by Roni Foster

Created on: October 21, 2008   Last Updated: October 28, 2008

You've decided to become a mom or the universe has decided it for you; either way you're so wishing for that baby handbook to magically appear on your nightstand right about now. "When should I start taking prenatal vitamins?" is on your long list of life or death questions.

The answer may be never! That is if you are a nutrition goddess and eat regularly a broad range of foods, including meat, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. In that case your diet will give you and your baby all the needed nutrients.

However, most women especially those battling with morning sickness will benefit from taking a prenatal vitamin. The best time to begin taking a prenatal vitamin before you start trying to conceive. In the first couple of months, many women are unaware that they are even pregnant. Yes, if you have an upset stomach and a weak bladder it may not be that bean and cheese burrito you had for lunch. These early months are important to your baby's development. We're talking organs here!

For right now, just pick up your basic prenatal vitamin from your local drugstore. Look for ones with more Folic acid and iron, which are the most essential for your baby's development. Also, make sure that there isn't more than the recommended amounts of other nutrients, namely vitamin A. It can be harmful to your baby if you take too much.

Later your doctor may prescribe you a prenatal vitamin if you have certain health issues, dietary restrictions, or pregnancy complications. This includes women who are lactose-intolerant or have certain other food intolerance, vegetarians and vegans, smokers, women who are having multiples, and women with certain blood disorders and certain chronic diseases.

Finally,"When do I stop taking prenatal vitamins?" Keep taking them if you are breastfeeding. This time it's more for you. Your precious baby is literally eating the fat you've stored up during pregnancy. That's a good thing for those hoping to return to those cute "pre-baby clothes!" Since you need all the energy you can get these days, you should take prenatal vitamins to make sure your own body is not depleted of nutrients

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