Pregnancy can be a joyous experience, but the process can also take a toll on both the expectant mother and the developing fetus. To help ensure the health of the mom and baby, your doctor will likely recommend the use of prenatal vitamins. Here’s what you need to know about prenatal vitamins and how they can help.
What Do Prenatal Vitamins Do?
A healthy diet is the best way to get nutrients. However, you are eating for two when you are pregnant. Prenatal vitamins allow you to get more of certain nutrients that are important for the overall health of both the mom and baby.
Why Are Prenatal Vitamins Important?
Prenatal vitamins are essential because they provide specific nutrients your baby needs for development. Not having enough of a particular nutrient can cause various birth abnormalities and pregnancy complications.
For instance, a lack of folic acid during pregnancy can adversely affect the development of a baby’s brain and spinal cord.
When Should You Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins?
You should start taking prenatal vitamins only when your doctor recommends doing so. In most cases, your doctor will tell you to take prenatal vitamins within the first months of pregnancy.
Suppose you are actively trying to become pregnant. In that case, your doctor may recommend taking prenatal vitamins even before you become pregnant, or a month before you start trying, which is why you should speak to your doctor if you’re planning to get pregnant.
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a brand name or generic vitamin that they’ve seen work well for expecting mothers. They may also pick a brand of vitamin based on your medical needs. For example, they might have special recommendations for you if you have a medical condition that means you need more of a specific vitamin or you must avoid a key ingredient found in some brands.
Best Prenatal Vitamins
You should see your doctor regularly to ensure that the pregnancy develops normally, and you should not take prenatal vitamins unless directed by your doctor. If you see a prenatal vitamin marketed towards new moms, speak to your doctor before taking that vitamin.
Depending on your pregnancy, your doctor may recommend vitamins such as:
- Folic Acid, which is essential for brain and spinal cord development in the fetus
- Iron, which prevents anemia
- Vitamin D and calcium, which help promote bone growth
- Vitamin C, which helps immune development and upkeep
- Iodine, to help thyroid function
- Vitamin B12 and thiamine, which are crucial to brain development and function
- Riboflavin helps growth and the development of healthy eyes and skin
- Calcium for bone development
When buying prenatal vitamins, make sure that you carefully read the labeled dosage and compare it against your doctor’s recommendations.
Buying Prenatal Vitamins as a Gift
If you’re buying prenatal vitamins as a gift for someone trying to get pregnant or is expecting, make sure you ask them what their doctor recommends.
Whether you’re looking for prenatal vitamins for yourself or someone you know, explore the great selection at Simply Medical today.