Prenatal Vitamin – Will They Help With Your Pregnancy?

Women who are pregnant or nursing tend to have nutritional needs that they do not have at other times.  This is when a will come in handy.  A is essentially a multi vitamin that has been fortified with extra nutrients that pregnant women need. 

There are several types of prenatal vitamins, both over the counter and some by prescription only.  Which type you need depends on your health and diet.  If you have a healthy diet, with lots of fruits and vegetables, you may not need a prenatal vitamin.  However, if you are like most people, and you do not always make healthy nutrition choices, then a is probably the best choice for you.

Check with your doctor to determine if you have an iron deficiency or have a deficiency in any other vitamin or mineral.  Many pregnant women have an iron deficiency because they are providing nutrients to their baby through the blood supply.  As a result, they may become anemic.  If this is the case, they should take a that is fortified with iron. 

It is also common for pregnant women to have a calcium deficiency, due to the growth of the baby.  Most prenatal vitamins will have additional calcium already added. 

Another important component of a will be folic acid.  This will decrease the chances of your baby being born with spinal bifida and other birth defects. 

Most people believe that if a little is good, then a lot must be better.  When it comes to vitamins and minerals, this is simply not true.  When it comes to pregnancy, it can create complications.  As a result, some prenatal vitamins will reduce the quantity of some vitamins such as a reduced amount of vitamin A, which has been linked to birth defects. 

If you already are taking vitamins and supplements, be sure and share this information with your doctor.  They can advise you as to other prenatal vitamins that you should take, and they may recommend that you reduce the dosage on some of your supplements. 

 

Article continued below...