine is essential for your baby’s brain development and nervous system. What to take: iodine supplements which contain 150 micrograms, every day, from 3 months before and throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about checking your iron levels, and eat plenty of iron rich foods while you are pregnant.
Foods with vitamin C will help your body absorb iron. Try to eat a varied diet of nutritious foods from all five food groups – find more tips about healthy eating during pregnancy in our blogs ‘Is it true I can eat for two during pregnancy?’.
And ‘How Much Weight Should I Gain During Pregnancy?
Frequently Asked Questions
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Instead of “eating for two,” think of it as eating twice as healthy. That’s roughly the calorie count of a glass of skim milk and half a sandwich.