Taking Prenatal Vitamins

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, start taking prenatal vitamins. It may be easier to get pregnant if your body is prepared with the right doses of vitamins. Also, you'll be assured that your baby has the right nutrients from conception, rather than after the vital first eight weeks.

When should I take my prenatal vitamin?

Some women feel sick to their stomach after taking prenatal vitamins. If you find this is the case for you, try taking the vitamin right before bed. Take your vitamins at the easiest time for you to remember to take it if you don't feel an upset stomach after taking it. It matters more that you remember to take your prenatal vitamins every day than what time you take it.

Can I eat or drink anything with my prenatal vitamin?

Don't take prenatal vitamins with milk, because the calcium affects absorption of iron. Help keep hydrated by drinking a large glass of water or juice with your vitamin. Prenatal vitamins can be taken with food unless the food has high levels of calcium, Note that there is not a large percentage of calcium in prenatal vitamins, so make sure to get other sources of calcium throughout the day.

What should I look for in a prenatal vitamin?

Prenatal vitamins should contain a large dose of Folic Acid, an important nutrient for babies development. Folic acid is essential for DNA and RNA synthesis as well as normal cell growth and development. Other nutrients that are vital to the babies development include iron, zinc, magnesium, and riboflavin. Most doctors and midwives will prescribe you a prenatal vitamin that has everything you need. You can also find prenatal vitamins in most pharmacies. I used the Target brand prenatal vitamins for the early part of my pregnancies.

Don't consider prenatal vitamins a substitute for a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, as well as good sources of protein. Protein is very important for your growing baby because all cells are formed from protein. Your prenatal vitamins cannot supply protein that your baby will need to grow. Eating a variety of foods will help ensure your body has all the nutrients your baby needs as it grows. If you don't take your prenatal vitamins, your baby may not be as healthy as it could be. Your baby will take what nutrients it can from your body, and if you aren't replacing those nutrients, your body will be weakened by the end of your pregnancy.

Sources:

Personal experience
Simkin, Penny, P.T, Janet Whalley, R.N., B.S.N., Ann Kepler, R.N., M.N. Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn-The Complete Guide. Minnetonka, MN: Meadowbrook Press.