Do I Need To Take Prenatal Vitamins
Stephanie MacNeill, a registered dietitian in Oakville, Ontario, says that even if you are eating healthfully, a prenatal vitamin may help fill in any nutritional gaps in your diet and support a healthy pregnancy.
Proper nutrition is important for your babys health, and a baby relies completely on you for all of his or her nutritional needs for embryonic and fetal development, she explains.
She encourages all pregnant women to look for a prenatal vitamin that provides the nutrients they need, in a format that they can tolerate.
Enfamom Prenatal Multivitamin 75 Gummies Supplement For Pregnant And Lactating Women From Enfamom Omega
- Product Note: Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product. Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery
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Varieties Of Prenatal Vitamins
There are numerous types of prenatal vitamins. Prior to purchasing one, it is a good idea to discuss your particular needs with your physician. Many prenatal vitamin formulas can be taken while you are pregnant and during breast-feeding. These multivitamins have a unique balance of proteins and folic acid that is vital to proper milk production in mothers who have just given birth. Vegetarian prenatal vitamins have also been developed for the mother who doesn’t eat meat or animal products and wishes to start her child off on a vegetarian diet.
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When Is The Best Time To Take Prenatal Vitamins
You should start taking prenatal vitamins at least a month and ideally three months before conception and throughout your entire pregnancy from four weeks pregnant to whenever labor and birth starts.
In fact, its often best to take a prenatal vitamin every day if theres a chance you could get pregnant at all, even if youre not planning for it. Thats because crucial neurological development takes place during the first month of pregnancy, when folic acid would offer the most protective benefits.
I recommend starting prenatal vitamins as soon as you start thinking of trying to conceive. Ideally three months before conception, Dr. Nwankwo says.
The Benefits Of Prenatal Vitamins Before Pregnancy
Congratulations, you are thinking about getting pregnant! Pregnancy is one of the most exciting times of your life, and you may be wonder, do prenatal vitamins help you get pregnant? However, the short answer is no they help prevent pregnancy complications, such as low birth weight and premature birth. Ultimately helping you experience a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.
Prenatal multivitamins may not help your chances of getting pregnant, but they reduce your chances of birth defects. Their use significantly helps reduce the likelihood of neural tube defects, spina bifida and is associates with a lower risk of miscarriage. Think of them as an extra insurance policy with essential nutrients that help fill the nutritional gap of your daily food intake.
We recommend you add a prenatal multivitamin before getting pregnant. While doing this may not make you pregnant, it may help prepare your body to nourish your eggs and aid your uterus to be in optimal condition for implantation. Here are the benefits of taking prenatal vitamins before pregnancy.
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Which Prenatal Vitamins Are Best
A prenatal vitamin is a multivitamin that is specially formulated to offer the key nutrients that both babies and mothers need during pregnancy. A health care provider can prescribe a prenatal vitamin, but most consumers purchase over-the-counter prenatal vitamins. Those planning to get pregnant may start taking a prenatal vitamin while trying to conceive, then continue taking them during pregnancy as well as postpartum, especially if they are breastfeeding.
The top choice for a prenatal vitamin that is both effective and affordable is 21st Century Prenatal Tablets. However, every prenatal vitamin is formulated slightly differently to meet expectant mothers unique dietary needs.
Best Prenatal Multivitamins: Garden Of Life Mykind Organics Prenatal
Garden of Life states that this prenatal multivitamin is suitable for pre-conception, pregnancy, and lactation support. These multivitamins contain 18 mg of iron and 600 mg of folate. They also provide selenium and vitamins C, D3, E, K, and B12, which come from more than 30 fruits, vegetables, and herbs. There is also an organic stomach-soothing blend that includes lemon, tomato, ginger, and peppermint.
These multivitamins are vegan and free from gluten and genetically modified organisms .
Online reviews are positive, but some report side effects. A person might also require an additional calcium supplement.
The price starts at $42.99 for 30 tablets.
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Capsule Liquid Or Powder
Prenatal vitamins come in a variety of forms, including gummies, chewable, liquids and powders. Anyone who has a difficult time swallowing pills should opt for a chewable or liquid prenatal vitamin formula.
When considering which prenatal vitamin form is the best, it is important to consider the capsule design. Softgel capsules are typically used to hold liquid ingredients, while dry ingredients usually come in a tablet that combines two pieces. There are advantages and disadvantages to each capsule design. Softgel capsules are more vulnerable to UV light deterioration and should be stored in a dark place if they are removed from the bottle for an extended period before use. Vitamin tablets made of two pieces are typically not affected by UV light but are often much larger than softgels, making them harder to swallow.
Q When Should One Discontinue Taking Prenatal Vitamins
Although they are referred to as prenatal vitamins, there are some reasons to continue consuming them after giving birth. Although you are nursing, you are growing a baby on the exterior even if you are not creating the baby inside you.
If you are nursing, continue to take your prenatal vitamins, as your body will use the additional nutrients to provide milk for your child. This way, you will be able to replenish any stockpiles that were depleted during your pregnancy.
