Prenatal Vitamins – The Top 10 Vitamins You Need To Take
Prenatal vitamins are an important part of a pregnant woman’s diet. They help to ensure that the woman and her baby get the nutrients they need. While there are many different brands and formulations of prenatal vitamins on the market, all prenatal vitamins should contain certain key nutrients.
Here are the top 10 prenatal vitamins you need to take, recommended by Fadwah Hallaby, ARPN/CNM at Midwife360:
Folic acid
Folic acid is a nutrient that is important for the development of the baby’s neural tube. This nutrient helps to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. All pregnant women and women who may become pregnant should take a daily supplement of folic acid.
Pregnant women should take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folic acid. Women who may become pregnant should take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folic acid. Good sources of folic acid include leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fortified foods.
Iron
Iron is a necessary component for the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Without adequate iron levels, hemoglobin production suffers, and oxygen transport decreases.
Iron is also necessary for the proper function of enzymes in the body. Enzymes are responsible for many important chemical reactions, including those involved in metabolism and digestion. Without adequate iron levels, these reactions can be impaired. This can lead to a variety of problems, including fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating.
During pregnancy, the body’s need for iron increases, and iron supplements are often recommended to prevent iron deficiency anemia. The recommended daily allowance of iron during pregnancy is 27 mg per day.
Calcium
Calcium is an important mineral for the development of bones and teeth in babies. It helps to promote strong bones and teeth, and aids in the prevention of osteoporosis. Getting enough calcium during pregnancy is vital for the health of both mother and child.
There are many sources of calcium, but the best way to get enough calcium is through diet. Good dietary sources of calcium include milk, cheese, yogurt, leafy green vegetables, and salmon. Supplements can also be a good source of calcium, but it is always best to get nutrients from food first.
Pregnant women should aim to get 1000 mg of calcium per day from diet and supplements.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium. This is especially true for pregnant women, who need to ensure that their baby gets enough calcium for proper development. Vitamin D is also important for bone health and has been linked to a reduced risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and ovarian cancer.
Vitamin D can be found in fatty fish, such as salmon, as well as in egg yolks and fortified milk. You can also get vitamin D from supplements, but it’s important not to take too much, as this can be toxic. The recommended daily allowance for vitamin D is 600 IU (international units) for adults, and 800 IU for pregnant women.
Vitamin C
Pregnant women need to include plenty of vitamin C in their diet. Not only is vitamin C important for their own health, but it’s also necessary for the health of their developing baby.
Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, kiwi fruit, bell peppers, and dark leafy greens. Pregnant women should aim to consume at least 75 mg of vitamin C per day.
Vitamin C is a vital nutrient for pregnant women. Not only does it support their own health, but it’s also critical for the development and health of their baby.
The recommended daily allowance of vitamin C during pregnancy is 85 mg per day.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is important for several things during pregnancy, including the development of the baby’s nervous system. Without enough vitamin B6, the baby’s nervous system may not develop properly. This can lead to problems later on in life. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you are getting enough vitamin B6 while you are pregnant.
There are many foods that are rich in vitamin B6, such as poultry, fish, potatoes, and bananas. If you are not getting enough of these foods in your diet, you may want to consider taking a supplement. However, it is always best to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, just to be safe.
The recommended daily allowance of vitamin B6 during pregnancy is 2 mg per day.
Vitamin B12
During pregnancy, it’s important to maintain adequate levels of vitamin B12. This nutrient is essential for the development of the baby’s nervous system. without enough vitamin B12, your child may be at risk for neurological problems.
Most people get enough vitamin B12 from their diet. However, if you’re pregnant, you may need to take a supplement. This is especially true if you are vegan or vegetarian, as you may not be getting enough B12 from food sources. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you need a supplement.
The recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12 during pregnancy is 2.6 micrograms per day.
Omega-3 fatty acids
During pregnancy, it’s important to get enough omega-3 fatty acids. They play a vital role in the development of the baby’s brain and eyes.
Not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids can have serious repercussions. It can cause problems with learning and vision later in life.
That’s why it’s so important for expectant mothers to make sure they’re getting enough of these essential nutrients. The best way to do that is by eating a healthy diet.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in certain types of fish, such as salmon and tuna. They’re also found in flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts. Daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy is 200 mg per day.
Choline
Choline is an important nutrient for pregnant women and nursing mothers. It helps to promote the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system. Without enough choline, infants may experience learning disabilities and developmental delays.
Choline is also important for the health of the mother. It helps to prevent birth defects, and it may help to reduce the risk of some cancers.
Choline is found in many foods, but it is especially abundant in eggs. Other good sources include meat, poultry, fish, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Some vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, also contain small amounts of choline.
Pregnant women need about 425 mg of choline per day. Nursing mothers need 550 mg per day. Most adults in the United States get less than half of the choline they need from their diet. Supplements can help to increase the amount of choline.
Iodine
Iodine is important for the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system.
During pregnancy, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough iodine. This essential element helps the baby’s brain and nervous system develop properly. The best way to get iodine is by eating iodine-rich foods, such as seafood, dairy products, eggs, and certain vegetables. You can also take a supplement.
The recommended daily intake of iodine during pregnancy is 220 micrograms per day.
Prenatal vitamins you should avoid?
When asking this question, the NHS gave the answer quite simply, “If you’re pregnant, you should avoid supplements and multivitamins containing vitamin A (retinol) – as too much of it can harm your baby’s development. You should also avoid liver and liver products (including fish liver oil), as they are high in vitamin A.” If you have preexisting liver conditions, please discuss with your doctor to find out which vitamins and medications should be avoided.
Prenatal Care in West Palm Beach, Florida
If you are looking for an OBGYN, Midwife, Doula for your delivery or home birth, Midwife360 provides excellent care to women’s health needs. Located in West Palm Beach, Florida, the ARPN/CNM team has helped thousands of families meet birth plan requirements. Specializing in home birth and water births, this team has been proven to provide excellent bed side manner, ensuring each woman gets the dignity and empowerment they deserve when bringing their new additions into the world.
