Most doctors recommend that an expectant mother begin taking some type of prenatal vitamin as soon as she finds out she is pregnant. Supplements specially formulated for pregnant women are designed with the right amounts of certain nutrients that women need more or less of during pregnancy.
Some women have a hard time handling prenatal vitamins in the beginning of their pregnancy because they find the supplements make morning sickness a lot worse. Women who experience this issue do have options.
Why Take a Prenatal Vitamin?
A pregnant woman needs more of certain vitamins and minerals to maintain her own health as well as that of her developing baby. WebMD states that pregnant women need more folic acid, iron and calcium than women who are not expecting. These vitamins are key to a baby's development in the womb.
In most cases the baby gets first dibs on the vitamins and minerals in the mother's body and will always get what it needs. If a mother's diet is lacking certain nutrients she is the one who will suffer the results of the deficiency. Taking a prenatal supplement will make sure this does not happen.
Prenatal Vitamins and Morning Sickness
In many women prenatal vitamins can make morning sickness symptoms much worse during the first trimester. Many find that they cannot keep the supplements down, or if they do they are unable to eat or keep down anything else. Dr. Spock states that in the first trimester women can safely eliminate a prenatal supplement as long as they make sure they are taking a folic acid supplement. Folic acid helps prevent certain spinal problems in babies developing in the womb.
Children's Chewable Vitamins
Women who do have a problem taking prenatal vitamins in the first trimester may benefit from taking two children's chewable vitamins. The iron levels that tend to make morning sickness worse is lower in this type of vitamin and many women find that they can tolerate a children's supplement better in the first few months.
Eat a Variety of Healthy Foods
While some women may have intense cravings for certain junk foods during pregnancy, consumption of these low nutrient foods should be kept to a minimum. A pregnancy diet should be full of plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits, veggies, lean meats, fish, poultry and calcium rich foods. Women who had a relatively unhealthy diet before getting pregnant might benefit from consulting with a nutritionist.
Above all else a pregnant woman should follow her doctor's orders when it comes to taking any kind of supplement during pregnancy. She should be open and honest and tell of any concerns or problems she is having as a result of taking a prenatal vitamin. Her doctor might be able to recommend or prescribe a different brand or version that will better meet her needs.
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