Prenatal vitamins
Filed Under (Pharmaceutics) by dan on 24-06-2010
Prenatal vitamins have to be used more as supplements of food because mere intake of prenatal vitamins is not adequate for pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins do not have to be used as a replacement of food. In fact, such vitamins are more effective if they are taken with a healthy diet that includes a variety of food. This can be attributed to the fact that prenatal vitamins themselves are known to be lacking in certain vital things such as calcium.
Types of Prenatal Vitamins:
Folic Acid:
Gynecologists prescribe this as the premier vitamin for pregnant women. From a health standpoint, women are required to consume folic acid supplements in the earlier months of pregnancy. Folic acid promotes proper development of the fetus and protects the mother from diseases.
Iron:
Iron is one of the most important vitamins that a pregnant owman can take. What it does is that it allows women to avoid anemia by neutralizing the red corpuscle count in the blood. Medical experts suggest iron supplements, because the fetus usually takes iron from the mother’s body. Thus, the iron supplements restore the amount of iron in the mother’s body that has been consumed by the baby. As a result, hemoglobin levels remain in desirable levels.
Calcium:
Calcium is among the essential vitals needed to sustain the proper growth of a baby inside the womb. It builds and strengthens the developing bones of the fetus. Calcium supplements replenish the lost amount of calcium from pregnant and lactating mothers. This prevents the weakness of bones and vertebrae. It has been said that to be able to effectively accommodate a natural baby’s weight inside the womb, the mother must intake approximately 1200-1500 milligrams of calcium supplements everyday.
Vitamin A:
Pregnant women shouln only try these kinds of prenatal vitamin after seeking the advice of a reliable physician. Doctors often prescribe vitamin A supplements that has beta-carotene content. Vitamin A supplements which contain retinyl esters and retinol should be avoided during pregnancy because those compounds substantially impede the growth of fetus.
Vitamin B1, B2, B5, B6, and B12:
These are useful prenatal supplements as well. It has been observed that many pregnant women experience depression and loss of appetite. In such particular instances, gynecologists usually prescribe Vitamin B supplements. It is known to be an antidote for depression, promotes good blood circulation, and boosts the body’s energy level. Prenatal vitamins which has vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 in them will help women to lessen physical pain and stress.

