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Prenatal vitamins: Why they matter and how to choose

The best method to receive the vitamins and minerals you need is through a healthy diet, but even when you follow a balanced diet, you may not be getting enough of some essential nutrients. Prenatal vitamins can help fill up any gaps if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

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The best method to receive the vitamins and minerals you need is through a healthy diet, but even when you follow a balanced diet, you may not be getting enough of some essential nutrients. Prenatal vitamins can help fill up any gaps if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.Below is the guide that will help you in selecting the appropriate prenatal vitamin, so continue reading this article.

Which prenatal vitamin is the most effective?

You can get prenatal vitamins over-the-counter at practically any pharmacy. However, your doctor might suggest a certain brand or give you the option to choose.In addition to folic acid and iron, look for prenatal vitamins that also contain calcium and vitamin D. They assist the newborn's teeth and bones in growing. It may also be beneficial to take a prenatal vitamin that includes the vitamins C, A, E, B vitamins, zinc, and iodine.Additionally, your doctor might advise taking specific nutrients in higher doses depending on the situation. Consider the situation where you delivered a child who had a neural tube defect. Then, before and throughout any subsequent pregnancies, your doctor might advise taking a supplemental folic acid vitamin with a higher amount, such as 4 milligrams (4,000 micrograms).Prenatal vitamins and multivitamins should generally not be taken more than what you need daily. Some vitamins may be harmful to your infant in high doses. For instance, taking more vitamin A when pregnant could be harmful to the unborn child.

What is the best time to begin taking prenatal vitamins?

Ideally, prenatal vitamins should be given before conception. Women of reproductive age are advised to take a prenatal vitamin every day. This is due to the neural tube developing during the first month of pregnancy, possibly before you ever realize you are pregnant, and eventually developing into the baby's brain and spinal cord.

Which prenatal vitamin is best?

Nearly every pharmacy carries prenatal vitamins that are available over-the-counter. Your doctor may advise a certain brand or give you the option to choose.Look for a prenatal vitamin that contains calcium and vitamin D in addition to folic acid and iron. They aid in fostering the growth of the baby's teeth and bones. Searching for a prenatal vitamin that has vitamins C, A, E, B vitamins, zinc, and iodine may also be advantageous.Additionally, based on the situation, your doctor might advise consuming more of a particular nutrient. For instance, if your child was born with a neural tube abnormality, your doctor may advise taking a different supplement before and throughout any future pregnancies that have a larger amount of folic acid, such as 4 milligrams (4,000 micrograms).But generally speaking, stay away from taking extra prenatal vitamins or multivitamins with dosages over what you require each day. Some vitamins may be dangerous to your infant in high dosages. For instance, too much vitamin A during pregnancy may be harmful to the unborn child.