Prenatal Vitamins: The Basics

Prenatal Vitamins: The Basics

Q: Should I be taking prenatal vitamins?   

A: Yes, you should–ideally as soon as you start trying to get pregnant. During pregnancy, you need more iron and folic acid than a typical diet will give you. The easiest way to make sure you get enough is to take prenatal vitamins with iron, folic acid, calcium, vitamins D, C, A, E and B. Zinc and iodine are also recommended.   

Q: Why do I need iron and folic acid in my prenatal vitamins?

A:  Iron helps your body make enough blood cells to supply oxygen to your developing baby. Some added vitamin C allows the iron to be used more effectively to make blood better at carrying oxygen.  Folic acid helps prevent serious abnormalities of the fetus’ brain and spinal cord called neural tube defects. 

Q: Why should I begin taking prenatal vitamins before I become pregnant?

A: Folic acid, in particular, is a nutrient that’s extremely beneficial during the first 28 days of your pregnancy. This is also a time when you typically won’t know you’re pregnant. That’s why it’s important to start taking them as soon as you start trying for a baby, or very early in the pregnancy. 

Q: Does it matter which brand of prenatal vitamins I choose?

A: There are so many to choose from! Check the label: does the vitamin contain folic acid, iron, calcium and vitamin D (support bone and tooth development of the baby)? Those are the four most important nutrients. In addition, vitamins C, A, E and B, zinc and iodine can be beneficial. If the vitamin you’re looking at contains these nutrients, you should be fine–you don’t have to buy expensive ones (and Medical Assistance covers them if you’re eligible-otherwise check with your health insurance plan). You can also ask your provider or a pharmacist what they recommend. 

Q: I started taking the vitamins and now I’m constipated! Help!

A: We know, it’s a very uncomfortable feeling! Some things you can do to avoid constipation: drink plenty of fluids, add extra fiber to your diet, try to add more movement into your daily routine (as long as your provider says it’s ok), and ask your provider about using a stool softener. 

We know you want to give your baby the very best start in life, and prenatal vitamins will help you achieve that goal. They should not, however, be used as a substitute for a healthy diet. Many nutrients’ availability to your body is better when you consume them in foods. See more about this in our blog post, “Prenatal Nutrition and Food Safety” at https://lancastermfm.com/prenatal-nutrition-food-safety/

As soon as you know you want to start trying to get pregnant, call our office and set up a pre-pregnancy counseling session. We’ll talk about your specific needs, answer your questions (no matter how many you may have) and customize a nutrition plan, just for you.