The first question on everybody’s mind is, are prenatal vitamins really productive during pregnancy? The short and uncomplicated answer is yes. We’re here to answer some of the very basic questions about prenatal vitamins. Keep reading to get touchstone information about prenatals.
1. When Should I Start Taking A Prenatal Vitamin?
A couple with a baby on their mind should start taking prenatal vitamins three months before trying to get pregnant. The conditions of the female womb begin to develop three months before trying to get pregnant. The womb must contain all of the proper nutrients from the earliest stages of fertilization.
Prepare for a healthy pregnancy by taking prenatals three months before getting pregnant. Neural-tube defects can occur in the first four to six weeks of pregnancy which can cause complications later on. You can ask your doctor for samples at this time.
2. Which Ingredients Are Most Important & Why?
Calcium, folic acid, and iron are the three most important ingredients of the best prenatal vitamins. Calcium plays a pivotal role in the development of strong bones in the baby. The mother does not experience bone loss during the development of the baby’s skeletal system with adequate calcium.
Folic acid prevents neural tube defects such as spina bifida that can cause damage to the spinal cord of the newborn. Anencephaly is another neural-tube defect that causes the development of an abnormal brain and/or skull. Neural-tube defects are incurable because they become apparent after birth.
Iron helps deliver oxygen to the newborn. Regulated amounts of iron ensure that the mother does not suffer from anemia, a lack of oxygen in her blood. Medication with excessive iron is poisonous if swallowed by youngsters and can cause stomach discomfort to the mother.
3. How Do I Compare Over-The-Counter Prenatal Vitamins?
Look for over-the-counter prenatal vitamins with a USP (U.S. Pharmacopeia) stamp of approval or NSF International certification. The two institutions monitor each prenatal vitamin and ensure that it does not have too little or too much of any ingredient. The supplement becomes ineffective if it does not have an adequate volume of vitamins and minerals.
Excessive amounts of vitamin A cause skin itchiness, dryness, peeling, and hair loss in the pregnant mother. Inordinate quantities of vitamin E can cause a skin rash or easy bruising. Consult a physician before taking any over-the-counter prenatal vitamin without a USP stamp of approval or NSF International certification.
What Happens If I Skip A Dose?
Maintaining a healthy weight gain and eating the right diet are the best ways to ensure a healthy pregnancy. No medication substitutes the importance of a healthy diet. It is alright if you miss a single dose of one of the best pregnancy vitamins.
Remember to take the next dose on time. Do not take two doses the next time since you missed the previous dose. You can experience unnecessary side effects due to overdosage. You can remember taking your prenatal vitamins after a meal by setting an alarm on your cell phone or putting them in a place that is visible from the dining table.