Many women in the High Desert region assume that they need to begin taking their prenatal vitamins once they get a positive result on a pregnancy test. However, at Reza Ahmadinia OBGYN, we recommend that women in Victorville who are trying to conceive begin taking prenatal vitamins as soon as possible.
Prenatal vitamins contain an increased amount of the important vitamins and nutrients that are found in most multivitamin products, but the most important ingredient that these vitamins contain is folic acid. Folic acid helps prevent birth defects during fetal development, and is most beneficial if it is taken for at least one month prior to conception.
What Vitamins and Minerals Do I Need During Pregnancy?
Iron — Iron is a mineral that is especially important during pregnancy. Many women do not consume enough iron in their diet in order to support the increased demands of their body during pregnancy, when they are producing a significant amount of blood in order to support their growing baby.
Prenatal vitamins contain extra iron, and women should focus on eating a diet that is rich in iron. However, some women may still need an iron supplement. Your OB/GYN will likely test your hemoglobin levels near the third trimester of your pregnancy in order to determine if you need an iron supplement.
Sodium — Sodium is a chemical that is pivotal to your health and helps you maintain the right amount of fluid. While you should enjoy some sodium-rich foods while pregnant, it is important to avoid consuming a diet that is too high in sodium.
Sodium is typically found in salty foods or foods that are processed, as it is a preservative. Avoid consuming more than 3 grams of sodium each day during your pregnancy in order to maintain the optimum levels of this chemical in your body.
Fluoride — Some women decide to supplement with additional fluoride during pregnancy, because some research has found that it can help with the development of teeth for the baby.
This is not a view shared by all medical professionals, however, so you will want to talk with your OBGYN in order to find out if fluoride supplement is the right choice for you. There is some fluoride found in prenatal vitamins, and it is also found in tap water throughout most major cities in the United States.
There are many prenatal vitamins on the market today, so you should talk with Dr. Ahmadinia about the best choice for you. Some women find that these vitamins can make them feel more nauseous, which can be difficult especially during the early stages of pregnancy.
Women might find that taking prenatal vitamins with food or in the evening will help them curb the nausea. In addition, you may want to try different types in order to see which makes you feel the best. Address any concerns you might have about your prenatal vitamins or other supplements you may need with Dr. Ahmadinia during your routine prenatal appointments.
