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Can Prenatal Vitamins Make You More Fertile

Geritol Vs Prenatal Vitamins

can prenatal vitamins help you get pregnant

Prenatal vitamins are specifically formulated to meet the needs of pregnant women. Some vitamins and mineralslike folic acid, iron, and calciumare needed in high amounts while pregnant and nursing, and prenatal vitamins provide those supplemental nutrients.

Geritol is a multivitamin designed to meet the needs of adults based on the general recommendations for vitamin and mineral intake. The manufacturer states that their products are not formulated with pregnant womens needs in mind.

Geritol Multivitamin vs. Prenatal Vitamins
Geritol Multivitamin
120 mcg 150 mcg

You could choose to take Geritol as a multivitamin while trying to conceive and during pregnancy, but it hasnt been created for that purpose, so it may not be the best choice.

Discuss with your healthcare provider which supplement would be best to meet your needs to support your health while trying to conceive and during pregnancy.

Will They Make Me Gain Weight

There is no evidence that prenatal vitamins make you gain weight. Most pregnant women gain about 25-35 pounds throughout their pregnancy whether they use a prenatal vitamin or not. And since vitamins contain zero calories, the weight gain is likely just due to the pregnancy itself.

The Iron in prenatal vitamins can cause constipation and bloating, making your clothes feel tighter. But no one can definitively proclaim them as causing you to gain weight.

When experiencing constipation and bloating, I recommend that moms increase fiber and fluids, but if thats not enough they can take docusate sodium.

Editor’s Note:

Should You Take Vitamin Supplements

Its important to get the nutrients you need through a healthy diet, or with the help of supplements if thats what your doctor recommends. For those with specific vitamin deficiencies, taking a supplement may help.

But what if youre not really missing anything nutritionally? Will a vitamin supplement boost your fertility? The answer isnt clear. Some studies say yes, but many have not found that supplements improve fertility factors compared to a placebo. Many studies on micronutrients are also small or not well designed. With that said, below are vitamins and minerals thought to be essential to fertility health.

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Role Of Micronutrients In Fertility

Because fertility is a complex equation, and each persons body is different, the science around micronutrients and conception is still, shall we say, in its infancy.

That said, some promising studies have begun to shed light on the role of vitamins in getting and staying pregnant.

Vitamins play important roles in female health. Theyre essential for many functions, including:

  • menstruation and ovulation
  • immune function
  • oocyte quality and maturation

So, adequate vitamin and mineral intake is critical when trying to create the right environment for a healthy pregnancy. Some nutrients may even reduce symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome , a common underlying cause of infertility.

In men, studies have shown certain supplements may increase sperm count and motility, helping the little swimmers reach their target.

Its important to remember, though, that more research is needed.

While promising, the majority of these studies were small and did not have rigorous methodology, says Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, chief medical adviser for MegaFood supplements.

Weve broken down some of the most popular supplements for fertility, with the deets on their use, effectiveness, and dosage.

Who its for: Men and women

Claimed fertility benefit: Helps sperm motility contains antioxidants that promote healthy female reproductive system

When you think vitamins, acetyl L-carnitine may not be the first to spring to mind. But that doesnt mean it shouldnt be on your radar.

What Do Prenatal Vitamins Do

Fertility Vitamins and Supplements

If youre wondering, What do prenatal vitamins do? Do prenatal vitamins substitute a healthy diet? read on.

Prenatal vitamins are not substitutes for a healthy diet, as you still need to consume foods rich in nutrients and minerals. They help maintain the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to support your pregnancy.

