Pregnancy is an important part of a woman’s life. It is the phase in which the entire lifestyle along with dietary habits, sleeping habits and work hours undergo a change. To make this process as smooth as possible, many doctors prescribe special supplements to be included in the diet. One such addition is the inclusion of prenatal vitamins or vitamin supplements in the daily diet.
Prenatal vitamins are an essential part of pregnancy. Whether it is conceiving or delivering a healthy child without complications, prenatal vitamins play a crucial role. This article deals with the importance of
prenatal vitamins for a pregnant woman or for women who hope to conceive in the future.
As more and more fetus are experiencing problems of the neural tube leading to problems in the spinal cord and the brain, it is almost mandatory to include the right amount of folic acid in your daily diet. Folic acid is found to reduce the occurrence of a pre term delivery as well as a low birth weight.
Prenatal vitamins are also believed to improve the growth of hair and nails. However, there is no supporting research to prove this. The standard
prenatal vitamins do not include omega 3 fatty acids. Hence, your physician may ask you to include this is your daily diet either through food or through omega 3 fatty acids containing products and supplements. Omega 3 fatty acids help in the development of the brain.
Prenatal vitamins usually do not require a prescription. They are generally available over the counter at any drug store. The doctor may specify a brand sometimes and in case any additional supplements are required, he may include it in the prescription. In any case, it is better to consult your doctor before starting the
prenatal vitamins.
The woman may begin her dose of prenatal vitamins three months before conceiving. One might wonder as to what could be the reason for taking
prenatal vitamins so early? This is because the baby’s brain and spinal cord begin to form in the first month of conception when even the woman does not know that she is present. As folic acid is extremely important for a healthy neural tube, it is necessary to start the dose of prenatal
vitamins three months earlier. The consumption of prenatal vitamins must be continued throughout the term of pregnancy and in some cases till the mother stops breast feeding.
Sometimes,
prenatal vitamins might trigger nausea in women. In such cases, the vitamins must be taken along with a snack and in the night. Chewing gum after the dose will also help reduce nausea. Sometimes, the iron present in the
prenatal vitamins may result in constipation. To avoid this, include fiber in the diet. Drink plenty of water and do some mild exercises with the assistance of a health instructor. If the case still persists, you may have to consult your physician for consuming stool softeners or laxatives. Banana being a natural laxative is effective too.
