For most pregnant women, they will need to take some prenatal vitamin and mineral supplement. In our society, we have been eating a lot of junk food and fatty stuffs. Although they may taste delicious, the nutritional values in them are often very little.
Unless you eat a wide variety of foods like meat, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes… The typical diet of most people, not to mention pregnant ladies, will not be enough to provide all the nutrients both the mother and baby.
Most prenatal supplements have several vitamins and minerals. It is the folic acid, iron, and calcium content that is especially important to pregnant women. What does folic acid, iron and calcium do ? Folic acid can reduce the risk of having a baby with a serious birth defect of the brain and spinal cord. During pregnancy, the mother loses her bone density very quickly as the baby absorb the mineral for bone growth. Calcium can help to prevent that. Iron helps to carry the mother and baby's blood oxygen supply.
Some recent studies have shown that women who take prenatal vitamins early in pregnancy can reduce the risk of their child developing some types of brain tumors. Another possible protective effect for the vitamins is that babies whose mothers took prenatal vitamins close to the time of conception seemed less likely to suffer medulloblastoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the brain.
Given this studies, women need to take prenatal vitamins. However, for some women with certain health issues, dietary restrictions or pregnancy complications, they are required to take prenatal vitamins. So are vegans, lactose intolerant women, smokers and women who abuse other substances, women who are having more than one baby and women with certain blood disorders and certain chronic diseases will have more reasons to take prenatal vitamins.
When pregnant, discuss with your doctor or obstetrician your dietary habits. Things like your general health, work pressures and stress should also be considered. If possible, find a solution and work them out. Prenatal vitamins should be taken as part of a healthy pregnancy. There are many over the counter prenatal vitamins available in the market at affordable prices. Check and compare the content inside.
However the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate what is the content of vitamin and mineral supplements. No such standards have been set yet. Therefore you can seek your doctor to make sure you choose one that is appropriate for you.
By : Joshua Poon
