Prenatal vitamins have become very popular in the recent years and have proved to show benefits to both mom and developing fetus. Women who have taken prenatal vitamins during pregnancy have had healthier pregnancies and healthy babies compared to those women who have not taken their prenatal vitamins.
Read More: 10 Must Know Prenatal Vitamins with DHA
Benefits of Taking Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are scientifically formulated to support a woman during pregnancy and are essential for both moms and babies. These vitamins are beneficial for the overall health of the mother and developing fetus. Following is a list of benefits of prenatal vitamins
1 Folic Acid
Folic acid is a protection guard for both the mother and baby during pregnancy. Folic acid is one of those prenatal vitamins that fuel a woman’s fertility and is taken even before conceiving. It is generally advised to continue taking folic acid for the entire first trimester. About 800mcg of folic acid is recommended during pregnancy.
Benefits of Folic Acid
- Fights congenital abnormalities
- Improves fertility in women
- Support brain function in developing fetus
- Prevents neural tube defects in fetus
Read More: 27 Food Rich In Folic Acid
2 Calcium
One of the most important ingredient in prenatal vitamins is calcium. Calcium is a mandatory requirement for mother’s muscles and bones. It is also needed for development of fetal bones during pregnancy. About 1200mg per day is the advised dosage of calcium for a pregnant woman.
Benefits of Calcium
- Helps sustain normal heart beat
- Strengthens muscles and bones in mother and baby
- Also helps prevent preeclampsia
3 Iron
The body begins to function differently after you conceive. The body requires more vitamins and minerals that at normal state. Iron is an important component present in most prenatal supplements and is extremely critical during pregnancy. Iron supports nutrient transport mechanism in the mother and baby. 30mg of iron per day should be consumed after you have conceived.
Benefits of Iron
- Iron aids in the process of synthesizing haemoglobin
- It reduces anemia
- Iron helps in maintaining a healthy immune system
Read More: 7 Natural Prenatal Vitamins You Cant Do Without
4 Omega 3-DHA
Another major ingredient found in most prenatal supplements in Omega-3 DHA. It is the most abundant fatty acid found in the brain. The lack of this essential fatty acid causes a major setback to fetal development. DHA is essential to both the mother and baby. DHA works to enhance baby’s brain, nerves, and vision through the placenta and later through breast milk. Around 200mg a day of DHA is a recommended dosage both during pregnancy and post-delivery during lactation phase.
Benefits of Omega 3-DHA
- Improves cognitive and brain development of the developing fetus
- Promotes a healthy nervous system
- Enhances vision in babies
5 Vitamin B6
Another essential vitamin present in prenatal supplements is Vitamin B6. It gives relief from nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It also aids in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Vitamin B6 plays a major role in the formation of neurotransmitters, antibodies, and blood cells.
6 Vitamin C
One of the major benefits of taking prenatal supplements is due to its high content of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful repair molecule. Vitamin C reduces internal depreciation in organs due to fetal expansion. It also heals brittle bones, rebuilds tissues, and heals open wounds.
7 Vitamin D
One of the major requirement during pregnancy is the essential Vitamin D. Vitamin D in combination with calcium helps build fetal teeth and bones. It also provided immense strength to the mother during pregnancy. Vitamin D deficiency can cause serious implications like preeclampsia in pregnancy. Hence an adequate amount of Vitamin D in prenatal supplements is essential for both the mother and developing baby.
8 Zinc
Zinc is an essential component in prenatal vitamins as it plays an important role in reproduction. Zinc acts as a healer in the mother’s body and makes the organs and tissues function properly.
9 Niacin
Niacin is another important ingredient that you require if you are pregnant. Also commonly called Vitamin B3, it is an important multi-vitamin that is required throughout 9 months for a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.
10 Thiamine
Also known as Vitamin B1, thiamine is an important prenatal vitamin that is essential to prevent developmental complications in the fetus. Since our diet does not contain enough of thiamine, taking prenatal vitamin supplements of thiamine ensures that you get enough of this essential vitamin.
11 Riboflavin
Unlike Vitamin D, riboflavin cannot be synthesized in the body and should be taken in diet or in form of supplements. Riboflavin helps beat fatigue during pregnancy and also helps in the development of muscles, tissues, and nerves in the fetus. Taking prenatal vitamins rich in riboflavin ensures a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Prenatal vitamins supply much more than what they promise. They fill in the nutritional gaps in your diet and also help is preventing pregnancy complications and birth defects. Prenatal vitamins are an absolute requirement to maintain good health during pregnancy.
Read More: 11 Benefits of Prenatal Massages Therapy
References
https://bembu.com/prenatal-vitamins/
https://www.babycenter.com/0_prenatal-vitamins-why-theyre-so-important_287.bc?page=2