Be sure to discuss with your doctor to determine when to start taking prenatal vitamins and which formulas they recommend. If you take more than the recommended dose, you can harm your baby. Some of their nutrients include:

  • Folic acid: It is a B vitamin that pregnant women need to help their baby grow and develop. It can also prevent birth defects. You can take between 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid every day.
  • Iron: Patients need to take 27 milligrams of iron a day, asit supplies oxygen to the fetus and supports the placentas development. It can also prevent anemia, a condition in which you dont have enough healthy red blood cells.
  • Calcium: We recommend taking 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. This helps the baby to develop its bones, muscles, and teeth.
  • Docosahexaenoic acid : This is an omega-3 fatty acid that can prevent pregnancy-related complications.
  • Zinc: It reduces preterm births.
  • Vitamin A: Helps with eye development. Patients can take e700mcg a day. If you take it in large doses it can cause birth defects.

Also Check: What Vitamins Should Women In Their 20s Take

How Do You Fix Hormonal Imbalance

12 Natural Ways to Balance Your Hormones Eat Enough Protein at Every Meal. Consuming an adequate amount of protein is extremely important. Engage in Regular Exercise. Avoid Sugar and Refined Carbs. Learn to Manage Stress. Consume Healthy Fats. Avoid Overeating and Undereating. Drink Green Tea. Eat Fatty Fish Often.

What Is Dha And When Should I Choose A Prenatal Containing Dha

DHA stands for the omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and it is not found in every prenatal. It is important for developing healthy nerves and eyes in your baby. The major source of DHA is fish.

Vegetarians may find it difficult to consume enough fish and enough DHA, and many individuals worry about the levels of mercury consumed with fish. In these instances, a prenatal containing DHA may be beneficial. If you are unsure about your need for this fatty acid, consult your doctor to discuss your concerns.

Rapid development of the nerves and eyes occurs in the second half of pregnancy . Based on this, supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, is thought to be more important later in pregnancy.20

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Benefits Of Taking A Prenatal Vitamin Before Pregnancy

A prenatal vitamin is an excellent investment for you and your future baby. Although many of us have well-rounded diets, most of us are also unable to absorb adequate amounts of essential vitamins needed to support a healthy pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins help ensure that were receiving essential vitamins during pregnancy.

Studies also show that taking a daily supplement can lower your risk of giving birth prematurely and even stave off morning sickness. But thats not all a prenatal can do before and during pregnancy.

Taking prenatal vitamins before conception can reduce the chance of irregularities such as neural tube defects, heart defects, limb deformities, and cleft palate, according to research published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada. Additionally, taking vitamins before TTC may reduce the risk of preterm birth. Researchers at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill found that taking vitamins before conception reduced the risk of preterm birth by about one half in a group of about 2,000 women.

After conception, folate supports the earliest, most critical stages of fetal development. The babys brain and spine develop within the first month of pregnancy, sometimes before you even know youre pregnant. By the time you get that first positive test, you should already be regularly consuming folate.

Not Pregnant Do Prenatal Vitamins Make You Fertile Or Fat

Do prenatal vitamins improve your fertility?

Do you want to have a baby? If so, you might be thinking about prenatal vitamins. But is there a difference in those vitamins compared to the multivitamin you usually take to stay healthy? And can those prenatal vitamins make you fertile, or fat? The question is always asked by many women.

As it turns out, there are some important benefits to taking prenatal vitamins prior to getting pregnant. Switching to a prenatal formula wont make you fertile overnight though. It will take several months of using a prenatal vitamin to regulate your blood levels.

So, what is the Prenatal Vitamins?

During pregnancy your body might require excess amount of nutrition that even healthy foods cant fulfill. There are two major nutrients Folic acid and Iron will be required in higher amount than normal.

Folic acid To develop healthy neural tube. It is necessary to avoid serious birth defects of spinal cord, brain and even death.

Iron During pregnancy your blood volume will increase upto 20-100% to develop healthy baby. To achieve this you will require more iron.

There may be other vitamins and minerals that your doctor might suggest you according to body, weight, demography, race and accents.

The Key Components for Healthy Conception

Another vitamin you might not be getting enough of, vitamin D, has been linked to greater risk for miscarriage in the first trimester. In addition to vitamins, minerals like calcium and iron are also important for supporting a healthy pregnancy.

