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. 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.
1- Folic Acid
The best way to ensure you are getting enough folic acid (a form of folate) while pregnant or planning on pregnancy, is to incorporate a daily supplement of 400 µg from one month prior, to 3 months post conception. Foods rich in folate to incorporate into your diet include:
Leafy greens eg.
Kale, spinach and broccoli
Legumes eg.
Five Important Prenatal Nutrients
Folate has been shown to support the prevention of neural tube defects and anemia. Vitamin D
Vitamin D impacts a pregnant woman’s blood pressure, brain function, immunity and mood which is why it is important for women to ensure they are consuming sufficient Vitamin D within their diets.
Moreover, Vitamin D deficiencies have been shown to lead to abnormal bone growth and fractures in newborns, as well as complications during delivery. Iodine
Within the first trimester of pregnancy, the baby’s thyroid becomes active, and the only source of thyroid hormone to the baby is directly from the mother. Iodine deficiencies have been linked to irregularities in brain development and complications during delivery.