Medical examination by Dr. Monique Rainford
Prenatal vitamins are an important part of healthy pregnancy and fetal development. They alleviate nutritional deficiencies and help reduce the risk of certain birth defects.
Prenatal vitamins are recommended during pregnancy and experts advise starting before conception, especially in the months leading up to pregnancy.
In this article, you'll learn about the benefits of prenatal vitamins and when to consider them if needed.
This article provides links to resources that may relate to specific language for women related to pregnancy and childbirth. These links do not reflect Verywell Health's brand policies on gender and gender terminology.
How important are prenatal vitamins?
Certain essential minerals and nutrients support a healthy pregnancy and the growth of the developing baby in the womb. The amount of some important minerals may decrease during pregnancy.
Prenatal vitamins, when taken, are a useful way to ensure you are getting these nutrients every day. In addition, for some women, prenatal vitamins may reduce the risk of preterm labor and delivery, low birth weight, certain birth defects, preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), and other health problems.
Risks of not taking prenatal vitamins
Inadequate vitamin intake can increase the risk of certain health problems, including:
There is also evidence that taking prenatal vitamins during pregnancy may reduce the risk of postpartum depression 21 months after birth.
Prenatal vitamin ingredients
During pregnancy, the body needs certain minerals to ensure the health of both the pregnant woman and the baby. There are no specific standards for prenatal vitamin levels, but most contain important nutrients such as folate, iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, and omega fatty acids. -3 (or DHA). Each vitamin has specific dosages that experts recommend.
When looking for the best brand of pregnancy medication, you should check that the brand is reputable, that the vitamins are third-party verified, and that the ingredients meet your nutritional needs.
Here are some types of prenatal vitamins that you can find over the counter.
with folic acid . Folic acid is a synthetic form of folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, and supports the healthy development of the nervous system during pregnancy. In particular, it reduces the risk of neural tube defects.
Along with iron, iron is a mineral that supports brain development. If this is not enough, it can lead to anemia. This can lead to premature birth or low birth weight.
with DHA . DHA, or omega-3 fatty acids, are found in certain types of fish and may be important for prenatal and postnatal brain development.
About 25% of pregnant women develop iron deficiency anemia by the 27th week of pregnancy.
Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States. Vitamin manufacturers are not required to provide detailed evidence of health benefits, so dosages and ingredients can vary from brand to brand and can even be misleading.
One study found that several brands of prenatal vitamins were contaminated with heavy metals, while another study found that mineral levels varied widely between many brands of prenatal vitamins.
If you have concerns about the ingredients in prenatal vitamins, consult your doctor.
When should you take prenatal vitamins?
Ideally, you should take prenatal vitamins before or right after you find out you're pregnant.
Experts recommend starting this process even before conception. It is recommended to take folic acid at least a month before conception. Even if you are not currently planning a pregnancy, daily intake of folic acid is recommended. Taking prenatal vitamins can reduce severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
If you have questions about your condition and the best time to take prenatal vitamins, consult with your doctor.
While it may be a fad or trend, taking vitamins for prenatal hair growth when you are not pregnant is not a scientifically based practice. Vitamins and minerals play a role in hair growth, but experts believe that the difference in hair growth for many people during pregnancy could be due to hormonal changes.
Side effects of prenatal vitamins
Taking too much of certain minerals can cause mild side effects like stomach upset or headache or liver problems. Side effects may be greater when prenatal vitamins (or other vitamins) are taken in higher than recommended doses or with other supplements.
Some minerals in prenatal vitamins can cause side effects, for example:
The iron in prenatal vitamins can cause constipation.
DHA can cause bloating or bloating in some people.
Vitamin A can cause dry or irritated skin; Too much vitamin A can cause serious illnesses.
In large doses , zinc can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, and vomiting.
In severe cases, high magnesium levels can cause diarrhea, nausea, seizures, or heart problems.
Some side effects, such as nausea or constipation, may be caused by the pregnancy and not the supplement. Be sure to only take one dose of prenatal vitamins per day and consult a doctor if you have trouble determining the cause of your symptoms.
Summary:
Prenatal vitamins support health and nutrition during pregnancy and the growing baby. Not taking them increases the risk of certain birth defects and other health problems. Healthcare providers recommend starting prenatal vitamin supplements at least a month before planning a pregnancy.