Prenatal Vitamins

For the health of you and your baby, your doctor will suggest taking prenatal vitamins during pregnancy to make up for nutritional deficiencies in your diet. During pregnancy, your need for certain nutrients such as folic acid, calcium, and iron increases and may not be met by a well-balanced diet. Always consult your doctor about the type of prenatal vitamin and proper dosage appropriate for you and never take more than the recommended amount.

Taking more than the recommended amount of vitamins can jeopardize your baby's health so be sure to keep track of your daily intake. Moreover, the Food and Drug Administration has no set guidelines for what goes into the prenatal vitamins, meaning it's your responsibility to research what is in the vitamins you're taking and decide what's best for you.

Important Vitamins and Minerals

Folic Acid

Folic Acid can reduce the risk of spina bifida which can cause paralysis and mental retardation in your baby. Doctors suggest you begin taking approximately 600 mcg of folic acid each day as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Natural sources of folic acid include green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans and citrus fruits.

Iron

When you're pregnant, your body generates more blood and, as a result, your iron stores are spread thin. Iron supplements help you and your baby's blood carry more oxygen. During pregnancy, your iron requirement doubles to approximately 27 mg (milligrams) of iron per day.

Calcium

Calcium prevents your bones from losing density as your baby draws on your stores of the mineral for its own bones and teeth development. However, the amount of calcium you need during pregnancy remains the same: 1000 mg a day.

Potassium

This mineral helps regulate blood pressure, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions.

Vitamin A

This vitamin is important for cell growth, healthy mucous membranes, and helps your baby resist infections. Vitamin A is also essential for postpartum tissue repair.

Pantothenic Acid

If you are lacking this vitamin during pregnancy your baby's growth may be slowed. Pantothenic acid is responsible for growth, appetite regulation, digestion, healing wounds, and also helps prevent stretch marks.

If any of your doctor recommended supplements or prenatal vitamins cause nausea, ask him or her to prescribe a different prenatal vitamin with a lower dosage. If you have a difficult time swallowing them, try a smaller pill or one with a slick coating to help it go down easier.