Prenatal vitamins are a vital part of conception, pregnancy, and lactation. Prenatal vitamins with specific nutrients such as folic acid and iron play an essential role in the health of the mother-to-be and the birth of a healthy newborn.
The function and purpose of prenatal vitamins are not always clear to new parents. Read on to learn when to begin consuming prenatal vitamins and their principal ingredients.
When To Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins
According to general physicians, start taking some form of multivitamins at least a month before becoming pregnant. Based on expert advice, women of reproductive age should take a prenatal vitamin periodically to maintain their physical health.
The baby’s brain and spinal cord start to develop in the first month after fertilization, and this is the best time to begin taking nutritional supplements.
The best dietary supplements should include folic acid because the medical recommendation is to have at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day at the time of fertilization to ensure a healthy baby’s conception and development.
Fundamental Nutrients In Prenatal Vitamins
In addition to folic acid, some of the fundamental nutrients include:
- Calcium
- Copper
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
Eating a healthy diet is the best way to consume all these nutrients. Some foods that contain ample amounts of these vitamins and minerals are dairy products, fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy sources of healthily prepared meat.
Pregnant women should avoid junk foods, fried foods, and artificial sweeteners to ensure the baby is born healthy. The justification to avoid these foods is that they contain calories lacking any essential nutrients.
It is not always possible to get adequate amounts of all of these nutrients through a healthy diet. Women without any underlying medical conditions can choose over-the-counter prenatal vitamins to replenish deficiencies in their nutrition.
Hypertensive (high blood pressure), hypotensive (low blood pressure), and diabetic women should consult with a doctor before starting to take any supplement.
Side Effects Of Prenatal Vitamins
Taking medical supplements during pregnancy and lactation helps restore nutritional deficiencies in the woman’s body. Women can experience adverse effects due to the hormonal changes and their body’s response to these physical developments.
Some women find the pills hard to swallow during pregnancy. Other women might feel unnecessarily thirsty or excessively constipated as an effect of these medications.
Women feel constipated if they take high amounts of iron supplements. One way to overcome this condition is to drink lots of water during the day. A diet with an ample supply of fiber can also help overcome constipation.
Consider eating beans, fresh fruits, and nuts because they have a lot of fiber.
Taking prenatal vitamins on an empty stomach can exacerbate symptoms of morning sickness. The best way to avoid feeling more nauseous is to take them after a meal. Consider taking light meals more often instead of having three heavy meals a day.
Try taking chewable prenatals or gummies if you find the tablets hard to swallow.