Are you expecting to become a mother? Or have you just received the good news? However, the biggest thing on your mind at this time is the health of the little one in your womb. The simplest and most important thing you can do to help your baby develop optimally is to provide him with all the nutrients he needs, that is, vitamins and minerals. So today, let's talk about all the vitamins to take during this pregnancy.
What are prenatal vitamins?
Simply put, our bodies need nutrients to stay healthy and function normally. This is especially important during times of major changes, like pregnancy. Vitamins are nutrients that our bodies need in very small amounts, but they are essential. We call these micronutrients. Although they are needed in small amounts, they are essential for the body's growth.
Prenatal vitamins are a type of supplement that pregnant women take during pregnancy. The main reasons for taking them are to strengthen the mother's body, reduce possible complications during pregnancy, and help the baby grow healthy. These vitamins most often contain folic acid (vitamin B9), vitamin D, iron, and calcium .
Eating a nutritious diet during pregnancy is the number one priority. But even so, sometimes we don't get all the nutrients we need from our food alone. These vitamins help us fill those nutritional gaps and prevent nutritional deficiencies that could harm the baby.
What are the benefits of these vitamins?
There are several major health benefits to you and your baby from taking these vitamins. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Nutrient | The main benefit |
|---|---|
| Folic acid, choline and iodine | Helps prevent birth defects (e.g. neural tube defects) that can affect the baby's brain and nervous system. |
| Iron | Essential for the production of red blood cells in the placenta and the baby. Prevents anemia in the mother. |
| Vitamin D and Calcium | Helps the baby's bones and teeth grow strong. |
| Vitamin C | It supports the development of healthy gums, teeth, and bones. It also helps the body absorb iron. |
| Vitamin A and DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) | Very important for the development of the baby's brain and eyes. |
When should I start taking this vitamin?
The best thing to do is to start taking these vitamins at least a month before you conceive if you are planning to have a child.
Think about it, pregnancy is a time when a woman's body feels a lot of pressure. The body needs to prepare for a new life, and it needs to share nutrition with the baby. So when you start taking these vitamins early, your body is better prepared to face those changes. Also, this helps protect the baby from some birth defects that can occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy.
But don't worry if you couldn't start earlier. In the past, our mothers and grandmothers gave birth to healthy children without taking these vitamins. So you can start taking these as soon as you find out you're pregnant. If you have any questions about this, or if you have any doubts about the vitamins you're already taking, be sure to talk to your doctor .
Can these vitamins cause side effects?
Yes, sometimes minor side effects may occur, but there is nothing to worry about.
- Nausea: This is a problem that many people have. Especially if you already have morning sickness, taking a vitamin pill can make it worse. As a solution to this, you can take the vitamin with a meal . Or take it before going to bed at night . This will reduce the nausea. If that still bothers you, you can talk to your doctor about switching to a different brand. Sometimes, taking a chewable vitamin can help reduce the nausea.
- Constipation: The iron in these vitamins can cause constipation in some people. The best way to prevent this is to include foods high in fiber in your diet . This means eating more greens, vegetables, and fruits (like bananas). You should also drink plenty of water throughout the day . This fiber will help the intestines move more easily and reduce constipation.
- Allergic reactions: Very rarely, some people may experience allergic reactions. If you experience any skin irritation or itching after taking the vitamin, stop taking it immediately and inform your doctor.
How to choose the best vitamin?
These are available in the market in the form of tablets, capsules, chewables, and liquids. Some can be purchased over the counter, while others require a doctor's prescription.
There is no such thing as a "one size fits all" vitamin. However, you should check to see if any brand you choose contains the following nutrients and their recommended daily intake.
| Nutrient section | Required daily amount (ดี วน ประมาร) |
|---|---|
| Folic acid | At least 600 micrograms (600 mcg) |
| Iron | 27 milligrams (27 mg) |
| Calcium | 1 to 1.3 grams (1000-1300 mg) |
| Vitamin D | 600 international units (600 IU) |
| Iodine | 220 micrograms (220 mcg) |
You may also need supplements like DHA (omega-3) and choline . The best way to know exactly which vitamin is best for your nutritional needs is to ask your doctor. It's also wise to choose a product that has a quality certification, such as GMP-certified (Good Manufacturing Practices), to ensure that it's a high-quality product.
Should I choose only 'organic' vitamins?
The word 'organic' is very popular these days. Simply put, it means that food is made from natural sources, meaning that it is made from ingredients that are grown without the use of agrochemicals or pesticides .
Since synthetic vitamins can contain chemicals, choosing natural ones can reduce the amount of chemicals entering the body. There is also a belief that natural ones are better absorbed by the body.
However, this is not mandatory. The most important thing is that you and your baby get the nutrition they need. Whether it's an organic vitamin or not is a decision that should be made based on your personal preferences and medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- The best time to start taking prenatal vitamins is as soon as you start thinking about having a baby, which means at least a month before conception.
- Always seek your doctor's advice to choose the vitamin that best suits you.
- A healthy, balanced diet is the foundation. Vitamins are a supplement to that diet to help fill nutritional gaps.
- If you experience side effects such as nausea or constipation when taking vitamins, do not stop taking them suddenly, but talk to your doctor about it and discuss other options.


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