Prenatal Vitamins Before Pregnancy

Vitamins are very essential for every woman to conceive properly and stay healthy. Dairy products, fruits, vegetables, legumes and meat provide vitamins to the body. However, taking a vitamin supplement is essential for the body, even if, one consumes all these foods on daily basis. Prenatal vitamins are suggested for women who are thinking of becoming pregnant i.e., when a woman thinks of conceiving. Also, if a woman has some health issues, blood disorders or chronic diseases, it is important that they must consume the prenatal vitamin supplements.

Prenatal Vitamins
Here is a list of prenatal vitamins, that are essential to prevent any complications during pregnancy and after childbirth. The list of these vitamins is as follows;

• Folic acid
• Iron
• Calcium
• Vitamin A
• Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin D
• Niacin
• Iodine
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Zinc

These are the vitamins and minerals that are generally present in the multivitamin supplements. However, these prenatal vitamins before pregnancy, must be taken under medical supervision. Read more prenatal care.

Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins before Pregnancy
When you are planning to get pregnant, your health matters a lot. Usually, it is recommended that you must visit a doctor after you have decided to get pregnant. Read more on how to get pregnant fast. There are certain routine tests and investigations that you must go through. These test are recommended to test whether you are suffering from anemia or not. Or, do you have immunity against diseases like rubella and chicken pox. Then the doctor suggests the prenatal vitamins that you must consume in order to reduce the risks during and after the pregnancy.

The neural tube defects are developed within 28 days of conception. This is before you realize that you are pregnant. Folic acid is very important for the development of the spinal cord and the brain of the baby. Thus, ample amount of folic acid should be consumed even if you are not pregnant and planning to be, in a few months. Calcium is necessary for the mother as well as for the baby. Therefore, calcium must be consumed in order to maintain the bone density, as the fetus uses calcium for bone growth. Iron is necessary to increase the hemoglobin in the blood, as the normal levels of hemoglobin help to carry more oxygen for the baby and the mother. Read more on pregnancy development calender.

Now you must be thinking that why take prenatal vitamins instead of your regular multivitamin supplement? The reason is, that the prenatal vitamin supplements have more amount of vitamins and minerals that are needed to conceive a baby. Also, it is important to have a balanced diet along with these prenatal vitamins. It is observed that almost 50% of birth defects are eliminated if you take prenatal vitamins before pregnancy.

Side-Effects of Prenatal Vitamins before Pregnancy
There are certain side-effects of the prenatal vitamins before conception. These side-effects are as follows;

• Intestinal cramps
• Muscle aches and pains
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Metallic taste
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation (Read more on constipation in early pregnancy)
• Diarrhea

Read more on prenatal vitamin side effects.

Also, it is possible that these side-effects may or may not be seen in everybody. This was all about prenatal vitamins before pregnancy. They are extremely important, if you are planning to become pregnant.