What Are the Right Prenatal Vitamin Doses and Why?
Prenatal vitamins are generally advised during your pregnancy for your and your baby's health. These vitamins are made specifically to address any potential nutritional deficiencies you may face during your pregnancy. These vitamins contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, but their contents of iron, calcium and folic acid are especially important to you and your growing baby.
What Doses Should I Look for in My Prenatal Vitamins?
All prenatal vitamins are not created equal so it is important that you know what doses to look for and that you choose a vitamin that contains the right doses. Your health care provider can help you in choosing or in some cases, she may give you a prescription. The doses you want to look for are as follows: 400 IU vitamin D, 70 mg vitamin C, 2 mg riboflavin, 6 mcg vitamin B12, 15 mg zinc, 400 mcg folic acid, 200 to 300 mg calcium, 3 mg thiamine, 20 mg niacin, 10 mg vitamin E and 17 mg of iron.
If your health care provider determines you are deficient in any of the above nutrients, she may recommend an extra supplement to help you get back to a normal level. Before taking a prenatal vitamin, talk to your health care provider.
Why are Iron, Calcium and Folic Acid So Important?
Iron is a mineral necessary for both mom and baby's blood to be able to carry oxygen.
When you are pregnant, your baby will be using calcium for bone growth. Because of this you will need to replace this calcium to make sure that you do not lose any bone density.
Folic acid is critical. Getting enough of this vital nutrient will reduce the risk of a serious birth defect known as a neural tube defect. Spina bifida is the most well-known of the neural tube defects. This defect means the baby was born with an unclosed spine. The nerves that were left exposed are damaged, resulting in some degree of incontinence, paralysis and in some cases, mental retardation. In addition to taking your prenatal vitamins, you can also find folic acid in your diet by eating nuts, citrus fruits, fortified breakfast cereals, green leafy vegetables and beans.
Can I Do Something About the Nausea?
Yes, you can. It is not completely uncommon to feel nauseous after taking your prenatal vitamins. If you do feel nauseous, talk to your health care provider. She can most likely prescribe a different kind that you will tolerate better.
Resources
American Pregnancy Association: Prenatal Vitamins
What Doses Should I Look for in My Prenatal Vitamins?
All prenatal vitamins are not created equal so it is important that you know what doses to look for and that you choose a vitamin that contains the right doses. Your health care provider can help you in choosing or in some cases, she may give you a prescription. The doses you want to look for are as follows: 400 IU vitamin D, 70 mg vitamin C, 2 mg riboflavin, 6 mcg vitamin B12, 15 mg zinc, 400 mcg folic acid, 200 to 300 mg calcium, 3 mg thiamine, 20 mg niacin, 10 mg vitamin E and 17 mg of iron.
If your health care provider determines you are deficient in any of the above nutrients, she may recommend an extra supplement to help you get back to a normal level. Before taking a prenatal vitamin, talk to your health care provider.
Why are Iron, Calcium and Folic Acid So Important?
Iron is a mineral necessary for both mom and baby's blood to be able to carry oxygen.
When you are pregnant, your baby will be using calcium for bone growth. Because of this you will need to replace this calcium to make sure that you do not lose any bone density.
Folic acid is critical. Getting enough of this vital nutrient will reduce the risk of a serious birth defect known as a neural tube defect. Spina bifida is the most well-known of the neural tube defects. This defect means the baby was born with an unclosed spine. The nerves that were left exposed are damaged, resulting in some degree of incontinence, paralysis and in some cases, mental retardation. In addition to taking your prenatal vitamins, you can also find folic acid in your diet by eating nuts, citrus fruits, fortified breakfast cereals, green leafy vegetables and beans.
Can I Do Something About the Nausea?
Yes, you can. It is not completely uncommon to feel nauseous after taking your prenatal vitamins. If you do feel nauseous, talk to your health care provider. She can most likely prescribe a different kind that you will tolerate better.
Resources
American Pregnancy Association: Prenatal Vitamins
Published by R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness
Rose is a freelance medical writer with a background in health care. She has been a freelance medical writer for five years. Rose is also an editor and writes on a variety of other subjects, such as sports... View profile
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