Which Prenatal Vitamins Are the Best?

• 16 Best Prenatal Vitamins
  • 16 Best Vitamins for Prenatal
• Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins
  • What are prenatal vitamins?
• Prenatal Vitamin Side Effects
  • What are the possible side effects of prenatal vitamins?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends 11 nutrients during pregnancy, including:

• Folate
• Iron
• Choline
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Calcium
• Vitamin D

It is easy to miss out on some critical nutrients even if you consume a well-balanced diet. Prenatal vitamins typically contain increased levels of vitamins and minerals that are required for a baby's proper growth. However, before taking any prenatal vitamins, consult your doctor first.

Folic acid (600 to 800 mcg/day)

• One of the most important roles of folic acid during pregnancy is to prevent neural tube abnormalities (defects that affect the spinal cord and brain of the baby). Folic acid aids in the formation of the placenta.
• Some women may require an increased folic acid dose (especially if they have a history of babies diagnosed with neural tube defects).

Iodine (150 mcg/day)

• Iodine promotes thyroid function, which is especially important during pregnancy. 
• Iodine deficiency can harm your baby's physical growth and cause mental impairment and hearing loss. It can also potentially result in miscarriage, birth defects and stillbirth.

Iron (27 mg/day)

• Iron is required by your body to transport more oxygen-rich blood to you and your developing fetus. Your requirement for iron increases during pregnancy. Anemia of pregnancy can be life-threatening in mothers, causing heart failure in some cases.

Vitamin D (600 IU/day or more)

• Your body requires vitamin D to absorb calcium more effectively.

Pyridoxine/B6

• Aids in the development of healthy red blood cells, but more crucially, it can help alleviate the morning sickness of pregnancy.

Calcium

• Calcium is required throughout pregnancy to preserve the bone and muscle health of the mother. Protect your bones while ensuring your baby receives the calcium they require for good skeletal growth.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (200 to 600 mg/day)

• An omega-3 fatty acid that aids in the development of the baby's brain and eyes. Look for a prenatal supplement that contains 200 mg of DHA per day.

Zinc

• Zinc aids in the production of insulin, which may aid in the regulation of sugar metabolism during pregnancy.

Vitamin C

• Vitamin C is essential for keeping your immune system fit. It protects against tissue damage and assists your body in absorbing iron.

Vitamin E

• This vitamin is necessary for the intrauterine development of the baby.
• Since it can be dangerous if consumed in excess, only take this vitamin if it’s specifically prescribed by your doctor.

Thiamin/B1

• Aids in the development of the nervous system.

Riboflavin/B2

• Contributes to healthy eye development and helps maintain energy levels.

Niacin/B3

• Promotes healthy digestion for the mother and aids in the development of skin and nerves.

Vitamin B12

• Vitamin B12, along with folic acid, is required early in pregnancy to prevent neural tube abnormalities. Moreover, it is required for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis, which is vital for uterine health.

Choline

• Aids in the development of the brain for learning, memory and attention and rapid division, development and myelination of cells.

Selenium (60 to 70mcg)

• An antioxidant that is essential for reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism and DNA synthesis.

Not all prenatal vitamins are the same. In addition to the traditional pill, gel caps, chewable, liquids and even powders are available. Your doctor may advise you to take a specific prenatal vitamin. If you choose one on your own, show it to your doctor to ensure that it contains the proper combination of important vitamins.

Prenatal vitamins are carefully-made supplements that help to ensure a healthy pregnancy. They are sophisticated multivitamins containing nutrients that are especially necessary for expecting mothers and their newborns.

If you are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant, it is critical to supplement with a high-quality prenatal vitamin. These vitamins, however, are not a substitute for a healthy diet. You must continue to eat a regular balanced meal with proper proportions, as well as follow a daily exercise regimen and drink water as indicated by your gynecologist.

The following are the most common advantages of prenatal vitamins:

• Prenatal vitamins help cover any nutritional deficiencies in your diet from the start of your pregnancy until you finish breastfeeding.
• They help reduce premature birth, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia (high blood pressure) and the risk of brain and spinal cord birth abnormalities, such as spina bifida.
• They are an excellent way to supplement your nutritional needs without adding extra calories.

Taking daily prenatal vitamins has little to no adverse effects for the majority of women. However, here are examples of potential common side effects:

• Constipation due to iron
• Worsening of nausea or morning sickness
• Headache and unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Changes in the skin
• Diarrhea
• Low appetite

Discuss these side effects with your doctor because they may provide you with answers or propose a different vitamin regimen entirely. Because each pregnancy is unique, it must be treated as such.