A little vitamin can play an important role in supporting you and your growing baby.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is one of the best ways to get the nutrients your body needs during pregnancy. But pregnancy also increases your need for certain vitamins and minerals, and it can be difficult to get enough of everything from food alone.
That’s where a prenatal vitamin can help.
Your Eastern Iowa Health Center Women’s Health provider can help you choose a prenatal vitamin that’s appropriate for you and determine whether you need any additional supplements.
In most cases, taking a prenatal vitamin before and throughout pregnancy is recommended.
Prenatal vitamins are designed to provide important vitamins and minerals needed during pregnancy. They don’t replace a healthy diet, but they can help fill nutritional gaps and make sure you’re getting enough of certain nutrients that are particularly important during pregnancy.
If you’re planning to become pregnant, don’t wait for a positive pregnancy test to start thinking about prenatal nutrition. Some nutrients are especially important during the earliest weeks of pregnancy—sometimes before you even know you’re pregnant.
Folic acid is a form of vitamin B9 and is particularly important before and during early pregnancy.
Getting enough folic acid helps reduce the risk of serious birth defects involving the baby’s developing brain and spine, called neural tube defects.
The CDC recommends that people who could become pregnant get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. If you’re planning a pregnancy, it’s a good idea to begin at least one month before becoming pregnant and continue during pregnancy.
Some people may need a different amount based on their health or pregnancy history. Don’t take additional folic acid unless your healthcare provider recommends it.
Prenatal vitamin formulas vary. Check the Supplement Facts label and talk with your healthcare provider about what is appropriate for you.
Important nutrients during pregnancy include:
Folic acid supports early development of your baby’s brain and spine and helps prevent certain serious birth defects.
Your body needs additional iron during pregnancy to support the increased amount of blood in your body and help deliver oxygen to your growing baby.
Calcium helps support the development of your baby’s bones and teeth while also supporting your own bone health.
Vitamin D works with calcium and plays an important role in bone health and development.
Your nutritional needs include other vitamins and minerals as well. Your healthcare provider can help you determine whether your prenatal vitamin provides what you need.
No.
Think of your prenatal vitamin as a partner to healthy eating—not a replacement for it.
Continue eating a varied diet that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein foods, healthy fats and other nutrient-rich foods.
Learn more: Nutrition & Food Safety During Pregnancy
You’re not alone. Some people experience nausea, constipation or stomach discomfort when taking prenatal vitamins, especially during early pregnancy when nausea may already be an issue.
If your prenatal vitamin bothers your stomach, talk with your healthcare provider.
Depending on your individual needs, your provider may suggest trying a different formulation or changing when or how you take it. Don’t stop taking your prenatal vitamin without discussing your concerns with your healthcare team.
Gummy prenatal vitamins may be easier for some people to take, but formulations differ.
Always check the label. Some gummy prenatal vitamins may contain different amounts of certain nutrients than traditional prenatal tablets.
Your healthcare provider can help you determine whether the prenatal vitamin you’re taking meets your nutritional needs.
More isn’t always better when it comes to vitamins and supplements.
Don’t automatically add extra vitamins, minerals, herbal products or other dietary supplements simply because you’re pregnant.
Some people need additional supplementation based on their diet, medical conditions, medications, laboratory results or pregnancy history. Your healthcare provider can tell you if you need something beyond your prenatal vitamin.
Be sure to tell your provider about all vitamins, supplements and herbal products you take, not just prescription medications.
Ideally, start before you become pregnant.
Because your baby’s brain and spine begin developing very early in pregnancy, getting enough folic acid before conception and during those first weeks is particularly important.
If you’re already pregnant and haven’t started taking a prenatal vitamin, don’t panic. Talk with your healthcare provider and get started based on their recommendation.
Walk into the vitamin aisle and the number of choices can feel overwhelming.
You don’t have to choose based on the fanciest bottle or the biggest list of ingredients. Bring the bottle, a photo of the label or your questions to your next appointment.
Your Eastern Iowa Health Center Women’s Health provider can help you choose a prenatal vitamin that supports your health and your pregnancy.
Call Eastern Iowa Health Center at 319.730.7300 to schedule an appointment with our Women's Health team.
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