Prenatal Vitamins During Pregnancy

A healthy diet is very essential during pregnancy and lactation period. But, along with it, supplements of different essential elements is also equally necessary. Prenatal vitamins are special multivitamins required by pregnant women to get all the essential nutrients. They should be taken by women before or during pregnancy. It is beneficial to have prenatal vitamins even when you are planning to conceive.

Importance of Prenatal Vitamins
Although one gets most of the necessary nutrients from a healthy and balanced diet, one does not get sufficient amount of folic acid and iron from diet alone, hence, supplements are required. Prenatal vitamins are different from the ordinary vitamin supplements, as they also contain other nutrients apart from vitamins. Along with all the essential vitamins and minerals, they contain folic acid and iron, which is required for the growth and health of the baby.

Taking Prenatal Vitamins in Pregnancy
The following are the vitamins required during pregnancy:

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is one of the most important and essential nutrients required during pregnancy. It is useful for the development of skin, limbs and eyes. At the same time, it also plays a key role in embryonic development and in building resistance to infections.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C primarily supports the repair of tissues and helps in folic acid and iron metabolism. It also helps in the prevention of premature birth of the baby.

Folic Acid
Regular intake of folic acid is very essential during pregnancy in order to prevent birth defects in the baby. Folic acid is also said to be essential in the proper development of the brain and spinal cord of the baby.

Iron
During pregnancy, there is more demand for iron in women. Supplements of iron prevents the occurrence of anemia, an iron deficiency disease, which is commonly observed in woman during pregnancy. Iron is also beneficial in lowering the risk of pre-term birth. Iron also helps in increasing the woman's resistance to stress and overcoming weakness during pregnancy.

Calcium
Calcium is required for the development of the muscular and the skeletal system of the baby. If the woman does not get sufficient amount of calcium form her diet, the body takes up natural calcium from the bones. This can result in a weakening of the bones and may give rise to further diseases of the joints in the baby and the mother.

Similarly, other vitamins like vitamin B12 is required for cell formation and vitamin D is required for the development of teeth and bones of the baby. Vitamin B1 and vitamin B2 are also required for the development of muscles and the nervous system. There is also a requirement of other nutrients. But these can be easily obtained from foods included in the daily diet.

Pregnancy prenatal vitamins are safe to take in the form of supplements only when they are taken in proper and adequate amounts. Overdose of any vitamin can lead to other complications. Therefore, it is advisable to begin or quit having vitamin supplements only by doctor's advice. According to your health, the doctor will guide you about the best prenatal vitamins for you.