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Wonder if you need to take prenatal vitamins? Or what to do if they make you constipated? Get answers to these questions and more. By Mayo Clinic StaffA healthy diet is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals you need. But during pregnancy you might fall short on key nutrients. If you're pregnant or hoping to conceive, prenatal vitamins can help fill any gaps. Why are prenatal vitamins important?During pregnancy, you need more folic acid and iron than usual. Here's why:
Which prenatal vitamin is best?Prenatal vitamins are available over-the-counter in nearly any pharmacy. Your health care provider might recommend a specific brand or leave the choice up to you. Beyond checking for folic acid and iron, look for a prenatal vitamin that contains calcium and vitamin D. They help promote the development of the baby's teeth and bones. It also might be beneficial to look for a prenatal vitamin that contains vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc and iodine. In addition, your health care provider might suggest higher doses of certain nutrients depending on the circumstances. For example, if you've given birth to a baby who has a neural tube defect, your health care provider might recommend a separate supplement containing a higher dose of folic acid — such as 4 milligrams (4,000 micrograms) — before and during any subsequent pregnancies. But in general, avoid taking extra prenatal vitamins or multivitamins with dosing in excess of what you need on a daily basis. High doses of some vitamins may be harmful to your baby. For example, extra vitamin A during pregnancy can potentially cause harm to your baby. Do I need to be concerned about other nutrients?Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat found naturally in many kinds of fish, help promote a baby's brain development. If you don't eat fish or other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, your health care provider might recommend omega-3 fatty acid supplements in addition to prenatal vitamins. When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?Ideally, you'll start taking prenatal vitamins before conception. In fact, it's generally a good idea for women of reproductive age to regularly take a prenatal vitamin. The baby's neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord, develops during the first month of pregnancy — perhaps before you even know that you're pregnant. Do prenatal vitamins have any side effects?Sometimes the iron in prenatal vitamins contributes to constipation. To prevent constipation:
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. Will folic acid help me get pregnant?Taking folic acid can not only improve your chances of conceiving, but it also reduces the risk of serious birth defects that can occur in the first month of pregnancy.
Should I take folic acid or prenatal vitamins when trying to conceive?Ideally, you'll begin taking extra folic acid at least 3 months before you become pregnant. Iron supports the development of the placenta and fetus. Iron helps your body make blood to supply oxygen to the fetus. Iron also helps prevent anemia, a condition in which blood has a low number of healthy red blood cells.
How prenatal vitamins help in conceiving?Prenatal vitamins contain DHA, which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that can help your baby's health once you get pregnant. Omega-3 fatty acids also help improve cervical mucus quality (which is necessary for sperm to reach the egg), help promote an ideal balance of reproductive hormones, and help improve egg quality.
Can you take prenatal vitamins while trying to get pregnant?If you're planning to become pregnant, a healthcare professional will recommend that you begin taking a prenatal vitamin. You should start taking one with folic acid 3 months before trying to conceive. Prenatal vitamins contain extra amounts of folic acid, iron, and calcium needed during pregnancy.
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Can prenatal vitamins and folic acid help you get pregnant
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