Pregnancy Gear You Need To Have

Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins differ from regular vitamins in that they're created specifically for the needs of pregnant women. They contain more folic acid, calcium, iron, and other essential minerals. These prenatal vitamins are also important to take before you become pregnant, ensuring that your body has built up the nutrients it requires.

While you're pregnant, these vitamins not only help nourish you and your baby, but they can also reduce some of the most undesirable side-effects, such as nausea. Perhaps the most important reason to take these vitamins, however, is based on a reduced risk of birth defects. This is due to folic acid (also known as folate from food sources), which dramatically reduces neural tube defects in your unborn child.

Speak to your doctor about the best choices, considering a few key things. Early on in your pregnancy (the sooner the better), consume plenty of folate-rich foods, as well as a vitamin that yields at least 600 mcg of folic acid. Ensure that it also contains ample amounts of calcium (around 150 mg), iron, iodine, vitamin B6, and omega-3 fatty acids.