Prenatal Vitamins Before, During, and After Pregnancy

Prenatal Vitamins Before, During, and After Pregnancy

Prenatal Vitamins for Pregnancy

Whether you are expecting a new life or have someone around who’s experiencing the stages of pregnancy, prenatal vitamins are constantly needed by every woman before, during and after pregnancy. While nutritious and well-balanced diets are highly advised by doctors and every soul out there, you should ensure that certain vitamins and minerals surely find their way to reach you and your baby.

Since prenatal vitamins are designed specifically to cater to the varied needs of pregnant women, intake of prenatal vitamins can play a significant role in supporting the pregnancy and healthy growth of the baby. To help pregnant women take prenatal vitamins in an utmost safe and healthy manner, we are listing below an overview of prenatal vitamins before, during and after pregnancy. Take a look!


Prenatal Vitamins – Before Pregnancy

Yes, it’s absolutely safe and sound to consume prenatal vitamins before pregnancy. Since vitamins play a huge role in supporting a growing baby and keeping a mother healthy, you should ensure to take adequate amount of folic acid, calcium, iron and other vital vitamins and minerals. However, an advice from your doctor should always be considered before you decide on which prenatal vitamins to take before your pregnancy. At the same time, do not forget to inform your doctor about any extra supplements you have been taking.


Prenatal Vitamins – During Pregnancy

We all know that it is extremely important to take prenatal vitamins during pregnancy – as prenatal vitamins not only ensure optimum growth, but also support the nutritional needs of the baby as well as of the mother. During pregnancy, women must take folic acid to minimize the risk of neural tubal effects, iron to ensure healthy growth of the placenta and baby, calcium to promote strong bones, muscles and healthy heart, and riboflavin to ensure healthy muscle development of the baby. At the same time, pregnant women are advised to take zinc for a healthy immune system and nippy cell growth of a baby and a mother.

While prenatal vitamins act as a complete source of vitamins and minerals during pregnancy, you should ensure to take vitamin D, C and E as well for a healthy pregnancy and fetus development. However, make sure these vitamins and minerals are taken in proper amounts and strictly under the advice of your doctor.


Prenatal Vitamins – After Pregnancy

Women should continue to take prenatal vitamins post their pregnancy since delivery of a baby can induce weakness in the mother. While many women tend to overlook the significance of supplements after giving birth, prenatal vitamins help support the weakened immune system and massive blood loss. At the same time, prenatal vitamins post pregnancy can help women with breastfeeding by providing sufficient calcium and iron.

Although your doctor may advise you a separate iron supplement to leverage iron levels in your body post pregnancy, prenatal vitamins can also help with restoring tissues and cells. However, make sure to pay utmost attention to what prenatal vitamins you take and when you consume them.

Since prenatal vitamins are extremely crucial for healthy growth and birth, pregnant women must not slip on taking prenatal vitamins in any case – before, during and after their pregnancy.

Reviewed By:

Dr. Kaushal M. Bhavsar (MBBS, MD)

Assistant Professor in Pulmonary Medicine, GMERS Medical College, Ahmedabad