Each stage of pregnancy is vital. The body needs sufficient nutrients to aid the healthy growth of the fetus. Vitamins that are essential for good health can be availed through a healthy diet, but pregnancy needs separate supplements. One of the most important and persistent supplements preferred by doctors is prenatal vitamins.
Prenatal vitamins contain necessary supplements like folic acid and vitamin supplements that are required for a healthy pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins can help in avoiding abnormalities in the development of the fetus. This article discusses the prenatal vitamins for each stage of pregnancy.
In This Article
- Prenatal Vitamins Vs. Standard Vitamins- What You Need To Know
- Why Are Prenatal Vitamins Important?
- When To Take Prenatal Vitamins?
- What Should Prenatal Vitamins Contain?
- What Are The Benefits Of Prenatal Vitamins For Babies?
- Benefits Of Prenatal Vitamins For Mothers
- What Are The Various Forms Of Prenatal Vitamins?
- Do Prenatal Vitamins Have Any Side Effects?
- Do One Need Doctor’s Approval For Taking These Vitamins?
- Key Nutrients Required During The First Trimester
- Key Nutrients Required During The Second Trimester
- Vital Nutrients Required During The Third Trimester
- Best Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal Vitamins Vs. Standard Vitamins- What You Need To Know
Standard vitamins can be obtained from a healthy diet. Supplements of standard vitamin will be sufficient to meet the health needs of an individual. Prenatal vitamins are special supplements. These supplements not only aid in healthy pregnancy, but also help in avoiding birth defects in the unborn child.
Why Are Prenatal Vitamins Important?
Prenatal vitamins are very important as they help in avoiding the risks of an underdeveloped fetus. They are the vital multivitamin supplements that a body needs before conceiving and during pregnancy. They also help in avoiding gestational diabetes and other complications in pregnant women.
When To Take Prenatal Vitamins?
It is always better to start taking prenatal vitamins before conception and during pregnancy. Folic acid is an important supplement that can help in avoiding neural birth defects in the fetus.
What Should Prenatal Vitamins Contain?
Your baby’s growth and development throughout pregnancy depend on a wide variety of nutrients, but the following vitamins and minerals included in prenatal vitamins are particularly crucial.
- Folic acid
- Calcium
- Iron
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
- Copper
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin D
What Are The Benefits Of Prenatal Vitamins For Babies?
Prenatal vitamins help in aiding proper tissue and organ growth. Calcium supplement helps in the formation of strong bones. Also,
- The folic acid supplement helps in the better development of the nervous system of the baby. This can aid in sustained brain development, thus increasing cognitive skills.
- Prenatal supplements increase gestational age by avoiding preterm births. A proper gestational age can help in aiding the right birth weight of the baby.
Benefits Of Prenatal Vitamins For Mothers
All the vitamins and minerals a pregnant woman needs each day are found in prenatal supplements. Some women find that taking prenatal vitamins before conception helps lessen nausea and vomiting of early pregnancy. It also,
- Reduces cramps & constipation.
- Prevents gestational hypertension & diabetes.
- Help prevent anemia
What Are The Various Forms Of Prenatal Vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins are available in various forms like capsules, powders, and chewable tablets.
Powder: There are several prenatal vitamins that are available in the form of powder. They contain all the necessary supplements. Taking the powdered form of prenatal supplements before conception can aid in early success rates.
Capsules: A mix of prenatal supplements are made in the form of capsules. Taking a prenatal multivitamin capsule can ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Do Prenatal Vitamins Have Any Side Effects?
Prenatal vitamins are the extra supplements that a body needs while preparing for pregnancy. Iron present in prenatal vitamins can cause some side effects.
- Constipation
- Dark stools
- Nausea
Do One Need Doctor’s Approval For Taking These Vitamins?
Yes, it is important to get a doctor’s approval before starting prenatal vitamins. Correct dosage according to your health can help avoid unnecessary side effects.
Key Nutrients Required During The First Trimester
Morning sickness, tiredness, breast soreness, and carbohydrates mark the first trimester. Your body changes before a positive test. Even while pregnancy is joyous, the physical symptoms can be annoying. Following are key nutrients required during this time.
- Vitamin B6 for reducing morning sickness.
- Folate & Omega-3 for brain & spine development.
- Vitamin A for eyes & organ development.
- Vitamin B12 for DNA Synthesis & red blood cells.
- Iodine for the brain, nerves & functioning of thyroid hormones.
- Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc & more.
Key Nutrients Required During The Second Trimester
The second trimester is the easiest part of pregnancy because the first trimester’s discomforts have subsided. The second trimester is critical for the baby’s healthy development, so it’s necessary to eat appropriately so you and the baby get enough nutrition.
- Iron (Time Release) for improved blood flow & energy.
- Vitamin C & Zinc to boost immunity.
- Calcium & Magnesium for bones & teeth.
- Vitamin D for kidney, heart & reduced risk of gestational diabetes.
- Omega 3 for brain & eye development.
- Vitamin B12, Iodine & much more.
Vital Nutrients Required During The Third Trimester
In the third trimester, your baby gains weight quickly and body parts form. Eyes open, nails develop, and hair grows. Your baby’s health depends on the vitamins and minerals you take in.
- Iron (Time-Release) for blood flow & energy.
- Calcium & Vitamin D for bones & teeth, heart & nervous system.
- Omega-3 for brain & eye support.
- Magnesium to prevent cramps & preeclampsia.
- Bowel Regulator to prevent constipation.
- Vitamin K for support in labor.
Best Prenatal Vitamins
Before and throughout pregnancy, it is suggested that women take a prenatal vitamin containing 400 mcg of folic acid to reduce their risk of having a baby born with a major abnormality. The frequency of prenatal iron deficiency across the world is 19.2%, and prenatal supplements assist pregnant mothers to avoid this condition. The good news is that you may opt out of taking the typical prenatal recommended by doctors. Instead, you can narrow your options down to those that really satisfy your preferences.
1. Nature Made, Prenatal Multi + DHA, 90 Softgels
Folic acid is one of 20 components in Nature Made’s Prenatal with Folic Acid + DHA, a prenatal multivitamin supplement that helps mom and baby grow and thrive. The DHA and folic acid in Nature Made’s prenatal vitamins are good for the developing brain, bones, eyes, and neurological system of the unborn child. Prenatal vitamins are best absorbed when taken by adults in the form of a single soft gel once a day, preferably with food.
2. One A Day Women’s Prenatal Vitamins
Maintaining good health during pregnancy relies on a variety of factors, including a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. One A Day Women’s Prenatal Vitamins is a combination of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that may be taken before, during, and after pregnancy to ensure that the mother’s nutritional needs are met. Iron and folic acid are also included in this product.
3. Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA
Nordic Naturals is characterized by its unwavering commitment to quality throughout its operations, from the sourcing of ingredients and the production through distribution and after-sale support. All of Nordic Naturals fish oils come from fresh, wild-caught fish and are packed with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids in triglyceride form. Their fish oils, which have won several awards, are emblematic of their dedication to the well-being of both people and oceans since they are certified sustainable and consistently exceed the highest purity criteria.
4. Carbamide Forte Prenatal Multivitamin for Pregnancy with 300mg DHA & 18 Ingredients
With Carbamide Forte Prenatal Multivitamin, you’ll be getting the full complement of prenatal vitamins and minerals every day. For their Prenatal Multivitamin, Carbamide Forte uses Chelated Iron, which is readily absorbed by both the mother and the developing child in the womb and does not cause constipation or nausea. The Omega-3 DHA in our women’s multivitamin pills comes from a reliable and safe source, guaranteeing that it contains no mercury.
