by Danelle Karth

Created on: October 22, 2008   Last Updated: October 28, 2008

Pregnancy brings up a lot of different questions and knowing when to start taking prenatal vitamins is often a confusing one. Some wait till after their first doctor's appointment. This can be as late as the start of the second trimester and is often later in the first trimester. However, taking a prenatal vitamin should begin before this.

Everyone should take a good multi-vitamin for good health because our diets lack a lot of helpful and important nutrients. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant then there are some key nutrients that help a developing baby. These nutrients, including iron and folic acid, are available to the body in higher doses when taking a prenatal vitamin.

When should I start taking prenatal vitamins? This often depends on you. If you know you are pregnant then it is a good time to start. Prenatal vitamins are available over the counter at all pharmacies and in many locations where other vitamins are sold. You don't need your doctor to recommend them or to prescribe them for you in order to begin taking them. In fact, waiting to see your doctor can make it harder for your body as well as your baby.

For your first few bottles, buy only what you need now. Take your vitamins in with you when you go and see your doctor. He or she is likely to be pleased that you began taking the prenatal vitamins. They will then check the percentages and may or may not suggest something else to meet your particular needs.

In addition to beginning prenatal vitamins whenever you find out you are pregnant, it is a good idea to start taking a prenatal vitamin if you are trying to get pregnant. This offers your body key nutrients that can help with getting pregnant and is also the best start for your baby once you get pregnant.

Taking prenatal vitamins is an important step in pregnancy health, as well as keeping you healthy and your baby healthy. Combined with a good diet and exercise and you will be on your way to a good pregnancy, birth, and a healthy baby. Start taking them as soon as you start trying to get pregnant or as soon as you find out you are pregnant.

Learn more about this author, Danelle Karth.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.