Prenatal vitamins are important for pregnant women. Even if you eat a super healthy diet, you may still need prenatal vitamins. Your baby needs lots of different vitamins and minerals to grow healthy.

Prenatal vitamins are important because they can offer you three important key nutrients which are very crucial for pregnant women. These key nutrients include:

Folic acid

It helps your baby's brain and spinal cord development. It reduces the risk of serious part defects known as spina bifida and anencephaly. It prevents neural tube defects, which can cause serious abnormalities in the fetal brain and spinal cord.

Calcium

Calcium is crucial for you as it protects your bones as your baby grows. The baby will take this vital mineral from your bones and teeth. It means that your bone density can go down if you do not take extra calcium while the baby is developing. 

Iron

Iron is important for you because it helps your blood deliver oxygen to your baby. A deficiency of iron can cause your baby to be born early or too small. It also supports the development of the placenta and fetus.

When do you need to take prenatal vitamins?

There are some specific times when you should start taking the important prenatal vitamins.

You need to take folic acid at least one month prior to conception.

Starting your prenatal vitamins is always better when you are trying to get pregnant. These vitamins can prevent possible birth defects and problems. Folic acid, for example, can prevent defects within the first few weeks of pregnancy.

If you have not taken prenatal vitamins before you got pregnant, you can start taking them now.

You can talk to your doctor when you get pregnant and find out which prenatal vitamins are good for you.

Which prenatal vitamin is best?

Prenatal vitamins are available over the counter. Your doctor or the healthcare provider may recommend a specific brand. You can also choose one that you like.

The prenatal vitamin should contain folic acid and iron. It should also contain calcium and vitamin D. These vitamins are important as they promote the development of the baby’s teeth and bones. It will also be good for you if you find a prenatal vitamin containing vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, B vitamins, iodine and zinc.

Your doctor may suggest higher doses of certain nutrients for you. In that case, it is better to listen to your health care provider to prevent any complication and problems during the development and birth.

When you need high-quality pre-natal vitamins, then try Nature Made Prenatal with Folic Acid + DHA, Dietary Supplement for Daily Nutritional Support. It is a prenatal nutritional support supplement. It contains Folic Acid and 19 other nutrients to support baby development and mom’s health.

They support a baby’s brain health, bone health, eye health, and nervous system. You can take one prenatal vitamin softgel daily with water and a meal for optimal absorption.