Recommended Reading: Is Vitamin C With Rose Hips Better

How Can I Calculate My Ovulation Period

Ovulation happens about 14 days before your period starts. If your average menstrual cycle is 28 days, you ovulate around day 14, and your most fertile days are days 12, 13 and 14. If your average menstrual cycle is 35 days ovulation happens around day 21 and your most fertile days are days 19,20 and 21.

When To Take Prenatal Vitamins

Its best to take the prenatal at the same time every day so you dont forget about it. You can adjust the timing when to take prenatal vitamins to address some of their side effects. For instance, if you have nausea, you can take the vitamin with food.

You can also take them before lunch A prenate pill that consists of iron, calcium, and folic acid is absorbed better if you take it on an empty stomach, as iron cant properly absorb if you have just eaten dairy food.

Read Also: Which Vitamin Helps With Memory

Don’t Forget These Other Sperm

These other fertility foods may also belong on the menu when you’re trying to conceive:

  • Oysters. Were not sure if oysters are an aphrodisiac, but we do know that their zinc content pumps up the production of sperm and testosterone. If your partners not a fan, he can get his share of zinc from lean beef, poultry, dairy, nuts or eggs, though oysters have the highest concentration of this nutrient.
  • Fruits and veggies. Produce is rich in the vitamins that can help protect sperm from cellular damage. He can get folate from leafy greens men who dont get enough of this B vitamin tend to have sperm with abnormal chromosomes. Citrus fruits, tomatoes and berries provide vitamin C, which can boost sperm quality. Carrots, red peppers and apricots have lots of vitamin A, which keeps sperm from getting sluggish. Sweet potatoes are rich in all three folate, A and C!
  • Pomegranate juice may up sperm count and quality, per some animal studies. While it remains to be seen if it has the same effects on humans, you can always try swapping out the usual morning glass of OJ.

Why Do You Need Prenatal Vitamins

Where Can I Buy Conception Fertility Prenatal Vitamins ...

Prenatal vitamins are also called prenatal supplements because they contain vitamins along with minerals and other nutrients you and your growing baby need.

Doctors recommend that women of child-bearing age take prenatal vitamins even if theyre not planning to get pregnant just in case.

While our bodies absorb the best kinds of nutrients from the foods we eat, lets face it, everyone isnt always able eat the best variety of food or very much fresh food every day.

When youre pregnant and suffering from nausea or aversions, it can be even harder to get your 5 fruits and veggies a day!

Plus, you may not know youre pregnant for weeks or longer. From the very first month of pregnancy, lots of important baby stuff is developing, like the brain and spinal cord. This is why taking a prenatal vitamin has you and your baby covered!

For example, folic acid in a prenatal vitamin is needed to help your baby grow a healthy spinal cord and nervous system. Vitamin A is needed for healthy eyes. Too little of this vitamin is a leading cause of blindness in babies around the world.

Prenatal vitamins can help fill nutritional food gaps and make sure you and your baby have all the vitamins and minerals you need for a healthy pregnancy and birth. They can even help keep you healthy after your delivery while you breastfeed.

Not all prenatal vitamins are the same. Different formulations may have slightly different dosages of some nutrients. Ask your doctor about the best one for you.

Also Check: What Fruit Has Vitamin C In It

Does Folic Acid Increase Fertility

Folate supplementation prior to conception has been associated with a greater chance for getting pregnant, improved success with fertility treatments, and reduced risk of neural tube defects in the baby, says Low Dog. Though, more testing is needed. For pregnant women, the RDA of folic acid is 600 micrograms .

Can Taking Prenatal Vitamins Make You Fertile

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Discuss Vitamins With Your Healthcare Provider

It is important to discuss any supplements you want to take with your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe for your specific health history.

Remember when taking dietary supplements, those vitamins and minerals are also present in the foods you are eating. You may not need to be taking a supplement if you are eating enough variety in your diet to meet your vitamin and mineral needs.

