Are you well nourished? In the United States, vitamin and mineral supplements might not be needed if you are eating a regular healthy diet. If you find any problem with inadequate sources of vitamins or minerals, the first solution should be to incorporate a healthy diet. What if you are pregnant? Do you need more nutrients than what’s available in your normal diet?
Prenatal vitamins play a crucial role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy. They provide essential nutrients to the mother that support the baby’s growth and development and also maintain the mother’s well-being. These supplements are designed to fill the nutritional gap between the mother and child by offering a source of required minerals and vitamins. At Aspired Mother, our goal is to support mothers and their loved ones during pregnancy and post-partum. Let’s discuss more about the benefits of prenatal vitamins, their side effects, and the key nutrients they contain.
Key Nutrients in Prenatal Vitamins
Having a healthy pregnancy is the perfect way to promote the healthy birth of a baby. Taking prenatal vitamins improves the chances of having a healthy baby. These vitamins contain a combination of nutrients. Let’s take a look:
Folic Acid
Folic Acid is a crucial vitamin for neural tube development and helps prevent congenital disabilities like spina bifida. As per NHS, it is suggested to take 400 micrograms of Folic Acid every day before you’re pregnant until you’re 12 weeks pregnant. The early weeks of pregnancy are crucial for the baby’s development, and all these nutrients contribute to growth and development.
Iron
Iron maintains proper production of the red blood cells, preventing anemia in the mother and ensuring adequate oxygen supply to the baby. Pregnant women need approximately 27 mg of iron daily. A lack of iron will make you feel tired and might cause you to suffer from anemia.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium is required to develop strong bones and teeth, while Vitamin D assists with calcium absorption. You need 10 micrograms of Vitamin D every day. It is suggested that both breastfeeding and pregnant women take a daily supplement.
Iodine
Iodine is crucial for thyroid function and the baby’s brain development. It is recommended that the daily intake for pregnant women is 220 mcg. As per the research, some good food sources of iodine are table salt, dairy products and certain fish.
Vitamin B12 and B6
Red blood cell production and brain development are possible with vitamins B12 and B6. It relieves morning sickness symptoms, making the pregnancy journey comfortable for all expecting mothers.
Benefits of Taking Prenatal Vitamins
- Supports Fetal Development: – Prenatal Vitamins ensure the baby gets the required nutrients for healthy growth, immune function and organ development.
- Reduce Risk of Birth Defects: – Folic Acid significantly prevents neural tube defects, ensuring the baby’s spine and brain form correctly.
- Prevent Maternal Deficiencies: – Pregnancy increases the demand for iron, calcium and other minerals. Prenatal vitamins assist in preventing maternal deficiencies that might lead to fatigue, anemia and weakened immunity.
- Supports Healthy Birth Weight: Proper nutrition is required during pregnancy to decrease the risk of low birth weight, which leads to health complications in newborns.
- Reduce Morning Sickness: – Certain vitamins like B6 have been shown to assist with morning sickness and nausea.
Are there side effects to prenatal vitamins?
Overall, prenatal vitamins remain safe to take. Iron can occasionally cause nausea and constipation in some people, so it is advisable to drink plenty of fluids with your vitamins and use stool softeners to help decrease unwanted side effects. You should check with your doctor before taking any prenatal vitamins.
How to Choose the Best Prenatal Vitamin
While choosing the best prenatal vitamin, you should consider some factors:
- Look for Essential Nutrients: – Ensure that vitamins contain folic Acid, iron, calcium, DHA and iodine.
- Avoid Excessive Additives: – Choose brands free from artificial colors, preservatives and unnecessary fillers.
- Do Check for Allergens: – If you have allergies, select a prenatal vitamin that remains gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO.
- Consider Formulation: – Some prenatal vitamins come in capsules, gummies or liquid form. Choose one that remains easy to digest and consume.
When to Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins
Ideally, prenatal vitamins should be taken before conception to ensure optimal nutrient levels during fertilization. It is advisable for women who are trying to conceive to begin with prenatal vitamins at least three months before pregnancy.
A Doula to Help You on Your Journey to Motherhood
Prenatal vitamins are essential to a healthy pregnancy; they help ensure both mother and baby get the required nutrients for optimal development. Choosing the right prenatal supplement can significantly impact the health and well-being of both mother and child.
Aspired Mother prepares you emotionally and mentally for birth experiences and supports you on this journey. We are committed to supporting expecting mothers with expert guidance, personalized prenatal care, and resources to help navigate every pregnancy stage. If you are planning for pregnancy or are already expecting, then our team provides comprehensive support for a smooth and healthy journey to motherhood. For expert guidance and additional resources on maternal health, contact Brooke at Aspired Mother today.
