Prenatal vitamins: Why they matter, how to choose

A healthy diet is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals you need — but even if you eat a healthy diet, you might fall short on key nutrients. If you're pregnant or hoping to conceive, prenatal vitamins can help fill any gaps.

How are prenatal vitamins different from other vitamins?

Prenatal vitamins typically contain more folic acid and iron than do standard adult multivitamins. Here's why:
 

• Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects. These defects are serious abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord.
• Iron supports the baby's growth and development. Iron also helps prevent anemia, a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells.
   

In addition, some research suggests that prenatal vitamins decrease the risk of having a baby who is small for his or her gestational age.
 

Do I need to be concerned about other nutrients?

Not all prenatal vitamins include omega-3 fatty acids, which might help promote a baby's brain development. If you don't eat fish or other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, your health care provider might recommend omega-3 fatty acid supplements in addition to prenatal vitamins.

Calcium and vitamin D are important as well — especially during the third trimester, when your baby's bones are rapidly growing and strengthening.

Which brand of prenatal vitamins is best?

Prenatal vitamins are available over-the-counter in nearly any pharmacy. Your health care provider might recommend a specific brand of prenatal vitamins or leave the choice up to you. Generally, look for a prenatal vitamin that contains:

• Folic acid
• Calcium
• Iron
   

It also might be beneficial to look for a prenatal vitamin that contains vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc and copper.
 

Remember, prenatal vitamins are a complement to a healthy diet — not a substitute for good nutrition. Prenatal vitamins won't necessarily meet 100 percent of your vitamin and mineral needs.
 

In addition, your health care provider might suggest higher doses of certain nutrients depending on the circumstances.  For example, if you've given birth to a baby who has a neural tube defect, your health care provider might recommend a separate supplement containing a higher dose of folic acid — such as 4 milligrams (4,000 micrograms) — before and during any subsequent pregnancies.

When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?

Ideally, you'll start taking prenatal vitamins before conception. The baby's neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord, develops during the first month of pregnancy — perhaps before you even know that you're pregnant.

How long should I take prenatal vitamins?

It's best to take prenatal vitamins throughout your entire pregnancy. Your health care provider might recommend continuing to take prenatal vitamins after the baby is born — especially if you're breast-feeding.

Do prenatal vitamins have any side effects?

Some women feel queasy after taking prenatal vitamins. If this happens to you, take your prenatal vitamin with a snack or before you go to bed at night.
 

In other cases, the iron in prenatal vitamins contributes to constipation. To prevent constipation:
 

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Include more fiber in your diet
• Include physical activity in your daily routine, as long as you have your health care provider's OK
• Ask your health care provider about using a stool softener
   

If these tips don't seem to help, ask your health care provider about other options. He or she might recommend another type of prenatal vitamin or separate folic acid, calcium with vitamin D, and iron supplements.
 

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