Before we begin, please take time to speak with your doctor or OBGYN to find out what is best for you and your body. We are all individuals, and while some women may need an increase in iron, another might not. Your doctor can run some quick tests to get a complete rundown of your body’s nutrient levels. Once you know your levels, your doctor can discuss what your body and baby need.
Your nutrient supply is going to provide for your growing baby. This means you’re going to need extra to provide enough for both of you. If you’re having twins, you’ll need even more than you would with just one bun in the oven. If you lack in something, so will they.
Remember, all nutrients are essential, but six play a crucial role in the growth and development of your little one.
Six Essential Nutrients
- Folic Acid: Folic acid can help prevent congenital disabilities or birth defects from happening. This is a B vitamin, and every cell in our body needs it for development and growth. Folic acid is essential before and during pregnancy so, if you’re trying to conceive, be sure you’ve got some folic acid.
- Calcium: Calcium helps the development of bones, teeth, nerves, muscles, and the heart. If you lack enough calcium during your pregnancy, your body will take it from your bones to provide for your growing baby.
- DHA: Docosahexaenoic Acis is a healthy fat, but simply. This Omega-3 fatty acid is essential for the growth and development of your little one’s eyes and brain. DHA isn’t present in all prenatal vitamins. Check with your doctor to see if you need any extra and if so, you can get prenatal vitamins that contain it or get the supplement alone.
- Iron: The mineral iron is used to make a protein, hemoglobin, that helps transport oxygen from our lungs to the entire body. Your body will need two times as much during your pregnancy. It’s important to be sure you’re getting enough vitamin C, especially when taking iron, because it increases the amount of iron your body will absorb.
- Iodine: This mineral is essential for the body to make thyroid hormones. Our body uses iodine as a means to utilize and store energy provided by food. It helps develop your baby’s nervous system, including the brain, nerves, and spinal cord. This is another mineral not always present in prenatal vitamins, so be sure to source it through the food you eat.
- Vitamin D: Many people use vitamin D and calcium interchangeably. The truth is, our body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium. This vitamin helps the function of the nerves, muscles, and immune system. Your immune system protects you and your baby from infection. Vitamin D is also essential for the growth and development of bones and teeth.
Remember, talk to your doctor before you start taking prenatal vitamins or any supplements. If you’ve already been taking supplements, be sure to share those with your doctor as well. Too much and too little of what you and your baby need can have a more significant impact on you both than you think.
