Extra nutrients requirement during pregnancy
What Are Multivitamin And Prenatal Vitamins?
The term “multivitamin” may be used to describe any supplement that contains more than one type of nutrient. A typical multivitamin will contain several B vitamins, minerals like iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, etc. Some people also take prenatal vitamins during pregnancy because they believe it can help prevent specific congenital disabilities in their babies. Most women who want to get pregnant should start taking them at least three months before conception. Some doctors recommend a daily dose of 400 micrograms or less for most adults.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that all adult men and postmenopausal women eat two servings per day while pregnant. Women who are not pregnant but plan on becoming so later in life should consume about 1,000 mcg per day. This is the same amount recommended by the Institute of Medicine’s Dietary Reference Intake Panel.
Women with specific health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, thyroid disorders, anemia, osteoporosis, high cholesterol levels, depression, or other conditions need extra nutrients to keep themselves healthy.
What are some things to consider when opting for Prenatal supplements?
There are many different types of prenatal vitamin products available today. They range from over-the-counter pills you buy at your local drugstore to specially formulated formulas explicitly designed for expectant mothers. While there are no hard and fast rules regarding what kind of prenatal vitamins work best, here are a few things to consider when choosing which ones to use: You’ll find plenty of reviews online for each product, including those posted by moms just like you!
1) Choose a multivitamin/mineral formula that has been shown to have positive results in studies conducted on humans. These include large clinical trials where researchers monitored participants’ outcomes after using various prenatal vitamins. Look for these kinds of studies if you’re interested in trying out new brands.
2) If you choose a brand that doesn’t offer this information, ask your doctor whether they think it would benefit you. Many physicians prescribe prenatal vitamins based on individual patient needs instead of general guidelines. Your physician might suggest something else entirely depending on how well you respond to the first choice. For example, if you already suffer from anemia, a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid could make matters worse. Experts say that women who don’t know why they
aren’t getting enough folate shouldn’t even take a prenatal vitamin. Instead, they should add foods rich in folate to their diets.
3) Consider buying a prenatal vitamin that comes in tablet form rather than liquid. Liquid forms tend to taste terrible and can cause nausea. Tablet versions usually come in smaller doses and cost less money. However, remember that tablets won’t provide you with as much nutrition as liquids do. So, if you’re looking for maximum benefits, stick with the liquid version.
4) Don’t forget to look into the ingredients list. Make sure the label lists only natural substances. Also, please read up on the company itself. Are its owners reputable? Do they stand behind their claims? How long did they operate before being acquired by another firm? There are lots of questions you can answer yourself through research.
Which brand of Medicines to Consider when taking Supplements?
Generic formulas typically consist of several different vitamins and minerals, whereas name-brands generally feature one specific ingredient. Either way, there are pros and cons to choosing either type. While the price tag varies widely between the two categories, here’s what you can expect to pay:
Name brand: $10-$30 per month.
Generics: $2-$5 per day or week, depending on how large your daily dose is. Brand names offer additional perks like personalized labels and free samples. They also have higher quality control standards and are made using FDA-approved processes. That said, generics don’t require any special storage requirements and can last longer than brands. If you want to save money without sacrificing quality, consider purchasing a multivitamin/mineral pill instead of a unique formula.
If you’re unsure about whether you should buy a particular product or not, consult with your doctor first. They will likely suggest something based on your medical history and current health condition. For example, if you take medications regularly, choosing a formulation that contains those same active compounds might make sense. Your doc might even prescribe a single vitamin/supplement to ensure that you receive enough of each nutrient.
Which Pregnancy Supplement Should You Take?
The truth is that not all multivitamins are created equal. Some contain more nutrients than others while still offering similar amounts of overall calories. Others may be better suited for certain conditions during pregnancy. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common prenatal supplement options available today:
Folate
This B vitamin helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and cleft palate, among other congenital disabilities. It also plays a role in healthy cell division throughout the body. Most people get adequate folate levels naturally via food sources, but sometimes supplementation is necessary due to genetic factors.
Iron
Another nutrient essential for proper fetal development, iron, aids in red blood cell production. Women who experience heavy bleeding during the early stages of pregnancy often need extra help maintaining iron stores.
Calcium
A lack of calcium leads to weaker bones and teeth, putting both mom and baby at risk. Calcium supplements are essential for pregnant women because many develop osteopenia. Osteoporosis later in life increases the chance of broken hips and fractures. Calcium intake is best accomplished through diet since milk isn’t always suitable for everyone.
Vitamin D
The sun provides us with ample vitamin D, so some doctors recommend taking supplemental vitamin D when needed. Studies show that low maternal vitamin D status is associated with increased risks of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
Are there any side effects from taking prenatal vitamins during pregnancy?
The short answer is yes! Certain nutrients may pose potential dangers to mother and child. Here’s more information on why they’re considered safe and others that aren’t.
Calcium
Much calcium can lead to kidney stones and constipation. Talk to your OBGYN before adding anything else to your regimen.
Vitamin B12
Much of Vitamin B12 causes nausea and diarrhea. Make sure to check with your physician before supplementing with this vital compound.
Zinc
Although zinc doesn’t seem harmful, excess levels could interfere with copper absorption.
When should you start taking your prenatal vitamins?
It depends. Some experts say as soon as possible, while other physicians believe waiting until after 20 weeks is ideal. It all comes down to personal preference and your unique situation. You’ll know better once you’ve had a few months under your belt.
How often do I need to take my prenatal vitamins?
You’ll probably be told by your healthcare provider that you only need to consume them every day, but that’s not true. Many studies indicate that weekly supplementation is sufficient for most healthy moms. However, if you notice symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, dizziness, heartburn, cramping, etc., speak up. Your doctor will be able to help determine if you do need extra support.
Pregnant Moms Need Special Careful Considerations When Choosing Their Diet
During pregnancy, it’s essential to eat foods rich in protein, iron, folic acid, omega three fatty acids, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients play vital roles in maintaining the proper growth and development of the fetus.
Conclusion
Taking proper vitamin supplements and food habits is of[ utmost importance during pregnancy. Mothers must never forget that their child’s health is in their own hands and must always look forward to taking care of it.