It is suggested that you discontinue taking them once you have finished nursing and return to a regular vitamin. Taking them for longer may seem like a great idea, but the high amounts of vitamin levels may cause more damage than benefit or could contribute to overdose.
However, if you are actively attempting to have another child, this is the exception. You should consult your doctor, but you may typically continue with your vitamin regimen if you want to conceive again.
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Best Budget Prenatal Vitamins
Nature Made Prenatal Multi +DHA vitamins offer all the vitamins and minerals one needs while pregnant in just one pill per day while keeping costs low.
Pros: All the essential and specialized nutrients you need for child-bearing years, all-in-one multivitamin, inexpensive
Cons: Not vegetarian, some users report a fishy odor
Nature Made Prenatal Multi +DHA vitamins meet the standards recommended by the ACOG for prenatal vitamins and minerals. The pills are free of artificial colors and flavors, preservatives, yeast, or gluten, and are USP-verified for quality and safety.
You can score all your vitamins in just one softgel, which is about the size of a penny so while it’s not “small,” most people shouldn’t have trouble getting one down every day.
This vitamin has 1.5 mg of vitamin B1, which is important in brain development. Though Nature Made does offer the prenatal without added DHA, we recommend the option with, as this is a particular omega-3 fatty acid that’s helpful in pregnancy.
Some users do report a fishy taste or odor with these pills, but after one of our reviewers took them every day for three months, she didn’t experience any “fish burps.” The pills are large, but also gel-coated for easier swallowing.
To top it off, at $27 for 60 softgels, this prenatal is the most budget-friendly on our list.
Best Prenatal Vitamins And Supplements For Pregnancy
Get the essential vitamins and nutrients you need during pregnancy and beyond
hether youve just found out youre pregnant, or youre trying to get there, health during pregnancy can be a minefield.
Between the foods were recommended not to eat , nausea and aversions that can accompany early pregnancy , and all the extra energy it takes to grow a human, it can be hard to get the right balance of vitamins and nutrients.
You might feel bombarded with nutritional information from influencers shilling the latest product, or rumours you heard from that friend of a friend. Then theres your grans stories about drinking a pint of Guinness a day. So how do you sort fact from fiction and get the best for you and your baby?
We spoke with Wilma MacDonald, a qualified and registered nutritional therapist from Maverick Motherhood, who specialises in working with mothers, and Elisa Gomez de Bonilla, Nutritionist for Oxford Online Pharmacy to give us the low-down on prenatal vitamins and supplements.
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Best Gummy Prenatal Vitamins
SmartyPants Prenatal Formula is a gummy prenatal vitamin that delivers all your nutrients, including some vitamins missing from other formulas, and is easier on the stomach than others.
Pros: Great taste, methyl folate for more available folate, good for those who have difficulty swallowing pills
Cons: Serving size is four gummies, doesn’t contain iron
“Nausea is, by far, the most common issue when taking prenatal vitamins, especially in the first trimester,” said Dr. Brain Brimmage, an obstetrician who delivers babies at UNC REX Healthcare in Raleigh, NC. Sometimes, switching to a gummy prenatal vitamin can help with that, as does cutting back on iron.
SmartyPants Prenatal Formula is a gummy prenatal vitamin that does not contain any iron which is okay as long as you aren’t already significantly anemic, Dr. Brimmage says. “Even if you are , keeping down a gummy prenatal vitamin without iron is better than not keeping down your prenatal vitamin with iron at all,” he added.
And because iron taste bad, SmartyPants’ prenatal is likely much more tolerable if you’ve been suffering nausea and upset stomach, particularly in the first trimester, he added.
One of our reviewers, who suffered from extreme nausea and vomiting in her pregnancy, had no trouble keeping these vitamins down.
SmartyPants’ prenatal also includes methylated folate , which is a more bioavailable form of important folate.
Do You Need To Take Prenatal Vitamins When Pregnant
Yes, you need to take prenatal vitamins while pregnant. Prenatal vitamins are specially designed to deliver the specific types and amounts of nutrients needed during various stages of your babys development, so a run-of-the-mill multivitamin wont cut it. They also ensure you have enough nutrients so your own body doesnt become depleted.
Folic acid, for example, is essential for babys brain and spine development in the earliest stages. Your body needs twice as much iron during pregnancy than it did before you were pregnant. And many prenatals also have vitamin D and calcium to build strong bones and teeth during the third trimester.
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Are Prenatal Vitamins Beneficial
Those that are trying to conceive: The CDC recommends that all women of reproductive age take 400 micrograms of folic acid each day to prevent neural birth defects in case you become pregnant.
Those that are pregnant: Pregnancy is a time of increased nutrient needs. According to USDA data, many pregnant and lactating people are not meeting recommendations for certain food groups and specific nutrients, so it is generally recommended for these populations to take a daily prenatal vitamin. Both the CDC and American College of Obstretricians and Gynecologists recommend taking a daily prenatal vitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid during pregnancy.
Those that are breastfeeding: It may be beneficial to continue a prenatal vitamin postpartum while breastfeeding however the RDAs for lactating women differ slightly from the needs of pregnant women. For example, prenatal vitamins may exceed postpartum needs for both iron and folic acid, and may be too low in iodine and choline.
