What Vitamins Should Be Taken Before Birth?

Vitamins that should be taken before birth offer many benefits. Their job is to ensure that you get the essential nutritional components you need during pregnancy that you cannot always get from food alone. They also support your baby's development both before and after birth. However, prenatal vitamins are not just for expectant mothers; Women who are considering a baby, trying to have a baby or breastfeeding should also get enough of these vitamins. So, what are these important vitamins and minerals?

Folate Supporting Fetal Development

Folate is a B vitamin and essential for expectant mothers. You can think of it as a superfood. It nourishes your baby's developing nervous system and protects them against certain birth defects such as spinal cord and brain abnormalities. It is also very important to include folate-rich foods in the diet in addition to folate supplements. By taking this vitamin before birth, you can complete the deficiency.

Omega-3 for Brain Health

Understanding why omega-3 DHA is so popular among parents is sometimes not easy. This is because it is an essential fatty acid that helps with your baby's brain health and cognitive function. For mothers, it can also keep blood pressure under control. Given that this essential nutrient is found in foods like trout and sardines, getting the right amount from diet alone can be a bit more difficult. Prenatal supplements containing omega-3 DHA can play a crucial role in supporting your baby's brain health.

Calcium for Bone Health

One of the superstars of the vitamin world, calcium is essential when it comes to prenatal supplements. This is because it is a critical component for the development of your baby's small bones. Delicious foods like yogurt and cheese are packed with calcium, but a calcium-containing prenatal vitamin will ensure you and your baby get exactly the levels you need, especially if you're lactose intolerant or don't like dairy products. Your body cannot produce calcium, so you must get it from food or supplements. Try to get at least 1,000 mg of calcium every day while pregnant.

Don't Forget the 3-Month Rule for Vitamin Intake

If you're not sure when to start taking prenatal vitamins, it's a good rule of thumb to start them three months before conception. This is because most of your baby's development takes place in the first few weeks of pregnancy. During this period, you may not even realize that you are pregnant yet. By starting a daily prenatal multivitamin early, you can ensure your body has the essential nutrients it needs from the start.