For pregnant women and all those who'd like to get pregnant, prenatal vitamins are highly important to support the formation of a new life. Vitamins and mineral supplements are necessary both before and during the pregnancy as such : thus, the folic acid intake should be twice larger than usual in the first trimester. Moreover, women who are planning to get pregnant should also administrate it in combination with calcium, iron and special prenatal vitamins recommended by the doctor. Though it is generally assumed that a woman will take all the vital elements from food, supplementation is often necessary particularly during the second and the third stages of pregnancy.
The administration of prenatal vitamins is crucial and almost compulsory in the case of multiple pregnancies since the woman's body makes strenuous effort to supply not just for one but for two or three babies. Blood tests are the best way to determine what type of prenatal vitamins are required, and we should probably mention here that vitamins are always used in combination with minerals. As a matter of fact, there is a close connection between the action of both types of substances. Calcium and phosphorus processing depends on vitamin C and D3, iron is related to the B complex and the examples could go on.
In case you are taking other medications, you should tell the doctor before actually starting to take the prenatal vitamins since you may be exposed to some negative interactions. Furthermore, several blood tests will be required during various pregnancy stages to monitor the calcium, iron and vitamins level. However, taking prenatal vitamins is not always the guarantee that you will be getting enough essential substances to support your pregnancy. Hence, it is very important that you continue to take great care and develop a well-balanced diet.
Prenatal vitamins are by no means a substitute for healthy eating : cheese, milk, vegetables, eggs and so on, should remain the most important source of nutrients for any pregnant woman. Make sure that you follow not only the doctor's instructions but also the ones included on the prenatal vitamins package. Hence, you should know when to take the supplements : during meals, in between meals and so on, and the directions on the label will most certainly help you. Mention should be made that taken carelessly, prenatal vitamins can be harmful, which is why the doctor's recommendation and constant monitoring is often a must.
By : Muna wa Wanjiru
