Are you concerned about maintaining a healthy weight during your pregnancy? Did you know that what you put into your body can help with excess weight gain?
They say when a woman becomes pregnant, she starts to glow. There are several theories about why this happens, but prenatal vitamins are the real reason behind the “glow.”
We understand when it comes to your pregnancy diet, you only want to consume things that have been doctor-approved prenatal vitamins. That’s why we’re here to help; there are several dos and don’ts about nutrition while pregnant we’re going to clear up for you.
Get ready to schedule an appointment with your Little Rock OBGYN. Right after checking out what you do and don’t need in a prenatal vitamin.
Read on now for more information on prenatal vitamins and other need-to-know pregnancy tips.
Do: Take a Vitamin With Vitamin C
It’s no secret your baby needs several different types of vitamins and nutrients to continue developing and growing inside your belly until it’s time for them to make their debut into the world. One of these such vitamins is Vitamin C.
Your body needs extra Vitamin C during pregnancy because it aids in collagen production. Your body uses collagen because it’s a structural protein that can be found in your bones and skin.
Not to mention Vitamin C is vital in helping to maintain the health of your immune system. While your baby is in your belly, their immune system is still weak; therefore, they’ll need a boost of Vitamin C as they continue to develop.
Don’t Overdo It
You might be wondering if there’s such thing as having too many vitamins and nutrients in your body, and the answer is yes. While you’re pregnant, the last thing you want to do is go overboard with consuming your vitamins.
You don’t want to take too much of a specific vitamin because it can be toxic to you and your unborn baby. For example, vitamin E is an excellent addition to your daily routine while you’re pregnant.
But you don’t want to take a lot of it. When taken in high doses, vitamin E functions as a blood thinner.
Do: Consume Appropriate Amounts of Vitamin E
As mentioned above, you don’t want to take too much vitamin E, but it is a vital vitamin that you should consume during pregnancy. Vitamin E contains several antioxidants, and one of the primary functions of the vitamin is to protect cell membranes.
It does this by neutralizing any free radicals within the body. If left to roam, these radicals will harm the membranes of your cells.
Don’t: Take Too Much Calcium
You’ve probably heard—repeatedly—that you need to consume calcium to promote the growth of strong bones and teeth, but while you’re pregnant, consuming an excess of calcium supplements isn’t a good idea.
If you take too much calcium, your body cannot process it properly. Another thing you should avoid doing is consuming your calcium vitamin while eating meals that are high in fiber.
Consuming calcium with high fiber foods reduces the amount of calcium that your body can absorb. If your body isn’t able to absorb it, this means your baby isn’t able to absorb it either.
Do: Your Research
The best prenatal vitamins can be hard to find, but one of our top pregnancy tips is to do your research before you start taking any form of prenatal. Although a product claims to be a prenatal doesn’t mean it has everything you need to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
When you’re doing your research, check the ingredients and ensure it’s a doctor-approved prenatal vitamin before making your final purchase. You’ll need extra vitamins for yourself and your baby throughout the nine months.
Don’t: Consume a Regular MultiVitamin
Yes, several of the vitamins you find in a prenatal are indeed the same vitamins you’ll find in a multivitamin. The fundamental difference between a prenatal and a multivitamin is the levels of the vitamins in them.
The levels of vitamins and nutrients within a multivitamin are high, but they don’t have the high dose of folic acid that you need while pregnant. Therefore, it’s best to stick to a vitamin labeled as a prenatal versus a multivitamin.
Recommended Prenatal Vitamins for Expecting Mothers
With all the information we shared above, it’s only natural to be confused about where to turn when looking for a prenatal.
We’ve provided you with the information on the dos and don’t of prenatal vitamins, and now we’re going to share our list of highly recommended vitamins.
Ritual Multi-Vitamins Essential for Women Prenatal
Ritual multivitamins are our top pick because of many reasons. It comprises 12 essential vitamins to maintain overall health and provide a complete balanced combination. So, you can start this vitamin therapy before pregnancy to prepare your body. These prenatal vitamins are the best source of essential amino acids and omega 3 fatty acids.
Composition
It comprises folate and choline to support neural tube and fetal brain development. Therefore, it’s essential to take vitamins that positively impact your baby’s brain. So, Ritual multivitamins are ideal with the best prenatal combination. Moreover, omega-3 DHA is vital for brain health and provides the baby’s complete safe atmosphere in the womb.
SmartyPants Prenatal Formula
If you are searching for gluten-free options in prenatal vitamins, you must go with Smartpants. It’s the best gummy vitamin with 18 essential components. Hence, ideal for promoting brain development and providing a natural glow to mommy. The vitamins are free of allergens, dairy products, and non-GMO options for the mommy.
