When Should I Start Taking A Prenatal Vitamin?
The folate in a prenatal vitamin taken before conception significantly reduces the chances of neural tube irregularities like spina bifida. A baby’s neural tube, which will develop into both the brain and spinal cord, develops during the first month of pregnancy. You’ll continue taking your prenatal vitamin every day during your pregnancy.
Your doctor might also recommend you continue to take prenatal vitamins after delivery, especially if you decide to breastfeed. Some may be sold in 60- or 90-serving packages.
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.
Your doctor may suggest that you take them when you begin to plan for pregnancy, as well as while you’re pregnant. It’s also a good idea to take a prenatal vitamin to help cover any nutritional gaps in your diet.
What To Look For In Prenatal Vitamins
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.
What Are Prenatal Vitamins?
Zip, City, or State Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code or city or state. Prenatal vitamins are supplements that contain daily vitamins and minerals you need before and during your pregnancy. Folic acid is a B vitamin that cells in your body need for growing and developing.
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.