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.
