The Importance of Prenatal Vitamins

One of the most important things a pregnant woman can do is take daily prenatal vitamins to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. During the different stages of pregnancy, the mother and baby are both in need of additional nutritional requirements due to hormonal and growth changes. It’s crucial to make sure that prenatal vitamins are used as supplements in combination with a well-balanced diet rather than just acting as replacements. Before getting started, talking to your primary care physician will allow them to identify any vitamins that should be added to your diet, as well as ones you already have enough of. For example, vegetarians may need to incorporate a vitamin B12 supplement as it is mainly found in animal products (Mayo Clinic, 2020).

While it is highly recommended to be taking prenatal vitamins during your pregnancy, it could be beneficial to start taking them earlier on during your childbearing years (Mayo Clinic, 2020). The first couple weeks of fetal development are very rapid and active, and it’s better to start earlier rather than later based on your physician’s approval. A prime example of this is with the prevention of neural tube defects. Studies have shown that taking folic acid supplements before and during the first few weeks of pregnancy can help reduce the overall risk of developing neural tube defects (Imbard, Benoist, & Blom, 2013). Some mothers also opt to continue vitamins postnatally since it helps with breastfeeding and anemia prevention.

When choosing a prenatal vitamin, whether it is over the counter or prescription, make sure the vitamin contains calcium, iron, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin, D, vitamin E, and Omega-3-fatty acids (Mayo Clinic, 2020). While the side effects for prenatal vitamins are minimal, always consult your doctor if you plan on taking them every day.

Below are some of the main vitamins/minerals that should be supplemented throughout pregnancy and its benefits for you and your baby (ACOG, 2022).

Iron:

• Benefits: Helps with prevention of anemia and the efficient delivery of oxygen from red blood cells to your baby

• Recommended daily amount: 27 mg

Folic Acid:

• Benefits: Helps with prevention of brain and spinal birth defects

• Recommended daily amount: 600 micrograms

Vitamin B12:

• Benefits: Helps with red blood cell formation and maintenance of nervous system

• Recommended daily amount: 2.6 micrograms

Calcium:

• Benefits: Essential for strong bones

• Recommended daily amount: 1000 mg

Vitamin D:

• Benefits: Helps with eyesight, skin, bone strength, and teeth strength

• Recommended amount: 600 international units

References:

ACOG. (2022). Nutrition During Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org. Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://www.acog.org/

Imbard, A., Benoist, J.-F., & Blom, H. J. (2013, September 17). Neural tube defects, folic acid and methylation. International journal of environmental research and public health. Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3799525/

Mayo Clinic. (2020, May 1). Prenatal vitamins: Why they matter, how to choose. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-vitamins/art-20046945