What Do You Need in a Prenatal Vitamin?

When a woman gets pregnant, her vitamin and mineral needs increase. These are vital for fetal growth and development. This need is usually fulfilled with prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins protect against birth defects and help prevent miscarriages. Do not take several different supplements since this could lead to an overdose. Take only the recommended dose. Take prenatal vitamins with a full glass of water. Do not take with milk or other dairy products since the calcium makes it hard for the body to absorb the necessary vitamins and minerals. Consult your care provider on which prenatal vitamin to take.

Folic Acid

• Folic acid, or folate, is a water-soluble B vitamin. It is recommended that a pregnant woman take at least 600 micrograms (mcg) of it daily. Folic acid builds new cells in mother and fetus. It reduces the risks of neural tube defects, which are a serious birth defect of the brain or spinal cord. It is possible to overdose on folic acid. Doses above 1000 mcg can conceal a deficiency in vitamin B12. This can cause permanent nerve damage and paralysis in a person.

Iron

• Iron is a major component of blood. It assists in the carrying of oxygen throughout the body. It is recommended that a pregnant woman take at least 27 mg a day. Iron builds the placenta that protects that baby and assists in fetal bone tissue building. Iron deficiency and anemia increase complications after the baby is born. These include premature delivery and low birth weight (under 5 1/2 lb.).

Calcium

• The recommendation for calcium in a pregnant woman is 1000 mg a day. Calcium helps maintain bone strength, muscle development, blood clotting and cell membrane function. It also reduces lead levels in the mother's blood and bones. Mothers who take prenatal vitamins with calcium have a reduction in risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, low birth weight and chronic hypertension in the baby. During the last 10 weeks of the pregnancy, the baby uses calcium for teeth formation. The fetus also stores calcium during the last month of the pregnancy. A calcium deficiency leads to decreased fetal bone density and impaired skeletal development.