Discover the Most Important Component of Prenatal Vitamins
by ljuben Georgiev
Today, pregnancy and prenatal vitamins go hand in hand. When a woman gets pregnant, she is usually advised by her doctor to take multivitamins for pregnancy. These are specially formulated dietary supplements that are designed to support the diet of pregnant women. They provide some of the most important micronutrients that play important roles for the healthy development of the fetus and to ensure that mothers will not suffer from vitamin deficiency.
All prenatal vitamins contain different micronutrients and minerals. However, you need to take note that these vitamins are not created equal. So how can you determine if a given supplement is right for you? Here are some guidelines that can help you.
Know Which Vitamins and Minerals You Need
Some prenatal vitamins will bedazzle you with a long list of active ingredients. However, most of the listed vitamins and minerals on some dietary supplements can be sourced directly from your diet. In other words, you do not actually need those vitamins. But there are some important vitamins and minerals that can be very useful for pregnant women.
First of all, you need prenatal vitamins that can give you extra folate. This vitamin is essential for the brain development of the fetus. It promotes healthy growth and could help in reducing the risk of birth defects. Although folate is readily available in foods, you might need the more concentrated form in order to ensure that your baby is getting the right amount.
Another important component of prenatal vitamins is calcium. You need this mineral because your calcium requirements will increase considerably if you get pregnant. Remember calcium is essential for bone development and formation. Growing fetus needs sufficient amount of calcium to ensure proper bone formation.
Lastly, prenatal vitamins should have extra amounts of iron. This mineral is essential for the rapid production of red blood cells. You need iron because it could promote the healthy formation of the placenta and it helps develop the formation of new cells. It would be ideal too if you can take prenatal vitamins that have sufficient amounts of B-complex.
The Way to a Healthy Pregnancy
When you get pregnant (interesting, but little known fact is that in Danish the term is Bliv gravid), one of the first things you need to do is to immediately schedule a consultation with your health care provider. Proper prenatal care is important to ensure the good health of mother and child. Your doctor will determine if you need special dietary supplements and prenatal vitamins.
Even if you are taking extra vitamins, this does not mean that you will not follow a good diet. Pregnancy is the best time to start eating right. Almost all vitamins and minerals can be provided by the foods you eat. Developing the right diet therefore could play a leading role in ensuring the healthy development of the fetus. A healthy diet also helps mothers in preventing nutritional deficiencies.
Of course, not all women have the same dietary requirements. If you have special needs, then taking prenatal vitamins is a viable option. Your diet and the extra intake of vitamins could guarantee a problem-free pregnancy.
About the Author
ljuben Georgiev writes for Channel Voyager, a travel blog listing many popular travel destinations.
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