How Important Are Prenatal Vitamins?

Being pregnant is an exciting time, but can also be overwhelming and raise a lot of questions. One of the topics we are frequently asked about is Prenatal Vitamins. Why are they important? Which ones should I be taking? And how often?

Why Prenatal Vitamins Are Important?

It’s no secret that pregnancy demands a lot from your body, and often times it’s hard for women to get all of the nutrients they need for both them and their baby. When pregnant, a woman’s supply of folic acid, iron, calcium, and other nutrients become depleted from their body, which can be dangerous. Prenatal Vitamins help increase the body’s intake of vitamins and minerals that are essential for the health of you and your baby. They act like a type of insurance policy that guarantees your body is receiving the proper amount of nutrients during your pregnancy.  

Which Prenatal Vitamins Should I Be Taking?

A wide variety of prenatal vitamins are available and currently on the market – that can make it hard and sometimes overwhelming to decide which to choose. As a rule of thumb, it’s always best to consult with your doctor to help determine which vitamins your individual body needs. Your doctor is aware of your body’s health and your baby's health, and can recommend the best prenatal vitamin for you.

How Often Should I Be Taking Prenatal Vitamins?

How often you should be taking your prenatal vitamins depends on the type of vitamin and the prescription your doctor provides you with.

There are other advantages to prenatal vitamins outside of replenishing your body’s nutrients. They can help relieve feelings of nausea, boost your fertility, and reduce the risk of birth defects. Keep in mind that it’s always important to consult your doctor first when selecting which prenatal vitamins to take in order to properly supplement what your body needs.