Prenatal vitamins are basically multi-vitamins that are consumed during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. These vitamins are usually consumed been trying to conceive, during pregnancy or postpartum. Prenatal vitamins help ensure healthy growth and development of the baby. However, many women who consume prenatal vitamins also witness certain side effects. You should make it a point to consult your health care practitioner who will be the best judge when it comes to recommending prenatal vitamin doses. Your doctor may recommend considering specific prenatal vitamins.
Prenatal vitamins typically contain folic acid, vitamin D, calcium, thiamine, vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin E, niacin, iron, zinc, Iodine, and riboflavin.
Folic acid
Folic acid will help prevent the occurrence of neural tube birth defects. These defects are known to affect the brain and the spinal cord. What’s more, these tube defects develop 28 days after conception. Experts therefore recommend beginning folic acid consumption before conception. Your health care practitioners might recommend the consumption of foods rich in folic acid. These include green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts, and beans to name a few. Yogurt packs in folate, protein, and calcium as well.
Calcium intake
It is also important for pregnant women to watch out for the consumption of calcium since calcium is required for healthy bone density. Pregnant women will lose bone density and it is thus important to include sufficient amounts of calcium in your diet.
Experts recommend eating fig which contains lots of fiber and is a great source of calcium as well.
Iodine
It is extremely important to take adequate amounts of iodine since a deficiency of iodine can affect the development and growth of the baby. It can also result in deafness and disability. Furthermore, the deficiency of iodine can also result in an increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Also, the consumption of iodine is essential for the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland.
Iron
Iron plays a critical role in helping the blood carry oxygen in both the mother and the baby. It is a great idea to consume broccoli which contains vitamin C that helps the body absorb iron
