Just picking up some ordinary vitamins at the drugstore is not enough for a healthy pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins contain important nutrients in stronger dosages than regular multivitamin supplements (even those formulated for women). Here is a look at what prenatal vitamins should contain and the benefit of each ingredient for new mother.
Prenatal Vitamin Ingredients
Folic Acid Folic acid is the most commonly prescribed prenatal supplement for the months prior to becoming pregnant and, once pregnant, it is essential for the health and growth of the baby, especially for brain functions.
The March of Dimes reports that birth defects of the spine, skull, and brain, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, are more likely to occur if the mother does not get sufficient folic acid during the first few weeks of her pregnancy - even before she knows she is pregnant.
Calcium Calcium supplementation is so important during pregnancy. A good prenatal vitamin should include calcium, which is necessary for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Low dietary intake of calcium is associated with increased risk of preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension, urine protein loss and swelling around the ankles).
In the last trimester of pregnancy, skeletal growth is highest and the fetus draws calcium directly from the mother's stores. In addition, clinical trials have shown that adequate calcium during pregnancy lowers blood pressure and may reduce the incidence of premature births.
Magnesium Magnesium promotes the health of bones and may help maintain normal blood pressure and muscle comfort during pregnancy. Magnesium promotes the health of bones (64% of the body's magnesium is concentrated in the bones). It supports normal bone structure and plays an essential role in more than 300 cellular reactions.
Iron Iron is recommended to prevent the mother suffering from anemia due to the demands that the baby puts on her iron consumption. Iron is an important mineral and is responsible for helping the mother and the baby's blood to carry oxygen. Iron deficiencies can lead to severe birth defects for the baby.
Vitamin A Adequate amounts of vitamin A help to promote the health of the baby by promoting normal growth and development of the embryo and fetus, and supporting genes that determine the sequential development of organs in embryonic development. Beta-carotene is a nutrient from plants that the body converts into vitamin A.
Vitamin C The female body's requirement for vitamin C increases during pregnancy as this vitamin promotes the normal growth of the baby and supports building strong bones and teeth. Vitamin C promotes normal tissue repair and healing. It also supports the absorption of another key nutrient during pregnancy: iron.
Vitamin D New research from the Boston University School of Medicine is recommending higher intakes of vitamin D as so many are deficient. The women's levels of vitamin D were related to the frequency of milk consumption and prenatal vitamin use.
B-Vitamins Increased vitamin B6 levels can boost immunities needed after pregnancy and sufficient B6 has been shown to provide infant growth advantages. This B- vitamin can prevent neural tube defects when taken early in pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.
B1 and B2 are water-soluble vitamins that support the body's ability to process carbohydrates, fat, and protein. This helps with the energy requirements and production increase in pregnancy.
Pantothenic acid, also called vitamin B5, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps to regulate your body's adrenal activity and antibody production. If you are pregnant and don't get enough B5, your baby's growth may be slowed.
Vitamin B6 is the master vitamin for processing amino acids - the building blocks of all proteins and some hormones, which is vital to your fetus's developing brain and nervous system.
Vitamin B12 (consumed during pregnancy) promotes the health and normal nerve function of the baby.
Biotin Women have an increased requirement for biotin during pregnancy, and a biotin deficiency may occur in as many as 50 percent of pregnant women. This deficiency may increase the risk of birth defects. The fetus pulls so much of the nutrients from the mother's diet; therefore, it is important that she consumes enough biotin.
Zinc Increased zinc levels can boost immunities needed after pregnancy. Zinc supports normal growth and development during pregnancy. Zinc is an essential mineral that is a component of more than 300 enzymes that support normal healing, fertility in adults and growth in children, protein synthesis, cell reproduction, vision, immune function, and protection against free radicals, among other functions.
Prenatal vitamins can be taken after pregnancy to provide a well-balanced supplementation program. With a mother's hectic schedule and lack of time, prenatal vitamins are a perfect choice for an after pregnancy supplement regimen.
The correct prenatal vitamins are essential for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Doing your research on prenatal vitamins can be very rewarding and time well spent to ensure an easy and successful pregnancy. Researchers at the University of Maryland have noticed that many commonly prescribed prenatal vitamins do not dissolve well resulting in insufficient absorption of the nutrients.
It happens more and more: many women decide to have another child later on life. While getting pregnant after 40 poses it's own challenges and risks, there are ways to make it safer and easier for both you and baby. Below you'll find the top prenatal vitamins you should be taking while trying to conceive, plus some of the best tips and tricks to getting pregnant fast.
Unlike having a baby in your 20's or 30's, time is no longer on your side. The faster you conceive, the safer it will be, so you've got to concentrate on maximizing and increasing chances of getting pregnant each and every month. There are safe, natural ways to boost your fertility and you should be taking advantage of them. But the best thing you can do, hands down, is get your body into the best shape it can be. This means a protein-rich diet and plenty of exercise. Look up the best pregnancy food and be sure you're getting enough of it.
Ovulation and getting pregnant go together hand in hand, so make sure you're using a getting pregnant chart. Pinpoint your exact ovulation date and make sure you and your partner are getting busy the two days before, during, and after that date. The more the better - especially if your partner is a bit older and his sperm count might not be what it used to. There are natural ways to go about enhancing that also, and you can find them at the end of this article.
Taking the very best pregnancy vitamins when trying to conceive a baby will dramatically increase your body's chances of becoming pregnant. As you get older your body requires more, and it's slower to break down the things you eat each day. Having any type of vitamin deficiency will hurt your cause, so you should consider putting yourself on a recommended prenatal vitamin regimen that will include the following supplements:
Folic Acid - Nothing aids more in fetal development than this one mineral. Women of any age trying to get pregnant should be taking folic acid. Check to see how much you should be using each day, as this may vary by age and body type.
Zinc - Studies have found that zinc helps supercharge fertility. Once you do get pregnant, zinc will play a major role in the overall development of healthy tissues within your baby. Make sure you're taking this one, and you can find it in almost any multivitamin.
Vitamin C - Getting enough vitamin C is always good, but on your quest to getting pregnant after 40 it's especially important that you stave off common colds and every day viruses.
Iron - A woman's body, as it gets older, doesn't absorb iron the same way it used to. That's why getting enough iron each day, especially if you're anemic, is of major importance.
DHA - Most of the top prenatal vitamins include this compound. An version of omega-3 fatty acid, Docosahexaenoic acid is usually found in fish and is important for heart, eye, and brain development. Women trying to get pregnant usually avoid fish and don't get enough of this vital nutrient, so make sure you supplement your diet with this important addition.
Vitamin B6 & B12 - Essential for energy! Give your body an energy kick while helping jumpstart your metabolism by making sure you're taking these top prenatal vitamins. B6 is also great for alleviating symptoms of morning sickness once you do conceive your child.
Keep in mind that these are only a small few of the best prenatal supplements. Pregnancy after 40 can be made a lot faster and easier by giving yourself every possible chance you can, and by molding your body into tip-top shape. Just because you're getting older doesn't mean you should've be healthy, and a fit body and sound mind is always the best asset to increasing chances of getting pregnant.
Both Tony Edwards & Aurelia are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Tony Edwards has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Water Filters and Fat Loss. Some prenatal supplements can cause horrible morning sickness, be hard to swallow and really not deliver the proper amount of vitamins. We have reviewed several prenatals. For more free information and to see our choice of prenatals Click Here:. Tony Edwards's top article generates over 2400 views. to your Favourites.
Aurelia has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acupuncture Chiropractor, Family Concerns and Home Management. For more information on both male and female fertility, check out these . And for the best baby and pregna. Aurelia's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.