Some types of vitamins and minerals are stored in the body, so taking large doses could cause a buildup to toxic levels. A few examples of those stored in the body include:

  • Vitamin A
  • Chloride

When Should You Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins And Why

What can I do if prenatal vitamins make me nauseous?

When many think of prenatal vitamins, they think of a prescription prenatal being taken during pregnancy, not before pregnancy. However, as the word PRENATAL suggests, think of taking prenatal multivitamins before pregnancy. It’s a good idea to start taking prenatal vitamins at least three months before trying to conceive. It takes 90 days for an egg to develop before they are released fully. A well-nurtured egg is ideal before conception.

Before an egg reaches its full maturation, it takes a 90-day adventure, changing and preparing for ovulation. During this time, the egg is impacted by both healthy and unhealthy influences. Some factors affecting healthy eggs and ovaries are nutritional intake, stress, hormonal balance, and oxygen-rich blood flow.

As many have heard before, you are what you eat! Your nutritional intake can have a positive or negative impact on the health of your eggs and ovaries. The lack of nutrients like folic acid, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids can negatively affect your reproductive system. Check out our, Feel Good Food For A Healthy Pregnancy Recipe Book for nutrient-rich recipes & nutrition guidelines to help with nutritional intake.

Stress can overall affect your health, including harming your developing egg. When you are continuously under stress, your body produces cortisol and other stress hormones, interfering with or preventing regular ovulation. Reducing your stress levels can help improve your egg health.

Read Also: What Vitamin D3 Does To Your Body

Prenatals: Boosting Your Chances Of Getting Pregnant

Okay, so youre ready to have a baby and want to know how to get pregnant ASAP.

Besides using ovulation predictor kits and making sure you know when your fertile window is, what else can you do to get there faster?

Well, thats where prenatals come in!

Perhaps the first study to seriously look into fertility and the use of prenatal vitamins is a large Hungarian study from 1996.1 Almost 8,000 women participated in this study and results are definitely promising: women who took prenatal multivitamins had higher odds of conceiving and do so faster.

The researchers show that women who were trying to get pregnant and were given a multivitamin with 800 micrograms of folic acid managed to conceive 71.3% of the time. And those 71.3% got pregnant at some point within 14 months.

In the same study, another group of women did not receive a prenatal multivitamin. Instead, they were given a placebo-like trace element supplement containing only copper, manganese, zinc and vitamin C, but no folic acid and no other vitamins. In this group, 67.9% got pregnant.

We know that 1 in 8 couples struggle to conceive, thats 12.5%! If youve been trying to get pregnant and havent had any luck so far, taking a prenatal could be really important. So lets take a look at the evidence of taking prenatal vitamins among women with fertility problems.

Also Check: What Are The Best Vitamins To Take For Weight Loss

We Don’t Know If Those Same Micronutrients Can Have An Impact On Conception

Despite all we know about how micronutrients may affect reproductive function on a cellular level, theres a surprising gap of research on how micronutrients may affect chances of conception in humans in the real world and, to our knowledge, there havent been any clinical trials run by prenatal manufacturers on whether prenatals are associated with higher pregnancy rates or shorter time to pregnancy. In terms of pregnancy loss? Studies found no association between prenatal vitamins and lowered miscarriage rates.

There have been some studies looking at whether taking multivitamins or specific micronutrients may impact chances of conception, but were still far from being able to say that any specific vitamin formulation or individual micronutrient actually boosts chances of conception. Until large-scale randomized controlled trials systematically compare pregnancy rates or time to conception in people who do and do not use micronutrient supplements, the jurys out on whether they have an effect.

Scientists at the Center for Science in the Public Interest dug for evidence of effectiveness for 39 different womens fertility supplements . A minority of companies referenced scientific studies, but not a single referenced study found positive effects on ovulation, time to pregnancy, or pregnancy outcomes in women.Our suggestion? Approach any supplements that make these sorts of claims with a critical eye.

Also Check: What Foods Are High In Zinc And Vitamin C

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