If you are about to begin your pregnancy journey, you want to make sure that you are prepared. One of the best things you can do to help keep you and your little one healthy during this new stage of life is to take a prenatal vitamin.
For many new moms, prenatal vitamins are a staple when it comes to modern pregnancy. That’s because they contain all of the essential daily vitamins and minerals that mothers-to-be and growing babies need before and during pregnancy.
If you are curious about prenatal vitamins and the benefits they offer, you are in the right place! Read on to learn more about prenatal vitamins and to discover if they are actually worth it. Here are five things you should know.
Prenatal Vitamins are Different than Multivitamins
As many women know, taking the right daily multivitamin is important for any stage of life you may be in. However, during pregnancy, your body’s needs are different, which is why you should switch to a prenatal vitamin.
Prenatal vitamins are different from your daily multivitamin, as they typically contain higher amounts of iron and folate to help support both the mama-to-be and the baby. Having the right amount of folate will help to support your child’s brain health and spine development, and will also help to lessen the risk of your baby developing any neural tube defects.
Another key ingredient to look for when choosing your prenatal vitamin is Choline. Almost 90% of women are not receiving the right amount.
Iron is also a must when it comes to choosing the right prenatal vitamin, as this will contribute to red blood cell formation. This will directly help the development of the placenta and the fetus. Having the recommended amount of iron in your prenatal vitamin will also help to prevent anemia, and will ensure that your body is able to make enough blood to supply oxygen to your growing baby.
Filling Your Nutritional Gaps
A major reason why prenatal vitamins are worth it is that they will help to fill your nutritional gaps.
As we all know, many women often have cravings during their pregnancy. Usually these cravings fall under these categories: sweet, salty, spicy, and occasionally sour foods. However, it is still important to try and have a balanced diet. But don’t worry — taking a prenatal vitamin can help with this. By taking the right prenatal vitamin, this will help to ensure that your body is getting the proper amount of nutrients it needs on a daily basis.
Getting in Your Omega-3s
Along with having healthy bones and a healthy birth weight, most prenatal vitamins that contain a hearty dose of Omega-3s will also help with your baby’s brain development. Omega-3 fatty acids are naturally found in fish, nuts, and beans. However, if you don’t eat enough of these foods on a normal basis, this is where your prenatal vitamin can help. Look for a prenatal vitamin that contains Omega-3 DHA, which also helps to support heart health, to get the most benefits for you and your baby.
Boost Your Immune System
For many women, your immune system is naturally decreased while pregnant, in order to accommodate your growing little one. However, this is also one of the most important times in your life to protect your body, which is where taking prenatal vitamins comes in.
Taking prenatal vitamins, along with exercise, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy foods are all ways that you can give your immune system the boost it needs. Make sure that you select a prenatal vitamin that contains Vitamin D, in order to support normal immune function within your body.
Supporting Your Overall Health
As we all know, pregnancy can be very taxing on the body, but did you know that prenatal vitamins can also help to support your overall health? Prenatal vitamins can help your body with things like healthy digestion, getting rid of nausea, and even with everyday stress. Some prenatal vitamins can also help women dealing with morning sickness. Make sure that you choose a prenatal vitamin that uses clean, traceable ingredients, so that you can ensure that you are only putting quality vitamins and minerals into your body.
Final Remarks
All in all, many women agree that prenatal vitamins are essential to have on your pregnancy journey. Remember that a balanced diet along with a trusted prenatal vitamin is the key to supporting your body and your growing baby in this exciting stage of life. Before you choose your prenatal vitamin, make sure you find one with all of the essential vitamins and minerals you need, along with ingredients that are clean and traceable. We promise you will love the transparency and that your body will love the nutrients!