Nature Made Prenatal With Folic Acid + Dha Dietary Supplement For Daily Nutritional Support 110 Softgels 110 Day Supply
- These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease
- Prenatal Nutritional support supplement: contains one 110 count bottle of Nature Made Prenatal Multivitamin with 200 mg DHA Softgels for a 110-day supply
- Product Note: Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product. Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery
- This Nature Made Prenatal Multi plus DHA contains Folic Acid and 19 other nutrients to support baby development and mom’s health
- Made in USA with quality global ingredients, this Nature Made multivitamin supplement for women is gluten free and contains no artificial flavors
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Best Prenatal Vitamins With Folic Acid
Prenatal vitamins are multivitamins that target the specific RDAs for pregnant women, to help support the health of mom and growing baby. While its important to consume a healthy, balanced diet, prenatal vitamins can help to prevent nutritional deficiencies that can potentially cause pregnancy complications. For that reason, they are generally recommend for those that are pregnant and trying to conceive.12
While there is no standardized formula for a prenatal vitamin, they typically contain key nutrients including iron, vitamin D, vitamins A and C, iodine, choline, omega-3 DHA and perhaps most importantly, B vitamins, including folic acid. The CDC recommends that women of reproductive age, including pregnant women, take 400 micrograms of supplemental folic acid each day in addition to consuming folate rich foods to prevent neural birth defects in a developing baby.3
When shopping for your prenatal, its important to choose one that is made by a trusted brand or is third-party tested. Purity and quality are of utmost concern when it comes to taking supplements during pregnancy, and we aim to help you make an informed selection. Each pregnant person has unique nutritional needs, so be sure to speak with a healthcare professional before selecting a prenatal vitamin.
Do I *need* To Take A Prenatal Vitamin
Prenatal vitamins are specifically designed to support the increased nutritional demands of pregnancy on a persons body and to make sure that theres an adequate supply of key nutrients available during fetal development to optimize the babys health as well.
One example of this is folate. Folate needs increase during pregnancy, and the babies born from people who dont get enough are at increased risk of debilitating spinal cord abnormalities like spina bifida.
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What Else We Considered
What else we recommend
MyKind Organics Prenatal Multivitamins: These are another great option if you’re looking for a multivitamin that is certified organic, GMO-free, and vegan. A few added ingredients such as palm oil, along with a slightly higher price tag let New Chapter edge this brand out for a daily organic pill.
What we don’t recommend
Vitafusion PreNatal Gummy Multivitamins: Vitafusion’s gummies deliver good nutrition while being easy on the taste buds and wallet, but they don’t include vitamin B1 .
Ritual Essential Prenatals: These vitamins seem like a great option with the brand’s commitment to transparency and the prenatal’s vegan omega-3s, bio-available folate, and delayed-release capsules. However, its formula doesn’t include calcium or vitamin C under the claim that most adults get enough of both. Our medical reviewer Dr. Regina Cardaci flagged this as inaccurate, adding that most women do not get enough calcium and both this mineral and vitamin C are especially important during pregnancy to build strong bones and teeth and, in the case of vitamin C, help the body absorb iron.
Are There Any Side Effects To Prenatals
Generally, prenatal vitamins are considered safe when taken as directed. However, certain specific vitamins or nutrients can cause mild side effects, primarily related to digestion. Heres an overview:
- Constipation: “The pregnancy hormone progesterone can cause constipation, and then if you add an iron supplement, it can be tough,” says Dr. Rankins. Drink plenty of water and make sure you’re getting enough fiber in your diet. You can also ask your doctor about a stool softener to help keep things moving.
- Nausea and vomiting: Iron can also make people feel queasy. Dr. Rankins suggests taking prenatals with “easily digestible” foods such as crackers or applesauce. You may also need to take your vitamin at bedtime, switch brands or even experiment with different formulas.
- Bright yellow urine: Large doses of B vitamins like riboflavin may give your pee a more colorful hue thats typically harmless, but always check with your doctor if you’re concerned.
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What Is A Prenatal Vitamin
A prenatal vitamin is a supplement designed to provide nutrients and minerals needed for a healthy pregnancy. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists notes taking a prenatal vitamin and eating nutritious foods should provide a person with all the vitamins and minerals they need during pregnancy.
A prenatal vitamin is important for pregnant people, as the growing fetus requires certain nutrients that can be hard to get through diet alone.
Fetal development is rapid and requires a lot of metabolismits dependent on the proper amount of amino acids and nutrients, says Forbes Health Advisory Board member and OB-GYN James Grifo, M.D., Ph.D., the program director at NYU Langone Fertility Center in New York City and chief executive physician at Inception Fertility.
ACOG recommends pregnant people consume certain amounts of calcium to help build strong bones and teeth, iron to help red blood cells deliver oxygen to the fetus, iodine and choline to aid in brain development and folic acid to help prevent birth defects. Additionally, it recommends vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D, which provide benefits that range from promoting healthy skin and eyesight to the formation of red blood cells. While much of these nutrients can be obtained through a healthy diet, a prenatal vitamin provides the extra assurance your daily nutrition needs are met, no matter whats on the menu.
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