Originally posted on September 11, 2022 @ 1:47 pm
Prenatal vitamins is a very good supplement that helps to improve immune system of every pregnant woman.
What is Prenatal Vitamins?
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Prenatal vitamins are nutritional supplements designed to supply pregnant women’s bodies with the vitamins and minerals required for a healthy pregnancy. Both when you start making pregnancy plans and while you are pregnant, your doctor might advise taking them.
It’s always a good idea to eat healthily, but it’s especially important while pregnant. To assist in filling in any nutritional deficiencies in your diet, it is also a good idea to take a prenatal vitamin.
What to Look for in Prenatal Vitamins
With the help of prenatal vitamins, you can make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy.
Look for Prenatal Supplements That Contain:
- Folic acid in the amount of 400 mcg.
- Vitamin D 400 IU
- Calcium in the range of 200 to 300 milligrams (mg)
- Vitamin C at 70 mg.
- 3.0 milligrams of thiamine
- 2.2 milligrams of riboflavin
- 20 milligrams niacin
- 6 mcg B12 dosage
- 10-mg dose of vitamin E
- Zinc (15 mg)
- 17 mg of iron
- 150 micrograms of iodine
Your doctor might provide you with a prescription for a specific brand of prenatal vitamin in particular circumstances.
Calcium, iodine, folic acid, and iron
Folic Acid: You should take folic acid if becoming pregnant is a possibility for you. It can stop birth abnormalities that harm the baby’s spinal cord and brain. Due to the fact that half of all pregnancies are unexpected, neural tube abnormalities can develop early in pregnancy, often before many women even realize they are pregnant.
Because of this, doctors tell all women who might get pregnant to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day, starting before trying to get pregnant and continuing for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Consult your doctor about folic acid if you’ve given birth to a child who has a neural tube defect. According to studies, if you’ve already had a child with this defect, taking a higher dose (up to 4,000 micrograms) at least a month before and throughout the first trimester may be beneficial. However, you should discuss this with your doctor.
The following foods contain folic acid:
- Veggies with green leaves
- Nuts
- Beans
- Mandarin oranges
- Additional foods that have been folic acid-fortified
- Taking a supplement is a good idea as a backup, even though you can receive folic acid from meals.
Calcium: A pregnant lady needs calcium as well. Due to the fact that the baby consumes calcium for its own bone formation, it may assist you in avoiding losing bone density.
Iodine: Iodine is essential for a woman to have good thyroid function when she is pregnant. A lack of iodine may result in:
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- physically slowed growth.
- Severe mental impairment
- Deafness
Iron: Your body uses iron to produce more red blood cells. These blood cells provide the infant with the oxygen it needs to grow.
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What About Other Nutrients?
Other vitamins and minerals could help your pregnancy be healthier. Your doctor can advise you on whether you need to take supplements such as
Omega H3 Fatty Acid: These fats, which also go by the names DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), are exclusively found in dietary sources such as fatty fish and nuts. According to studies, omega-3 fatty acids can reduce your risk of giving birth prematurely or to a child who is underweight. Ask your doctor if a supplement is appropriate for you if you don’t consume a lot of omega-3-rich foods.
Choline: Although your body can produce some choline on its own, food provides the majority of your daily needs. Eggs, beef, hogs, chickens, and fish are among the rich sources. The infant needs choline for good brain development, but many pregnant women don’t get enough of it.
When to Start Taking Prenatal Vitamin
Pregnancy is the ideal time to begin taking prenatal vitamins. Particularly crucial is folic acid. To lower your risk of having a child with birth abnormalities, start taking folic acid supplements at least one month before trying to conceive.
Even if a pregnancy is not planned, some doctors advise all women who could potentially get pregnant to take prenatal vitamins.
What is the Side Effect of Prenatal vitamins
For a pregnant woman who is already feeling queasy, several prenatal supplements can make her feel sick. Consult your healthcare provider if that occurs to you. Another prenatal vitamin that you don’t have to consume in full may be prescribed by them. Choices consist of:
- Chewable
- Liquids
You might become constipated from the iron in prenatal supplements. You can benefit if you’re constipated by:
- Consume a lot of fiber.
- Consume a lot of water.
- If your doctor thinks it’s safe for you, engage in exercise.
- If your doctor gives you the go-ahead, take a stool softener.
