What are Prenatal Vitamins?

Prenatal vitamins are intended to supplement a normal healthy diet and to be taken before, during, and after pregnancy, providing pregnant women with the needed nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. They are similar to multivitamins but different in that they contain different concentrations of certain nutrients needed by women with child.

Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins

Three of the most important nutrients needed in extra amounts during pregnancy are Calcium, Iron, and Folic Acid. Folic Acid can help prevent major birth defects of the brain and spine. The Calcium in prenatal vitamins helps provide bone density for the mother and the child, and Iron can help prevent anemia, low birth-weight, fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Are Prenatal Vitamins Safe?

Prenatal vitamins are safe just make sure you don’t ingest synthetic vitamins because recent studies show that they can be harmful to your health instead of being helpful. Whole food supplements consist of concentrated forms of fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs, which are excellent sources of vitamins and nutrients.

When to Start Prenatal Vitamins

During the first month of pregnancy the baby’s neural tube begins to close. While this is occurring a woman doesn’t even realize she’s pregnant yet, and the formation and development of the baby’s major organ systems occur during the first three months. Therefore, it is very important to begin taking prenatal vitamins approximately two to three months before you attempt conception.

Prenatal Vitamins Side Effects

Not everyone experiences side effects from prenatal vitamins, but some possible side effects are:

• Yellow-orange discoloration of the urine
• Metallic taste
• Constipation or Diarrhea
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Muscle aches and pains
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite.
• Headaches
• Intestinal Cramps
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Fatigue Gas or belching

Since most of these are also common pregnancy side-effects, it’s almost impossible to tell whether side-effects are from the pregnancy or the prenatal vitamins. By all means, a pregnant woman should talk to her physician about anything she’s not sure about, especially if there is any severe nausea or vomiting, allergic reactions, or unusual bleeding or bruising.