Pregnancy is an exciting time for most women and making sure that their pregnancy is a healthy and happy experience is always on the top of the list. Considering that the side effects of prenatal vitamins are low, you should really be taking prenatal vitamins before you’re pregnant. Unfortunately, many women seem to overlook the importance of taking valuable vitamins for their baby’s health as well as their own. Prenatal vitamins containing folic acid is a must and should be within a woman’s diet before pregnancy.
You should start taking vitamins quite early for their nutritional benefits, especially folic acid. If you start a prenatal vitamin regimen a good three months before becoming pregnant, your nutritional values will in place during the first few weeks of pregnancy. If you choose to wait until you are pregnant, you might miss out on the time period when these nutrients will be of the utmost benefit.
The egg starts developing approximately three months before it’s released, it is extremely important that proper nutrients are present during this early stage. If you believe you are pregnant and have not started a prenatal vitamin diet you need to start doing so right now, not when you go for your first doctor appointment. Take an over-the-counter folic acid supplement consisting of 600 micrograms immediately.
Defects, such as spina bifida can happen within the first four to six weeks of pregnancy. Many defects form from a lack of vitamins and/or improper supplements. Being on a solid prenatal vitamin plan will help to prevent these kinds of defects. That said, there is no guarantee that you will have a healthy baby just by taking prenatal vitamins, but it will give your baby a leg up!
There are people who are great at maintaining diets that have all the vitamins and minerals they would ever need and more. Unfortunately, most of us do not take in good supplements that are necessary for every day life, let alone during pregnancy. Here is a closer look at the important components in your prenatal vitamins and how they will help your baby develop properly:
Within the first few weeks of pregnancy, major physical development is going on within the fetus. As a matter of fact, within four weeks after conception, the neural tube has already formed. The neural tube develops into the spinal cord and brain.
At this time, you must also consider your own health and well being. While pregnant, your body needs more blood cells than normally. Prenatal vitamins will give you the needed requirements of iron that you will otherwise be lacking. An iron supplement will prevent anemia and decrease the risk of a pre-term or low birth weight in your infant.
Most women do not get enough calcium and vitamin D in their diets. These supplements play a critical role in the formation of your baby’s bones and teeth. Taken before pregnancy will also give you stronger bone health and may even help your hair grow. Some research has shown that low levels of vitamin D may be associated with infertility.
Now that you know the importance of prenatal vitamins for both you and your baby, start planning ahead of time so you will both have a healthy pregnancy. If you have questions regarding your pregnancy, you should always consult with your doctor.