If you are thinking of becoming a mother soon, or are currently expecting, then taking vitamins is of the utmost importance. There are a wide array of supplements to choose from, but not all supplements are created equal. Some supplements are more beneficial than others, while some may carry certain side effects that may harm you and your baby.
Due to the risks involved with certain supplements, it is best to consult with a medical healthcare professional before you begin taking any. Here, our focus will be on the benefits of prenatal vitamins during pregnancy.
What are prenatal vitamins and supplements?
Prenatal vitamins and supplements will provide you with the minerals and vitamins that you need before pregnancy, as well as afterward.
Prenatal vitamins and supplements contain a significant amount of fiber, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, proteins, and vitamins in order to benefit your health, as well as the health of your growing baby.
While many vitamins are only needed in small amounts in order for your body to work properly, vitamins are organic compounds that cannot be produced naturally by your body. Many people will turn to a diet rich in vitamins and minerals in order to obtain the amount that they need. However, eating healthy can be inconvenient, expensive, and time consuming.
Even if you do follow a strict diet, you may still not be getting the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals that you need while you are pregnant. Your doctor may recommend that you take dietary supplements in order to compensate for the lack of nutrients in your diet. Any nutrient deficiencies should be taken care of when you take the right prenatal vitamins and supplements, as recommended by your doctor.
Vitamins and supplements help boost your energy levels, and may also benefit your baby while it is still forming in your womb.
Which prenatal vitamin is best?
Prenatal vitamins that are rich in zinc, iodine, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A are usually recommended for women who are trying to conceive, or those who are currently pregnant. Your vitamin intake should be optimal in order to benefit your well-being as well as that of your growing baby.
Iodine, folate, iron, and protein are considered to be essential nutrients by most health professionals. Many vitamins play an integral role in the growth of the skeleton of the developing fetus.
Some vitamins also play a vital role in the normal formation of the human nervous system as well. Premature birth, however, is something that many expectant mothers worry about. Fortunately, there are many supplements that are available that can reduce the risk of a premature delivery during pregnancy.
One particular supplement that may significantly reduce the risk of a premature birth is Omega-3. Omega-3 supplements may also reduce the risk of high cholesterol and heart disease in adults.
Your doctor may prescribe a multivitamin regimen that is specifically designed to help expectant mothers obtain all of the vitamins and minerals they need in order to optimize the development of their baby.
However, a multivitamin should not be seen as a cure-all wonder drug. While multivitamins can help improve your health and that of your baby, they cannot replace a healthy diet. Instead, they should be seen as a supplement to your diet.
If you have any doubts about your nutritional intake, then speak to your doctor as soon as possible. They may take some blood samples in order to better gauge your current health to determine if prenatal vitamins and supplements are right for you.
Why are prenatal vitamins important?
Taking prenatal vitamins and supplements may reduce the risk of birth defects and serious neural tube defects. Prenatal vitamins may also lessen the risk of premature birth, and will help prevent low birth weight issues as well.
Prenatal vitamins and supplements will support fetal development during the early stages of pregnancy, which are arguably the most important stages of pregnancy.
Your natural iron levels will be supplemented by taking prenatal vitamins and supplements. You should ensure that you are getting sufficient amounts of iron, as it is considered a very important mineral during fetal development.
Breast milk is also an important aspect of post-pregnancy development for many infants. The good news is that prenatal supplements and vitamins can help mothers produce milk that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. If you are planning on breastfeeding your baby after it has been born, then you should discuss a postnatal vitamin and mineral regimen with your doctor or pediatrician.
Taking the First Step
Most health experts recommend that all pregnant women should take supplements during their pregnancy in order to play it safe. However, it is possible to overdose on supplements, and prenatal supplements are no exception.
Taking high doses of any supplement can not only harm you, but may also cause great harm to your growing and developing baby. Many pharmaceutical companies will advertise their supplements as being the best in the market, which may cause confusion.
It is highly recommended that you have an open discussion with your doctor in order to determine which course of treatment or supplement regimen is right for you. Your age, height, weight, and medical history may all have an impact on the supplement plan that your doctor wishes for you to follow.
Be Aware of Risks
Certain supplements may interact with some medications, so it is always important to check with your doctor in order to ensure that any medications that you are currently taking do not negatively interact with your supplements.
Also, while rare, some people may experience certain side effects while taking prenatal vitamins and supplements. If you experience any sudden and unusual side effects, then stop taking your vitamins and supplements and contact your doctor immediately.
The vast majority of prenatal supplements and vitamins are beneficial to expectant mothers, as well as their developing babies. However, some may cause side effects if they are taken in large quantities or with other medications.
