Prenatal Vitamins Before Pregnancy
Should I be taking prenatal vitamins before pregnancy?
Yes, because they are an essential part of helping your body get all of the nutrients that are required to help your baby grow healthy and strong (even before you realize you’re pregnant) and are a big key to helping reduce birth defects.
Even if you have a very healthy diet and try to eat as well as possible, it is most likely that you are going to miss out on key nutrients that you and your baby need. This is where prenatal vitamins come in.
Why Are Prenatal Vitamin So Important?
Because these vitamins contain the appropriate dosage that a pregnant woman needs to take on a daily basis. The most important vitamins that you need during this time such as folic acid, calcium, and iron can be found in these vitamins.
Folic acid is the most important of all, as it helps to prevent defects of the brain and spinal cord.
Are These The Only Vitamins I Will Need To Take?
Depending upon your diet, your caretaker may also recommend that you take omega-3 supplements.
Also, since most prenatal vitamins don’t contain enough vitamin D, which is essential to help your baby grow, you will want to drink plenty of milk as well, especially in your final trimester. If you are lactose intolerant or milk does not agree with you for one reason or another, you may want to discuss this with your doctor, so he or she can recommend the proper vitamin D supplements for you to take.
Can’t I Just Take A Multivitamin?
This is an alternative you can use, but it is not recommended. First you need to ensure that the vitamins have enough folic acid in them, plus the appropriate amount of essentials such as calcium and iron. The problem with multivitamins is, you may actually overdose yourself on such vitamins as vitamin A, which can cause birth defects.
When To Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins
You will want to start taking your prenatal vitamins about three or four months before you plan on getting pregnant. This is extremely important because vital parts of your baby will be developing during the first month of your pregnancy, well before you may even realize you are expecting.
However, if you just found out you are pregnant and have not been taking any prenatal vitamins, it is highly recommended that you start taking them as soon as possible.
You will want to take your prenatal vitamins throughout your pregnancy and after, if you plan on breast-feeding.
Related posts: