How Prenatal Vitamins Are Dissimilar Than Other Multivitamins

By Author: John Cory
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Prenatal vitamins are taken by women who are pregnant or trying to conceive to make sure that they are getting the proper nutrition over the course of the pregnancy. These vitamins are usually sold over the counter, but some are available by prescription only. Regular vitamins that are taken once per day have different components and nutrients than those for pregnant women. The major nutrients that pregnant women need to guarantee they get more of are folic acid, calcium, and iron.

Folic acid is required for the proper growth and development of the neural tube. The neural tube is the site that the brain and spinal cord of the baby are developed. The folic acid will help to prevent any defects in their development which will usually occur in the first 4 weeks of development. It is recommended that pregnant women and women who are trying to conceive get at least 400 mcg of folic acid per day.

Women who are pregnant will likewise need additional calcium in their diets. This is more for the benefit of the mother than the fetus. Nutrients from the mother's body will be taken to accommodate the growing body ...
... of the baby. As this happens, the woman may lose bone density because of the lack of calcium. Drinking more milk will also be beneficial to ensure that she is getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D is a necessary supplement with calcium because the body has a hard time utilizing the calcium without it.

Both the mother and the baby will need more oxygen, and this is where the iron supplement becomes useful. Iron is necessary for red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. With the extra blood flowing through the mother's body during pregnancy, she will need to have extra iron to adjust to the extra blood.

When selecting a prenatal vitamin to take, you should be sure to choose one that has at least 400 mcg of folic acid, between 200-300 mg of calcium, 400 IU vitamin D, and 17 mg iron. While it is likely that the food that you eat will also supply these vitamins and minerals, the vitamin ensures that nothing is missed or lacking.

Different types of prenatal vitamins have the unwanted side effects of nausea in some women. There are many different brands to pick from, so you should not be afraid to cease the use of one brand to try another. Be sure to talk with your doctor about which vitamin is best for you during the course of the pregnancy.
No need to search further as you can click on prenatal vitamins or maybe iron supplements. Special thanks to Sophiah Q. Smithe for her very kind support to the subject.