Why Should I Take Prenatal Vitamins?

Amid the rush of “do this” and “don’t do that” which comes with being pregnant, taking a prenatal vitamin may seem like just another “to-do” on the never ending list. If you are like me, you dislike dropping money on synthetically made products. You may be thinking, “I eat healthy, surely I don’t need a vitamin supplement too.” Unfortunately, it's easy to have blind spots in your diet. Your body needs extra vitamins and minerals when you are pregnant. So, prenatal vitamins are a small way you can assist your body with the amazing work it's doing creating a baby.

What are the benefits of prenatal vitamins?

In addition to eating the entire rainbow of fruits, vegetables, and proteins — prenatal vitamins are the superbooster meant to support you and your baby throughout your pregnancy.

Benefits to the Mother:

• Nutritional Backup: There may be days when you don’t hit the mark on eating the key nutrients you and your baby need, especially if you are coping with morning sickness. A prenatal vitamin supplement is like a nutritional backup for pregnant women.
• Supporting Brain Activity: Prenatal vitamins have Iron, Vitamin B, Vitamin D and other nutrients that support blood flow and tissue repair. This will help you stay alert and energized, even while your body takes on the new task of supporting your womb.
• Immune Booster: We all know that it is important to stay healthy while pregnant. Prenatal vitamins contain Vitamin C, Calcium and other nutrients that help boost your immune system.

Benefits to the Child:

• Brain and Spinal Cord Development: One of the most important reasons to take prenatal vitamins is because it aids in the brain and spinal cord development of your baby. The Folic Acid, Iron, and Calcium help your child’s bones and brain grow, limiting the possibility of birth defects.¹¹

• Nutrition: In addition to a well balanced diet, taking prenatal vitamins ensures proper nutrition for your child. Proper nutrition allows for your child to grow healthily and happily in a womb with a plentiful supply of vitamins and minerals brought to them by the umbilical cord.

Prenatal vitamins are crucial during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. However, prenatals should be taken throughout your pregnancy and even after you have delivered your baby.³ In fact, if you are starting prenatal vitamins during your first trimester you have checked off the first “to do” on She Might’s First Trimester Checklist!

What is in a prenatal vitamin?

So, you’ve been told prenatal vitamins are important. But how do they alleviate so many health risks during your pregnancy? This is a list of the most important nutrients provided in prenatal vitamins and what foods they are naturally found in:

• Folic Acid directly affects the formation of the umbilical cord,⁷ and is one of the most important nutrients that is not found in most foods.
• Iron helps keep red blood cells, and therefore, oxygen in a healthy supply for both you and your baby, found in foods like:¹⁰
  • Red meat
  • Sea food
  • Leafy green vegetables
• Vitamin B is commonly linked to healthy brain function and the upkeep of healthy nerves and blood cells, found in foods like:⁸
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Milk
• Vitamin C helps repairs tissue and aids the digestive system, found in most foods like:⁶
  • Peppers
  • Leafy greens
  • Citrus fruits
• Vitamin D is actually a hormone your body makes from cholesterol. This hormone helps combat fatigue and depression. Your body loves soaking up Vitamin D from the sunshine, but you can also find it in:⁴
  • Dairy
  • Fortified Cereals
  • Orange juice
• Calcium supports healthy skin and immune function, and is found in foods like:⁵
  • Sea food
  • Dairy
  • Leafy greens
• Fish Oil (DHA) promotes healthy brain and heart function, found in foods like:¹
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Walnuts

When looking for prenatal vitamins, make sure they contain these seven supplements listed above. Obviously, different brands differ on what they offer. Some may contain additional important supplements such as zinc and iodine.¹² While prenatal vitamins are incredibly important, they may also cause some side effects. For example, introducing more iron into your diet may result in constipation. Side effects may include but are not limited to:⁹

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Cramps

If you experience any of these symptoms and believe it is a result of your prenatal vitamin, talk to your health provider.

How to choose the best vitamins for you

Talk to your doctor: There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best vitamin for you. Your body is unique and has its own specific needs. Add prenatal vitamins to the list of things to ask your healthcare provider about.

Nutrient Deficiencies: Mention to your OBGYN or midwife about any nutrient deficiencies you have had in the past. For example, a common nutritional deficiency while pregnant is being low in iron or anemic.² You may need a specific supplement to make up for this deficiency.

Consider allergies and dietary preference: Do not take any prenatal vitamins that you may be allergic to. Your doctor will know what brands will meet your particular dietary needs. There are special options for vegans and people who are allergic to dairy, wheat, or soy.

Remember your budget: Your budget should also be taken into consideration while choosing which prenatal vitamins are best for you. Most prenatal vitamins cost about $10 to $30, depending on pill-count-per-bottle and type of pill. The prenatal pill itself comes in both swallowable softgels and gummy vitamins. Gummy vitamins are often recommended for women experiencing morning sickness because they are easier to digest.

Conclusion

As with any sort of to-do list, it is easy to get sucked into the mentality of a human-doing over a human being. While you may feel overwhelmed by how much you have to do each day, keep focused on the overarching goal you are trying to achieve: a healthy pregnancy.

Prenatal vitamins support you as the mom by providing backup nutrients, supporting brain functions, and boosting your immune system. They also support your baby’s growth and functions by ensuring they are receiving all the nutrients they need for a healthy birth.

So, the next time you are running errands, swing by the pharmacy to pick up a bottle of prenatal vitamins for you and your baby — in addition to the ice cream you deserve.