Best Prenatal Vitamins To Add To Your Pregnancy Diet
What are the best prenatal vitamins? Any woman who is pregnant worries that her unborn child may not be receiving enough of the right nutrition. Having the right vitamins to take, including the proper dosing of them, is essential. It is always best to consult with a doctor to determine which vitamins are best for your needs, but there are several steps you can take to ensure any product you do buy is well worth your investment. Which are the best prenatal vitamins? That depends on a variety of factors.
Best Prenatal Supplements for Your Developing Baby
In this article:
- What Are Prenatal Vitamins Anyway?
- Should I Take Prenatal Vitamins Before I Get Pregnant?
- What Are the Best Over the Counter Prenatal Vitamins?
- What If You Eat a Healthy Diet?
What Are Prenatal Vitamins Anyway?
Prenatal vitamins are a bit different than standard vitamins you may already be taking on a daily basis. These vitamins offer a higher dosage of folic acid, iodine, calcium, and iron, in most situations. These are all nutrients an unborn child needs to grow and develop in a healthy manner. They are important for several reasons.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, for example, is a nutrient many people do not get enough of. But, during pregnancy, this nutrient helps with the development of the brain and spinal cord. Significant deficiencies here may put a mother-to-be or the baby at risk of complications including neural tube birth defects. These typically happened during those first 28 days after conception. This is why it can be so important to have access to these nutrients right away, even before pregnancy occurs.
Iodine
Iodine is another one of the best prenatal vitamins you can take. It helps to ensure your thyroid function is working at its best during your pregnancy. This organ controls the flow of hormones through your body. When working well, it helps to stimulate every organ to work properly. When it is not working well, it may cause changes to organ function, including your brain and heart. Those who are significantly deficient here may suffer complications. Babies may, too. A severe deficiency here can use deafness, mental disability, or stunted growth.
Iron
Iron is at the heart of the development of all tissue and muscle within the body. It helps your body to develop strong muscles to carry the child. If you are significantly deficient in it, this can create concerns for the baby as well. Iron, for example, helps to move oxygen through the body. Limits here can mean limited development.
Calcium
Another one of the most important prenatal vitamins is calcium. It is essential for the development of bone health and density. A supplement will help to preserve a woman’s bone density during pregnancy. It also ensures your unborn child’s bones develop properly.
Should I Take Prenatal Vitamins Before I Get Pregnant?
This is a question many people ask. The answer is, sometimes. It is always best to visit your doctor for a comprehensive examination. During this, your doctor will conduct blood tests to spot potential concerns with deficiencies. He or she may recommend taking vitamins in general at this point – often, this is best for all people. However, prenatal vitamins can also help. Many doctors recommend them before pregnancy as a way of reading the body and ensuring you have the highest nutrition level possible.
What Are the Best Over the Counter Prenatal Vitamins?
The best over the counter prenatal vitamins have the highest quality of ingredients. Finding the best pregnancy supplements can be a challenge. There are many brands out there. Some are in chewable form. Others are not. The key is not to look at the brand itself. Instead, look at what vitamins and nutrients are actually within the product. Ask your doctor about recommended doses for any nutrient in particular. This is very important if you have a deficiency, for example.
Some of the most important nutrients to look for include the following:
- Folic acid – aim for 400 micrograms daily
- Vitamin D – 400 IU daily
- Iron – 17 mg per day
- Calcium – up to 300 mg daily
- Riboflavin – 2 mg daily
- Thiamine – 3 mg daily
- Iodine – 150 micrograms daily
- Zinc – 15 mg daily
- Vitamin B12 – 10 mg daily
- Niacin – 20 mg daily
- Vitamin C – 70 mg daily
Again, check with your doctor about the specific levels you need.
What If You Eat a Healthy Diet?
That is a good thing. Most doctors want you to get your nutrients in the healthiest way possible. A solid source of vegetables and fruit is important. Lean meats are, too. However, even if you eat a large portion of these, you may still suffer some limitations. Supplementing with vitamins is a must. The best prenatal vitamins are those that meet your body’s needs. Work with your doctor to address any areas of particular concern. Then, work to eat a healthy diet while also obtaining a high-quality vitamin.
When should you start taking prenatal vitamins? Watch the video below to find out!
Taking the best prenatal vitamins when you’re expecting is important. But you need the advice and guidance of your doctor to know the right dosage. Taking too little or too much can be dangerous for you and your baby.
Which of the prenatal vitamins do you take? Share your insights with us below!
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