When to start the prenatal vitamins and why?

Prenatal vitamins are vitamins and minerals that you require on a daily basis before and during your pregnancy. Along with a healthy diet, prenatal vitamins are also crucial as it allows you to cover all the nutrition’s that your body requires for a healthy pregnancy.

Some of the most important prenatal vitamins and minerals advised are as follow:

Folic acid

Folic acid is an important supplement that should be started one month before pregnancy. It is a B vitamin that your body’s cells require for growth and development. Taking 400 micrograms of folic acid every day for at least one month before and during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of neural tube abnormalities, which are disorders with the baby’s brain and spine (NTDs).

Iodine

Iodine is an essential source for thyroid function during pregnancy. During pregnancy, iodine deficiency can cause a variety of problems, including:

• Stillbirth

• Deafness

• Miscarriage

• Stunted physical growth

• Mental disability

Iron

Iron aids in the production of more blood red cells in the body. These blood cells transport oxygen to the developing infant.

Calcium

Calcium also plays a vital role for a pregnant woman because the baby utilizes calcium for bone formation; it can help maintain your bone shield.

When and why take prenatal vitamins?

Prenatal vitamins should be started as soon as possible after conception. The importance of folic acid cannot be overstated. To avoid birth problems, you should start taking a folic acid supplement at least one month before trying to conceive.

If you weren’t expecting to get pregnant and did not start taking prenatal vitamins before, then start immediately once you test positive for pregnancy. Consult the doctor immediately and follow the prescribed vitamins under his guidance.

During pregnancy, it is not just you and your body but also your baby and its growth within you. There are times when the nutrients you derive from your food might not be enough for both of you, leading to deficiency; therefore, prenatal vitamins fill the gap here, providing a healthy pregnancy.

Many people ask why to start taking pills before pregnancy?

Well, the answer is simple: your baby’s growth and development starts in the very first week of pregnancy; sometimes, you even remain unaware that you are pregnant. It would help if you started taking a folic acid supplement and other prenatal vitamins at least one month before trying to conceive to avoid birth complications.

Are there any Side effects of prenatal vitamins?

Many people get worried before taking prenatal vitamins due to their side effects. Prenatal vitamins don’t really have many side effects, but sometimes they can cause nausea. In such cases, you can talk to your doctor and ask him for his consultation. He might prescribe you a different kind of vitamin that may be a liquid or chewable supplement.

Sometimes even iron-containing prenatal vitamins can cause constipation in pregnant women in such cases:

• Drink a lot of water

• Exercise with your doctor’s guidelines

• Eat high fiber meals

Conclusion: You should take good care of yourself and of your health visit the doctor under whose guidance you should start taking the required prenatal vitamins for the good health of you and your baby. Prenatal vitamins are an essential supplement for the growth and development of your baby, it protects them from various kinds of congenital disabilities and act as a safety shield.

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