Congratulations! You're pregnant, and you're now responsible not only for yourself but also for the tiny human growing inside of you. That's a lot of pressure to handle. There are many things that one needs to consider during pregnancy—what food to eat (which means no sushi, unfortunately), what activities are safe, what clothes fit (maternity pants all day every day). However, today we want to discuss something else equally important: prenatal vitamins.
What Are Prenatal Vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins contain most essential nutrients required by expecting women before and during pregnancy. Think of them as magical capsules that cover your daily nutritional requirements in one go because let’s face it—not everyone can keep track of their micro-and-macronutrient intake.
How Do They Help?
During pregnancy, the body requires an extra dose of most minerals and vitamins due to changes happening within. Physicians often recommend including additional folic acid supplements in prenatal nutrition regimens as they help prevent serious birth abnormalities such as spina bifida in newborns.
Moreover,vitamins like Iron play a significant role in preventing maternal anemia caused due to blood loss while giving birth & helps increase Hemoglobin levels(normal range 12-16 mg/dl)(you know—the stuff that carries oxygen through your body) should there be excessive bleeding.
Some other vital components present within these multivitamins involve Zinc & Calcium which assist with fetal bone development(crucial at this point lest the little bean become jelly instead of bones)and Vitamin D3 which supports healthy immune function(that is if you don't want bubba sickly after delivery.)
When Should You Start Taking Them?
Almost immediately after finding out about becoming pregnant—it is recommended that start taking prenatal supplements or at least consulting your physician regarding dosage—ahead of time. It’s an excellent habit to develop for proper development of the fetus from the get-go.
Beware!
Consider side effects like nausea, constipation, and dehydration caused by such supplements so it is crucial to ingest plenty of fluids throughout this period(Trust me—the last thing you need at ten-month gut pudge is sluggish bowels)—also ensure checking with your Healthcare Provider if You’re allergic to anything before popping these pills.
Now that we've covered those basics let's move on to:
What Are The Essential Components Of Prenatal Vitamins?
Most prenatal vitamins have a varying array of components infused into its capsule- here's what you can look forward to tasting when you chug down one(good luck getting rid of that aftertaste):
- Folate or Folic Acid
- Iron
- Calcium
- Vitamin D3
But Wait – There’s More!
- Iodine
- Choline
7.Vitamin C&B12
8.Zinc
Wow! Those are eight vital compounds right there but maybe still not enough for everyone—that’s why physicians might recommend more specifically formulated dosage schemes staying true only for each individual concoction recipe (You know—Like tailored suits but excreted in urine instead)
So does taking just any multivitamins covers everything? The short answer - No!!
These named above and their organic source within prenatal options are vital making inclusion mandatory during pregnancy; moreover, don’t be alarmed seeing black or bloody stools symptoms while taking iron concentrated pill - food coloring found herein secrets itself in weird ways shouldn't cause concern
What happens if we don't supplement these infants housed bundles thoroughly?
Aha! Time for some 'what-if.'
What If You Skip Taking Them Altogther?
There's no denying: Timelines fall/break causing memory mishap plus sipping water frequently stinks (literally) – but what if you skip taking such supplements?
It's quite simple—do everything in reverse. Zinc deficiency can cause difficulty grappling with skin disorders, and babies born underweight or with neurodevelopmental disabilities may result from a lack of adequate folic acid supplement intake.
Ladies, remember the essential components mentioned above?well; let's take them one by one and understand their individual contribution towards the developing fetus:
Folate Or Folic Acid
Folate is a B9 vitamin compound found naturally in dark leafy vegetables, citrus fruits (yes-another reason to love tangerines)& beans .When taken alongside fecundating stages, it has been shown imperative to pregnant women for preventing neural tube tremors(scary), which can lead to ailments like spina bifida, leg problems since spinal Cord &brain formation starts within initial months while pregnancy.One needs sufficient amounts(not extra-extra butter added kind)to support healthy development.
Furthermore,it’s necessary when taking prenatal vitamins as these usually contain multi-fold (40-100%) more folate than regular health supplements needed pre-pregnancy levels.
Vitamin D3
We associate sunshine with Vitamin D3 - good ol' UV radiation casting goodness over us ; However, most individuals cannot creditably obtain optimal daily requirement amounts solely through natural exposure alone-( winter's yet short depending on where you live)
Now why’s this component vital during fetal growth? Primarily responsible for strengthening bones & teeth among both-youngsters and adults alike—it also supports healthy immune function via regulating calcium absorption into bloodstream.(Well..Maybe we’re exaggerating that being tiny someone already without any immunity)
However,no need to fret merely because either times have had relatives reminding about not playing enough outside worrying getting cramps from staying inside watching tv;-taking supportive doses should make up day quota requirements instead .
Calcium & Iron
Calcium & Iron are two mineral compounds equally important for fetal growth as well—
Calcium
If you're a food-nut (multiple pun intended) like me then calcium isn't something unheard of; we instinctively aiming cubed cheeses bottles or chugging milk in bulk instead of water.
Those told not to binge dairy products still can obtain sufficient amounts via leafy vegetables— broccoli, arugula—as well as within other fortified Foods which list out %RDA content(My favourite was oatmeal coated chicken with spinach cream sauce) - relatively simple and non-dairy-indulgent options readily available.(Although cheese breadsticks? Anyone-just me?)
Let's talk about why it's crucial during this period:
Firstly, fetal bones need adequate supply because they don’t have endogenous capacity to absorb minerals from the mother. Disease-combatting against conditions like preeclampsia –a hypertensive disorder originating after wk20th conceive stage emanating usually due to low Calcium levels will benefit mothers later on pregnancy stages-SO better get started now.
Iron
Pssst...Listen Carefully!! This part’s important
Ladies hear me out—Iron deficiency causes Anemia(LED signal glowing vigorously).It makes energy sources seemingly scarce. During pregnancy symptoms stay intense that might cause fatigue,stress only leading further complications should delivery be due soon-so its imperative consume requisite iron supplements irrespective of daily diet.
As mentioned earlier,it helps develop Hemoglobin levels-normal range 12-16mg/dl(The minute details even I found exciting)
Summary Time!
In conclusion (the technical term used when we try sound scientific)- prenatal vitamins are mandatory during all phases from conception until post-delivery phase-(Your little one deserves best possible start in life) loving her (/his) health each step.Ensure consulting doctors thoroughly upon consumption schedule tailored-to-preferenced amount intake avoiding skipped days at any cost.
With eight essential components paving our babies' development journey, Folic acid & Iron serve as priority Mineral compounds while Vitamins Iodine,D3,& B's assist in immune function and healthy bone formation.
So chug down those multivitamins- How else to reap benefits when little-to-nothing left over post-pregnancy stretch marks& significant other growling for delivery after starve workout?(Just kidding)