Articles
Prenatal vitamins: Why they matter, how to choose
How are prenatal vitamins different from other vitamins?
Which brand of prenatal vitamins is best?
How long should I take prenatal vitamins?
Content
Why are prenatal vitamins important?
Which prenatal vitamin is best?
Do I need to be concerned about other nutrients?
When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?
Do prenatal vitamins have any side effects?
Why are prenatal vitamins important?
During pregnancy, you need more folic acid and iron than usual. Here's why:
- Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects. These defects are serious abnormalities of the fetal brain and spinal cord. Ideally, you'll begin taking extra folic acid at least 3 months before you become pregnant.
- Iron supports the development of the placenta and fetus. Iron helps your body make blood to supply oxygen to the fetus. Iron also helps prevent anemia, a condition in which blood has a low number of healthy red blood cells.