Composition
- Folate for fetal development
- Vitamin D3 for immunity
- Vitamin B12 to support energy and metabolism
- Omega-3 EPA/DHA
- Vitamin K for bones
- Iodine, selenium, and vitamin A
Nordic Naturals – Prenatal DHA, Supports Brain Development in Babies During Pregnancy and Lactation
When you need to take some authentic vitamin therapy with a sensitive stomach, you must consider buying Nordic natural prenatal vitamins. It comes with preservatives chemicals and is approved by the American Pregnancy Association. It’s beneficial for pregnant and lactating mommies because it promotes the baby’s brain and visual health.
Composition
The product is naturally sourced from omega-rich fish. Omega-3 is essential for brain development, and vitamin D helps deal with mood swings, bones, and immune systems. So, omega -3 is easily absorbable triglyceride form and provides a quick effect on body development.
The Honest Company Prenatal Once Daily
If you are really concerned about fetal development and your growing nutritional needs during pregnancy, you must take Honest company prenatal vitamins to detail your needs. The product is packed with essential vitamins and minerals necessary for baby growth. However, it’s a non-GMO, dairy-free, healthy formula to promote neonatal health.
Composition
It’s an organic formula with Vitamin B6, organic ginger, and gentle forms of microminerals. Enzymes from papaya, pineapple, and kiwi promote healthy digestion. In addition, each capsule is coated with naturally derived vanilla. Folic acid and iron are essential for fetal development, and a combination of vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, choline, B3 vitamins is important for healthy growth and a strong immune system.
Mama Bird Prenatal Multivitamins
Mama Bird is improved, and the latest formula provides essential multivitamins in methylate form. This supplement is more absorbable and is beneficial for the MTHFR gene variant because of its quick action on the body. Hence, the third party approved vitamins and certified by ISO/IEC 17025 after lab testing.
The product is easy to swallow, and soy, yeast, fish/shellfish, sugar, preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, nuts, GMOs, and dairy-free. So, you can take it without any worry.
Composition
The product comprises the active form of methylate and is the healthiest option for pregnant women. So, methyl folate (vitamin B9), methylcobalamin (B12), and pyridoxal-5-phosphate (B6) are combined to get a complete dietary package. In addition, one capsule is enough for a day, and you can take this supplement after consulting your doctor. Iron in supplements provides oxygen to the body and brain. In addition, it helps to form red blood cells and boost energy to perform well.
Pink Stork Total Prenatal Vitamin
Pink stork is a comprehensive vitamin therapy when it comes to dealing with prenatal health. You will find the best option rich in vitamin B 12 and all essential multivitamins. Pregnant women should not compromise on daily dietary requirements. So, this product is doctor-approved prenatal vitamins therapy to provide immunity and healthy baby growth.
Composition
It contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Calcium, Iron, Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, DHA, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (Vegetarian Capsule), Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide.
Solimo Prenatal & DHA Gummies
Solimo gummy vitamins are healthy and the best nutrition during pregnancy. Its jelly texture is easy to chew and helps to maintain the normal health of baby and mommy.
Composition
Sugar, Tapioca Syrup, Pectin, Gelatin, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Colors Added (Turmeric, Black Carrot Juice Concentrate)’
Mommy’s Bliss Prenatal Multivitamin Probiotic
Mommy’s Bliss is a famous brand that provides comprehensive vitamins for pregnant women. Hence, probiotics are essential for gut motility and a healthy digestive system. This multivitamin is rich in probiotics to promote bone and brain development with accurate blood flow.
Composition
Vitamin A (as retinyl palmitate), Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K (as phytonadione), Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Niacin (as niacinamide), Vitamin B6, Folate from Quatrefolic, Vitamin B12, Biotin, and Pantothenic Acid
Vitamin Code Raw by Garden of Life – Pregnancy Must-Haves – 180 Capsules
Garden of life introduced this multivitamin to promote gut and heart health specifically. This product is sourced from raw food and comprises all essential nutrients for mom and baby.
Composition
Probiotics, ginger, vitamin, zinc, iron, vitamin C, E, and B-Complex plus Folate to promote neural tube development.
OLLY Prenatal Multivitamin Gummy
OLLY prenatal multivitamins are improved and advance dietary formula for healthy growth of baby. It comes in raspberries and sweet citrus fruits flavor to meet the nutritional demands with a perfect and balanced ratio.
Composition
- DHA is essential for brain and eye development
- Vitamin C and E support overall health
- Folic acid for growth
Each of these vitamins offers the support you and your baby need while you’re pregnant.
Do’s & Don’t of Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are essential for women that are expecting. They provide your body with everything you and your baby need during the nine months.
But it’s essential to see a skilled and certified OBGYN to ensure you’re both getting everything you need. If you haven’t found an OBGYN to provide you with what you need during your pregnancy, request an appointment with The Women’s Clinic.
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