Every woman wants a healthy pregnancy. That’s why Dr. Reza Ahmadinia’s clinic, OBGYN High Desert, provides women in Apple Valley, Victorville, Hesperia, and surrounding areas with a prenatal vitamin once they become pregnant. Folic acid, one of the vitamin’s main ingredients, helps support rapid cell production and prevents defects of the neural tube which becomes the baby’s spinal cord and brain.
Having the Right Nutrients
- Iron prevents anemia, helps the body transport oxygen, and reduces the risk of pre-term and low birth-weight babies. Pregnant women find it difficult to get the amount of iron that they need from food alone while carrying a child. They need at least three times the suggested amount of iron while pregnant, and a prenatal vitamin supplies 27 mg or more. If you’re having difficulty meeting this requirement, speak to your OBGYN for suggestions on additional iron-rich foods to add to your diet during your pregnancy.
- Calcium is critical for strong bones and teeth. Pregnant women aren’t able to get enough vitamin D and calcium from diet alone. They have to take a prenatal supplement. Eating the right foods, however, helps tremendously so make sure you eat broccoli, kale, almonds, tofu, and dates while pregnant. Drink calcium fortified orange juice and milk, too, when you can.
- Omega-3 fat docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is necessary for brain development and vision of fetuses. Because some fish contain large amounts of mercury, pregnant women are limited to how much they can eat to get DHA. The daily recommendation is 200 mg especially while pregnant and breastfeeding a child. Proper nutrition accounts for the DHA a prenatal vitamin doesn’t provide.
Prenatal vitamins are easy to take and provide your body with what it needs for a healthy pregnancy. Some also include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, and copper. You won’t have to take a multi-vitamin and a prenatal vitamin. You may need to supplement specific vitamins and minerals, however, if you’re not able to eat enough of the foods that contain them.
