What should your prenatal supplement have in it?
Posted by Travis
If you talk with your doctor or any other healthcare provider, they will all usually recommend the same thing. You should be taking a prenatal supplement to make sure you get all the right vitamins and minerals throughout pregnancy. These extra nutrients are also great for replacing the nutrients lost from nausea and comitting from morning sickness. Think of a prenatal supplement as a way to ensure you and your baby are getting the key nutrients needed.
With so many choices out there, how can you make the right decision on which supplement to get? The first thing you want to do is talk with your doctor or dietitian. Each woman is different and depending on your situation, you may require different amounts of vitamins than another woman. If your doctor prescribes you a prenatal supplement, see if your insurance will cover the costs. You can usually find a cheaper alternative over the counter that will be just as effective.
If you decide to make the prenatal supplement on your own, there are some essential vitamins and minerals you will want to make sure you get. Here is a list of nutrients and the amounts that you will want the supplement to have:
- Vitamin A – 4,000 to 5,000 IU (international units)
- Vitamin D – 200-400 IU
- Calcium - 200-300 milligrams (mg)
- Folic Acid or Folate – 600-1000 micrograms (mcg)
- Vitamin C – 85 mg
- Thiamin: 1.4 mg
- Vitamin B-6 – 1.9 mg
- Vitamin B-3 – 18 mg
- Vitamin B-12 - 2.6 mcg
- Riboflavin: 1.4 mg
- Vitamin E - 15 mg
- Zinc - 11 mg
- Iron - 27-60 mg
Some women may require more of certain nutrients than others. If you don’t eat at least 3 servings of dairy products daily ask your doctor if you need additional calcium. Certain pregnant women will show low iron in their blood tests. They may require more iron supplements to fight problems like anemia. Studies have also shown that taking a large dose of folic acid at least one month before and during the 1st trimester may reduce the risk of having a baby with neural tube defects.
You don’t want to rely on the prenatal supplement to give you the bulk of your nutrients. Make sure you are eating a well balanced diet with healthy foods. I can’t stress enough how important getting enough nutrients are for having a happier healthier pregnancy.
Get enough of the right nutrients from a healthy pregnancy diet and incorporate daily exercise and you are surely going to be one hot mama!