Taking prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy is one of the most essential things an expectant mother can do to help guarantee the good health of her baby. Selecting the right supplements can be complicated with the various products out there.
Devoting your time to shop around for the best vitamins will be worth it to ensure that your baby receives the care and nutrients it deserves while in the womb. Below are some guidelines:
PRENATAL VITAMIN KEY NUTRIENTS
A prenatal vitamin is intended to help to complement a healthy, well-balanced diet and meet mom’s growing nutritional needs. Look for prenatal vitamins that contain key nutrients (like folate, iron, iodine, and vitamin D, which help support baby’s development. Calcium is also important, but needs to be met through diet or additional supplementation.
MADE WITHOUT
Look for vitamins without artificial colors, preservatives, artificial flavors, or dyes. Remember, what you eat, the baby does too!
READ THE LABEL BEFORE BEFORE PURCHASING
Make sure to shop for vitamins that contain at least 400 mg of folic acid. Folic acid is known to reduce the chances that your baby will develop neuro/spinal defects. Iron is also important in the health of you and your baby. Many prenatal multivitamins will usually have about 30 to 48 mg of iron. Aside from iron, calcium is another important nutrient every woman should be taking plenty of, whether pregnant or not.
ENSURE YOUR STOMACH CAN HANDLE YOUR PRENATAL VITAMINS
Most vitamins, including prenatal vitamins, are very large and can prove difficult to swallow. Make sure you shop around for small sized vitamins with a slick coating that will go down easier. If you have a sensitive stomach or are prone to nausea during pregnancy, take your vitamins with food.
IN CLOSING
The most significant thing to remember when choosing vitamins is to not overload on vitamin supplements. Stay with the recommended dosage unless your doctor recommends the intake of additional vitamins or nutritional supplements.
Your health and the health of your baby is at stake, and you want to take care, so you and your baby are happy and healthy.