Making the majority of your diet whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins is a great starting point. But to ensure that you, and therefore your baby, are getting all the vitamins and minerals that you need, many doctors recommend prenatal vitamins. Read on to learn all the vitamin facts you need, including what to look for in a prenatal vitamin and the benefits of each ingredient.
Folic Acid
If you take nothing else during your pregnancy, let it be folic acid. Quality options, such as pregnancy vitamins from vitabiotics, will include folic acid as one of the primary ingredients. This is because folic acid helps to prevent birth defects in the spine and brain. Folic acid is so important, in fact, that you should start taking this supplement as soon as you begin trying for a baby. If your pregnancy was unplanned, it should be taken the moment you find out.
Calcium
Calcium is an essential ingredient in pregnancy vitamins, as it’s used in the development of muscles (including the heart), nerves, bones, and teeth. And because women are at such a high risk of developing osteoporosis later in life, you should be including plenty of calcium in your diet regardless. The best pregnancy vitamins will include at least 200 milligrams of calcium. Keep in mind that if you don’t get enough through diet, your baby will take what it needs from your bones, increasing your risk of osteoporosis even more.
Iron
Iron is one of the main ingredients in blood, and because your body needs to make extra blood to take care of both you and the baby, iron is a must. Your prenatal vitamin should have about 17 milligrams of iron. The importance of pregnancy vitamins that include iron cannot be overstated. The extra blood created through the additional iron consumption is what will bring the oxygen to the baby that it needs to develop.
Iodine
You might have guessed that folic acid, calcium, and iron are necessary and what makes a good pregnancy vitamin. But one vital nutrient that’s often overlooked is iodine. When you’re pregnant, you should aim for about 200 micrograms of iodine every day. This will aid in the development of your baby’s central nervous system, including their brain. Because iodine is in fish, dairy, and other foods, your pregnancy vitamins only need to include about 150 micrograms.
Learn the Vitamin Facts Before Choosing a Prenatal Vitamin
As an expectant mother, all you want is a smooth, healthy pregnancy and newborn. And one of the best ways to do that is by taking care of your health through prenatal vitamins. All vitamins aren’t created equal, however, and it’s important to learn all the vitamin facts you can before making your decision. When in doubt, consult your physician before taking anything. Interested in learning more about maintaining a healthy diet through all stages of life? Take a look at our blog!
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