by Brenda Moody

Created on: October 18, 2008   Last Updated: October 28, 2008

A question that often arises for pregnant women is, "When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?". The answer may surprise you. Ideally, women should start taking prenatal vitamins before they become pregnant. The healthier you are, the more likely you are to have a healthy, full term baby.

Prenatal vitamins contain many vitamins and minerals that you may not get enough of in your diet. Even a healthy diet that includes lots of fresh vegetables, grains, protein and dairy may be lacking in one or two of the essentials your body needs.

The Journal of American College of Nutrition estimates that 75% of women would be deficient in at least one vitamin without supplementation. The benefit of taking a supplement early is clear.

Make sure the supplement you take includes the following:

Vitamin A

Vitamin E

Vitamin C

Vitamin K

Vitamin D

Vitamins B1,2,6 and 12

Niacin

Folic Acid

Iron

Calcium

Zinc

Iodine

Phosphorous

Selenium

Magnesiu m

Copper

Floride

Prenatal vitamins play an important role in the health of your body and the body of your fetus:

Vitamin C promotes tissue repair, healing wounds and immunity. It helps fetus cells bind together.

Vitamin D helps the absorption of calcium and is important for the development of healthy bones and teeth.

Thiamine helps brain development in a fetus. It also gives the mother energy.

Vitamin B6 promotes the development of the nervous system and brain.

Riboflavin also promotes nervous system, muscle and bone development.

Vitamin A is good for cell growth mucous membranes and skin.

Among other essential ingredients, prenatal vitamins contain Folic Acid. Folic acid has been shown to reduce serious neural tube defects and Spina bifida. According to The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition, 41% of the birth defects ending in termination of pregnancy could be reduced if women took folic acid supplements.

Avoid buying your vitamins separately. You may choose a bottle that has too much or too little of the nutrients you need. Just as having too little vitamins in your body is harmful, so is having too much. Get a recommendation from a doctor on which prenatal supplement is best for you.

Once you become pregnant, continue the routine of taking your vitamins everyday. Fatigue, nausea, and stress on your pregnant body can deplete your nutrition. This is especially true if you are experiencing morning sickness. You need to replenish the essential vitamins on a daily basis.

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