Prenatal Vitamins - How To Choose What’s Best For You!
Hey, future parents! Let's dive into a topic that's crucial for a healthy pregnancy: prenatal vitamins. Synthetic or food-based, there's a lot to consider, and it can get overwhelming! We’re here to help explain the differences and help you choose what’s best for you!
Why Prenatal Vitamins Matter
Think of prenatal vitamins as your pregnancy sidekick. They're packed with all the good stuff your body and your baby need to stay healthy and strong during those nine months. They contain the recommended doses of folic acid to aid in baby's development, iron to keep your energy levels up, calcium to build those baby bones and keep yours strong, and many more!
(For a full list of the continents of your prenatal vitamins, check out the manufacturer website, and as always, check with a medical professional before taking any medications for the first time.)
Synthetic vs. Food-Based: What's the Difference?
Synthetic vitamins are like the lab-made version of your favorite snacks - they're carefully crafted to mimic the real deal. On the other hand, food-based vitamins are more like a home-cooked meal—they're made from actual food sources, so you're getting extra nutrients along with the essentials.
While synthetic prenatal vitamins may be more accessible to the greater population, as they are typically the type you find in grocery aisles and at drug stores, food-based prenatal vitamins are usually the better choice. There are some studies that show synthetic prenatal vitamins may cause digestive issues, and some specific types (synthetic Vitamin E) when taken in large quantities may cause birth defects.
Overall, it depends on what works best for you and what you have access to. There are many - MANY - different choices on the market today, so doing your research for efficacy, side effects, and price comparisons can help make the decision for you.
When to Start Popping Those Vitamins
Most medical professionals recommend it’s best to start taking prenatal vitamins before you even start trying to conceive. Your body needs time to stock up on those crucial nutrients, especially folic acid, which helps prevent birth defects. But if you're already pregnant, don't stress—it's never too late to start, and you should start as soon as you know you’re pregnant!
As far as when in the day to start taking them, that’s going to be largely up to you and how you can stomach them. If you are experiencing lots of morning sickness, you might want to wait until later in the day to ensure you can keep them down. If you already take medication at some point in the day, adding these to your rotation will ensure you don’t forget them!
Other Things You Should Know About Prenatal Vitamins
Talk to Your Doc: As we mentioned before, always chat with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements. They'll be able to answer all your questions and keep you informed on what's best for you and your baby, make recommendations on brands or types of supplements to choose from, and often can write a prescription for you to pick up that your insurance will help cover!
Mix It Up: Prenatal vitamins are great, but they're not a replacement for a healthy diet. Load up on fruits, veggies, and all the good stuff to keep you and your little one nourished throughout pregnancy. Some great foods to keep an eye out for that are naturally high in vitamins found in prenatals are:
Folic Acid: Dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, romaine lettuce, etc.), fresh fruits and fruit juices, beans, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and whole grains.
Calcium: Tofu, almonds, yogurt, lentils, figs, dark green leafy vegetables, and beans.
Iron: Nuts and seeds, legumes (mixed beans, baked beans, black beans, etc.), lentils, peas, dried fruits (apricots, raisins, etc.), red meat and pork.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Mushrooms, eggs, almonds, dairy, and beef.
Magnesium: Dark green leafy vegetables, avocado, dark chocolate, nuts, seeds, legumes, tofu.
Watch for Side Effects: Sometimes prenatal vitamins can cause a bit of tummy trouble. If you're feeling off, try switching brands or adjusting your dose. Some pregnant people create their own prenatal vitamins, using multiple supplements to make up what they’d be getting in a single pill. For some, this ensures they know exactly what is going into their bodies and in some cases can help keep the additional nausea at bay. If you choose this route, you want to make sure you include folate/folic acid, magnesium, iodine, zinc, and iron, plus vitamins A, D, C, K, and B at minimum. (Also, again, always talk to your medical professional before starting or changing medications!)
Quality Matters: Not all prenatal vitamins are created equal. Look for ones from reputable brands that have been tested for quality and safety. You can check out independently tested supplement reviews from sites like Labdoor.com for where your supplements rank against others and read reviews!
So there you have it, friends -prenatal vitamins are a big deal, but they don't have to be complicated. Whether you're team synthetic or team food-based, the important thing is making sure you and your baby are getting the nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy. You've got this, and we’ve got you through all the stages of pregnancy and beyond for support!
