Prenatal Vitamins: Why They are Essential for Pregnancy Health

What are Prenatal Vitamins?

Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated nutrient supplements designed for women who are pregnant or planning to conceive. These supplements contain all the key vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, and DHA, essential for supporting healthy foetal growth and reducing the risk of pregnancy-related complications

There are various brands and options of prenatal vitamin supplements available to buy in any general store. However, it is best to consult with your gynaecologist to determine which option is best suited for you.

Importance of Prenatal Vitamins During Pregnancy

Although a healthy, well-balanced diet is the best way to get all the nutrients required for the baby’s healthy development, prenatal vitamins may still be essential to fill any nutrient gap in the diet. The importance of prenatal vitamins can be better understood by looking at some of the key benefits provided by them -

• Prevent Birth Defects - Prenatal vitamins address the deficiency of folic acid, a crucial element for the optimal development of the brain and spinal cord. Thus, prenatal vitamins help reduce birth defects by increasing the folic acid supply.
• Boost Maternal Immunity - Prenatal vitamins are not only essential for the foetus' healthy growth, but also crucial for the overall health of the pregnant woman.
• Reduce Fatigue & Anaemia - Prenatal helps reduce fatigue and also lowers the risk of developing anaemia by providing adequate iron intake.
• These also strengthen bones and teeth by supplying calcium and vitamin D

When Should You Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins?

You should start taking prenatal vitamins before even trying to conceive, as many birth defects develop in the first few weeks, when most women don’t even realise that they are pregnant. Thus, in an ideal scenario, one should start with prenatal vitamins at least 1 month before conception. With early prenatal vitamins, you can ensure an adequate intake of folic acid (Vit. B9), which helps prevent early birth defects.

However, it is never too late to start with these supplements. If you are already pregnant, you can still start with prenatals as soon as possible for you. Prenatal vitamins are typically continued throughout the entire pregnancy, and sometimes doctors may recommend additional supplements even after birth (for breastfeeding).

It is essential to consult with your doctor regularly to stay informed about the best prenatal vitamins to take and the correct dosage.

How to Choose the Right Prenatal Vitamin?

• Look for prenatal vitamins that contain all the key nutrients in proper amounts, such as Folic acid, iron, and DHA.
• Avoid unknown or unverified supplement brands that lack proper certifications and safety testing.
• It is always better to consult with your healthcare provider and follow their recommendations. Based on your specific circumstances, you may need to take more or less of certain nutrients at times.
• Prefer trusted medical brands for getting your prenatal supplements.

Possible Side Effects of Prenatal Vitamins

The most common side effects of prenatal supplements experienced by women are gastrointestinal, causing issues like constipation and nausea. These side effects are usually temporary and can easily be managed with some adjustments.

Eating foods rich in fibre and increasing your water intake can help prevent these side effects. Consuming the supplements after a meal may also help with nausea.

Can Prenatal Vitamins Improve Fertility?

Prenatal vitamins do give a boost to reproductive health by fulfilling the nutritional gap in the body, but these supplements do not directly cause pregnancy or improve fertility. By improving the nutrient levels, prenatal vitamins may help improve egg quality in women and uterine health, which results in better chances of conceiving.

Doctor’s Recommendations for Prenatal Vitamin Use

Every individual is unique, and their nutrient requirements vary widely, based on their lifestyle, medical history, and stage of pregnancy. Thus, it is essential to consult with your gynaecologist to determine the correct dosage of supplements and the type of supplements your body requires. Your concerned doctor might order some tests to determine the deficiencies in your body and recommend specific vitamins.

Conclusion

While nothing can replace a well-balanced, healthy meal, prenatal vitamins are vital for ensuring an adequate intake of all the required nutrients that can be difficult to obtain in normal food alone. Under medical supervision, prenatal vitamins lead to a healthier pregnancy while reducing the risk of complications for the expectant mothers.

It is always wise to visit your nearest Indira IVF clinic and consult with the best fertility expert or gynaecologist to receive a personalised recommendation for prenatal vitamins.