Why You Need To Take A Prenatal Vitamin

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Pregnant? Heres Why You Need To Take A Prenatal
Vitamin If youre pregnant or planning to get
pregnant, it is really important to take your
prenatal vitamins daily. In fact, this is
probably going to be some of the first advice you
get after your positive pregnancy test. There is
a good reason for this advice. Prenatals are
specifically formulated for pregnancy. They are
chock full of nutrients you need to help build a
healthy baby. But whats in a prenatal vitamin?
Heres a breakdown of what you can expect from a
typical prenatal vitamin. Folic Acid Folic acid
is important for a babys neural tube
development. This s the precursor to a babys
brain and spinal cord. The improper development
of the neural tube can lead to birth defects,
including spina bifida and anencephaly. Calcium C
alcium is important for every stage of pregnancy,
but it is essential in the third trimester. This
is when fetal skeletal growth is most
prominent. Calcium is drawn from the mom, which
means you will need a surplus to grow strong
bones. Also, by having an adequate supply of
calcium in your body, you decrease the risk of
preeclampsia, which then decreases the risk of
premature birth. Iron Iron is responsible for
making red blood cells that carry oxygen to all
cells in your body. During pregnancy, your body
uses up to 50 more blood than usual. This means
that iron is in high demand. Low iron in your
blood can cause anemia during your pregnancy, and
this can be passed on to your baby after
birth. Anemia increases the risk of preterm
birth, low birth weight, as well as an increased
risk of postpartum depression. Vitamin C Vitamin
C supports strong teeth and bones and facilitates
the absorption of iron. Low vitamin C can lead to
anemia, preeclampsia, and low birth
weight. Vitamin D Vitamin D is helpful in
maintaining a proper level of calcium and
phosphorus. Like Vitamin C, these are also
important for growing a babys bones and teeth.
Low vitamin D can lead to poor bone formation,
delayed physical development, and
rickets. Vitamin B Vitamin B is important for
creating the energy your baby needs to grow.
There are different B vitamins, and they each
play different roles. B1 helps in the development
of the babys nervous system, muscles, heart and
it is good for digestion.B2 is essential for
skin, nails, hair, and eyes. B3 offers energy, it
aids in digestion and it helps to build the
placenta.B12 helps in tissue repair and it boosts
red blood cells. Zinc
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Zinc promotes the healing of wounds, it is
important to help you maintain your sense of
taste and smell, and it aids in the production,
function, and repair of DNA, which is the most
basic building block of all. Low zinc can lead to
a miscarriage. With all this said, it is
therefore not just nice to take a daily prenatal
vitamin if you are pregnant, or planning to get
pregnant. It is essential.