Reasons to Take a Prenatal Supplement

Staying healthy is always important, but even more so than ever when carrying a baby! Expectant moms frequently take prenatal supplements to keep their little-ones-to-be in the best of health to assure the best of health. 

Why are prenatal vitamins and supplements important?

Prenatal vitamins and supplements are important for:

Your baby’s overall bone health

Dental health

Brain and nervous system development

Prevention of anemia

Fetal oxygen supply

What Prenatal Vitamins and Supplements Should You Take?

While your doctor can recommend specific supplements and vitamins that are right for you, here are some generally accepted supplements that are excellent for your health and that of your baby.

Folic acid

During pregnancy, folic acid and iron are both more necessary than at any other time. Folic acid helps to prevent neural tube defects, which are serious abnormalities that affect the fetal brain and spinal cord. It is especially helpful if you can start taking this supplement a month or two prior to pregnancy.

Iron

Iron is essential to support the developing placenta and fetus. It also helps your body make blood which supplies oxygen to your baby. Iron helps to prevent anemia, which is a condition that can occur if your blood has a low amount of healthy red blood cells. And it can alleviate the possibility of low birth rate for your baby. Iron supplements are particularly important if you are low in iron.

Calcium

Calcium is another excellent supplement that helps promote the healthy development of your baby’s teeth and strengthens bones.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D also plays a strong role in healthy teeth and bone development. It is also important for the successful development of a baby’s nervous system, as well as overall skeletal development.

Iodine

Iodine is another essential mineral which is needed for healthy brain and nervous system development.

Vitamin B12 

This vitamin is excellent for nervous system health. It is especially important if you are vegan or vegetarian and may not consume enough foods rich in vitamin B12.

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C can help with the absorption of iron in your diet. But it is also important not to take an excessive amount in excess of what you need on a daily basis. 

Other Often Recommended Nutrients

There are some additionally recommended nutrient supplements, too. These include:

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 is found naturally in a variety of fish among other foods. These fatty acids are an important part of your baby’s brain development. So, if you do not consume fish or other foods which are rich in these nutrients, an omega-3 fatty acid supplement, in addition to prenatal vitamins, can be an excellent solution. New research has indicated that these supplements can also help to reduce the risk of premature birth.

Probiotics

Emerging research indicates that probiotics might help to control the risk of high blood glucose levels for expectant moms. Your doctor can advise you on the viability of taking them. 

When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?

Ideally, start taking prenatal vitamins even before conception. This is especially important for folic acid and iron supplements. Afterall, your baby’s neural tube, which then becomes the baby’s brain and spinal cord, develops during the first month of pregnancy — possibly even before you even know that you’re expecting.

Learn More About Longevity Herbs

Along with prenatal supplements, if you want to keep all your health needs covered, consider adding a range of healthy vitamins or supplements to your diet. At Longevity Herbs, we are happy to help!

If you’d like to learn more about Longevity Herbs, browse our product selection online, or contact us today.