You may have a lot of questions about prenatal vitamins. Do you need to take one? Are they necessary?
Even if you are already eating a healthy diet, getting these essential nutrients is difficult with diet alone.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that all women should supplement two to three months before pregnancy, and ESPECIALLY during the first trimester with 400 µg of Folic Acid / Folate daily.
This is to prevent maternal Anemia, puerperal sepsis, low birth weight, and preterm birth. Folic Acid / Folate also assists in the prevention of Neural Tube Defects (NTD’s) like Spina Bifida.
What are prenatal vitamins?
When you’re pregnant, the amount and type of vitamins and minerals your body needs changes. This is why prenatal vitamins are different from adult multivitamins. Prenatal vitamins will contain more folic acid and iron, which are both important for expecting moms. They sometimes include more omega-3 fatty acids, and they can also contain an extra boost of calcium and vitamin D.
Talk to your doctor, midwife or clinic for a suggestion on the best antenatal vitamin supplement for YOU!
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