Getting the right nutrition is necessary before and during pregnancy. Since there are a number of brands in the market today, it is essential to read through the fine print to better understand the content and the ingredients of your batch of prenatal multivitamins. In the following section, we have compiled a list after consultation with experts as to the right composition to look for in your multivitamin selection. So, without further ado, here we go.
Folic acid
Folic acid or vitamin B9 daily requirement is around 400mcg to 600mcg in the case of pregnant women. Folic acid is required for the proper development and growth of the neural tube of the baby. Ideally, as a pregnant woman, you need around 600mcg of Folic acid regularly, and you should supplement your diet with sources rich in the vitamin alongside the pills. If you have a familial history of neural tube defects, then you might need to up the dose, but always consult your primary care provider before taking any action in this regard.
Iron
Iron is the building block of life as it is the active ingredient in the blood cells. You need around 30 mg of daily iron intake. Women are generally anemic due to periodic blood loss. Anemia hits more acutely during the pregnancy months, so it is essential to supplement the diet with prenatal multivitamin pills.
Iodine
You need Iodine around 150mcg per day for the right development of the baby’s thyroid and brain. This is an essential mineral that a pregnant mother and the growing fetus cannot do without.
Vitamin B6
The daily requirement is around 2mg. Vitamin B6, along with added histamines, are responsible for counteracting the effects of morning sickness.
DHA
This is an omega-3 fatty acid that is acutely essential to aid the brain development of the growing baby. This can be found in many fishes. However, always consult your primary care provider before supplementing your diet with DHA. Keep in mind that, depending on the requirement, you might need around 200mg to 300mg of DHA per day.
There are few other honorable mentions as well that are essential during the pregnancy months.
Calcium
Well, it is needless to say that calcium is essential for bone formation and is especially required during pregnancy since women are more prone to calcium deficiency. Calcium tablets should be used by women between the age 19 and 50, irrespective of pregnancy, or not. If you are planning to conceive, then you should start the course as soon as possible to supplement your diet with the much-needed calcium.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A or beta-carotene is essential is micro amounts viz. 800mcg but never more than that. There are toxic effects if ingested in amounts higher than the safe mark.
Vitamin D
You will need around 400 IU of vitamin D daily through milk, salmon, egg, and multivitamin tablets. The deficiency of vitamin D is quite common in pregnant women, so make sure you stay on top of the problem right from the start.
Keep in mind you might also need zinc, copper, and vitamin C in trace amounts to give birth to a healthy baby. So, make sure you are supplementing your diet with the right choice of multivitamin tablets.
