Meeting your nutritional needs becomes so much more important when you are pregnant. It’s the time when you have to make sure you are eating enough fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and other food sources that can provide you with the right vitamins and minerals. However, it is quite difficult to get all the nutrients you need just from your dietary intake alone.
This is why many women consider taking prenatal supplements during (or
even before) pregnancy.
What You’ll Find in Prenatal Supplements
There’s no question about whether you can get the nutrients essential
for pregnancy from dietary sources or other natural sources, because you
definitely can. But it’s more about getting enough of these nutrients why
prenatal supplements matter.
Here are some of the nutrients that prenatal supplements can provide
that you may have difficulty getting from other sources.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps with the mother’s absorption of calcium and in promoting
healthy bone growth in the developing baby. Of course, exposure to sunlight can
provide you with vitamin D; however, some expectant mothers who mostly stay
indoors are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is the synthesized form of folate, a B vitamin that is
commonly found in dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, lettuce,
parsley and broccoli. Not all women eat enough of these vegetables, though, so
a supplement that will give you adequate amounts will be helpful for the growth
of the foetus.
Folic acid should not just be taken during pregnancy, however. Women who
are planning to conceive should already have sufficient folic acid intake as
early as three months before pregnancy. This is because folic acid is necessary
for reducing the risk of neural tube birth defects, which can affect the baby’s
brain, spine or spinal cord.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are usually found in fish supports the
development of the baby’s central nervous system. While women are advised to
have a regular serving of fish, they are also warned against mercury content,
which can affect their and their baby’s health. Many prenatal supplements now
contain omega-3 fatty acids to make it easier for moms-to-be to meet their
needs.
Iodine
Iodine deficiency is one of the world’s biggest problems, which results
in conditions such as the enlargement of the thyroid. Pregnant women who are
not consuming enough iodine are at an increased risk of miscarriage. For the
baby, the mother’s iodine deficiency may result in poor mental development or mentalretardation, and other birth
defects such as deaf-mutism.
Who should Consider Taking Prenatal Supplements
Again, prenatal supplements can be taken to ensure that you are getting
the right amount of nutrients that your body needs for a healthy pregnancy.
Women who have a diet restriction or limited source of the essential nutrients
for pregnancy should consider prenatal supplements. Specifically, vegetarians,
lactose intolerant women and those with problems in nutrient absorption may
find prenatal vitamins beneficial for their pregnancy.
