Being pregnant is certainly not easy. After all, you are growing a brand new human from just a clump of cells, so it is no wonder that a lot of women feel exhausted, nauseous and downright awful. These symptoms can make it hard to eat a well-balanced diet at a time when it is more important than ever to get all of the vitamins and minerals that mother and baby need. Thankfully, prenatal vitamins are an easy way for those who are trying to conceive, are currently pregnant or are breastfeeding. Here is what happens to your body when you take prenatal vitamins.
Boosting your iron levels
A lot of women are anemic, which is caused by a lack of iron, and in pregnancy, this is even more common. A non-pregnant person needs 18 mg of iron per day, but when pregnant, women need 27mg every day. A small iron deficiency will increase fatigue; however if anemia is left untreated in pregnancy, it can increase the risk of premature labor and even stillbirth.
Folate helps to prevent congenital disabilities
Folic acid, B9, or folate, whatever you call it, it’s one of the most important prenatal nutrients that you will find in these vitamins. Folic acid plays a big role in cell growth, creating DNA and enhancing brain functions. It helps to reduce the chance of congenital disabilities to the brain and spinal cord. You can find this in leafy, green vegetables but most of us are deficient in it, so it’s best to start taking these pills around three months prior to trying to conceive.
Calcium for mom and baby’s bone
We all know that calcium is important for strong and healthy bones, as well as your nerves, hormones, and muscles. Although you do not actually need to increase your calcium intake during pregnancy, if your body is lacking the recommended amount, it will “steal” the calcium from the mother for the baby. The lack of calcium in the mother’s body will make their bones very weak.
Overall health
Although a lot of the vitamins are specifically to help with the growth and proper formation of the baby, they will also make sure that the mother has everything she needs for a healthy pregnancy. Although you will likely feel tired and nauseous and pretty uncomfortable during pregnancy, these vitamins will help ease those symptoms a little and improve your overall health. In fact, it has been shown that a lack of nutrients in the mother can increase her risk of postpartum depression. Make sure you take the vitamins for your own health so that all you have to concentrate on is growing a healthy baby – simple!
So, if you are planning on trying to conceive within the next three months, make sure you start on the prenatal vitamins now. If you are already pregnant and you are not currently taking them, make sure you start ASAP as the first few weeks are incredibly important to the development of the baby.
