Pregnancy Health: The Reason Why Pregnant Women Need To Take Prenatal Vitamins

Pregnant women must have a healthy diet in which they can get vitamins and minerals. This is essential for themselves and for the growth of the babies in their wombs. However, expectant moms might still lack nutrients. To fill those nutritional gaps it is recommended that they take prenatal vitamins that can provide them with more vitamins and minerals.

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Mayo Clinic states that prenatal vitamins have more folic acid and iron. The folic acid inhibits neural tube defects which are severe disorders of the brain and the spinal cord. It is advisable that pregnant woman must take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day for the first 12 weeks of her pregnancy.

This is because the neural defects may develop in the first 28 days after her conception. You may also consume foods that are rich in folic acids such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, nuts and other fortified foods.

The iron in prenatal vitamins can support the growth and development of the baby. It also prevents anemia, a sickness in which the blood has a shortage of enough healthy red blood cells. It also helps blood carries oxygen in the pregnant woman and her baby.

Some prenatal vitamins contain calcium too. This is essential for the strengthening of the bones of the pregnant woman and for the bone growth of the baby.

WebMD shares what to look for in prenatal vitamins. These include 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid, 200 to 300 milligrams (mg) of calcium, 20 mg of niacin, 10 mg of vitamin E, 400 IU of vitamin D and 70 mg of vitamin C. 

You may also consider prenatal vitamins with 150 micrograms of iodine, 17 mg of iron, 15 mg of zinc, 6 mg of vitamin B12, 3 mg of thiamine and 2 mg riboflavin. You can buy prenatal vitamins over-the-counter in pharmacy. Your doctor can also prescribe specific brand of prenatal vitamins for you.