Pregnancy can bring on several new habits for most women. One habit that may be the most valuable is getting used to taking your daily vitamins. If you’re not already a daily vitamin-taker, here are a few reasons you want to begin adding certain supplements to your routine.
Why are Prenatal Vitamins Important?
First thing’s first, why are vitamins important to your pregnancy? According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, you should take a daily prenatal vitamin before pregnancy and continue taking it after you get pregnant. Not only do they provide the key nutrients your body will need when growing your baby, but they can also help to prevent nausea and vomiting during your pregnancy.
Nutrition Facts Regarding Prenatal Vitamins
What nutrients should you look for in your prenatal vitamins?
One of the most important nutrients is Folic Acid. Folic Acid can prevent birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine. Iron is another nutrient that you should take plenty of to ensure you’re making extra blood for the baby. For bone, teeth, heart and muscle development, calcium is key nutrient that you and the baby will need. “What the fetus doesn’t get through the diet, the fetus will take out of mom’s bones,” says Scott Sullivan, M.D. In order to absorb the calcium, you should be sure you also look for prenatal vitamins with a great source of Vitamin D. The most common deficiency in most people is with Vitamin D and Iron. It’s important to not only include these, but in some cases to take double the daily dose. Last, Iodine is important to the growth and development of your baby’s brain and nervous system.
You can find a breakdown of suggested micrograms for each nutrient here, on Parents.com.
What happens if you don’t take prenatal vitamins?
Prenatal Vitamins are very important to the development of the baby and the health of mom. Women who don’t take prenatal vitamins may be at risk of an unsafe pregnancy, or they may place the baby in danger of congenital disabilities and a number of debilitating lifelong conditions. The lack of vitamins during pregnancy can lead to illness, morning sickness and loss of certain nutrients for mom. Prenatal vitamins are advised for the particular needs of a pregnant body.
Recommended Prenatal Vitamins
Before and during pregnancy we always recommend speaking with your OBGYN when making decisions about your pregnancy. When it comes to doing your own research, check out this helpful article from Healthline Parenthood. They offer a breakdown of popular prenatal vitamins of 2021 based on price, nutrients, pill type and more. This guide can help narrow your search based on what your OBGYN recommends is best for you.
Whether you’re ready to begin conceiving or already expecting, our team at Mt. Auburn OBGYN support the evidence that prenatal vitamins are a vital part of your pregnancy when it comes to giving yourself and your baby the best proper nutrition for a healthy development and delivery.
If you’re looking for an OBGYN in the Cincinnati area or seeking further guidance on prenatal vitamins and other prenatal nutrition, call us at 513-241-4774, or schedule your appointment.