This blog post will walk you through: what are prenatal vitamins good for before pregnancy.
Stop Lighting Up
“Men who smoke have a lower sperm count and abnormal-shaped sperm,” Ross says. Pregnant women who smoke are more likely to miscarry. Your baby may also be born too early or have a low birth weight, which can cause other severe health problems.
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. You’ll need to stop using them, too.
What Are Prenatal Vitamins?
Folic acid is the most important vitamin for pre-pregnancy health.
X In A Circle Thinking About Getting Pregnant?
Find a Health Center A right arrow in a circle We couldn’t access your location, please search for a location. Prenatal vitamins are supplements that contain daily vitamins and minerals you need before and during your pregnancy. Folic acid is the most important vitamin to take when planning a pregnancy.
Folic acid is a B vitamin that cells in your body need for growing and developing. 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). Some women, like those who have had a pregnancy affected by NTDs or with sickle cell disease, may need more folic acid.
Talk to your doctor or nurse about the dose that is right for you. 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.
Keep taking prenatal vitamins throughout your entire pregnancy.
Do Prenatal Vitamins Have Side Effects?
A lot of people wonder about about prenatal vitamins side effects. Some people get nauseated or constipated from taking prenatal vitamins. If this happens to you, talk with your doctor about changing brands or the types of vitamins you’re taking.
Prenatal vitamins come in tablets or capsules, so finding the kind that works best with your body can help ease side effects. Your doctor or midwife can help you find a prenatal vitamin that will work best for your body.
When Should You Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins?
Neither involves waiting until your first trimester ultrasound.
When You Decide To Try For A Pregnancy Ready To Start A Family?
As soon as you find out you’re pregnant If you aren’t already taking prenatal vitamins, you should start as soon as you get a positive pregnancy sign on that pee stick test. Your OB-GYN may eventually suggest a specific brand or even offer you a prescription to make your vitamin-popping life easier, but you don’t have to wait — every day counts when you’re in the first trimester (more on why in a sec).