Supplements You May Need To Take During Your Pregnancy
If you are pregnant for the first time, it's important for you to start learning how to care for your body during this time. You will need to visit an obstetrician regularly during the pregnancy, and he or she will monitor your health and the health of the baby. Your doctor may tell you things to do and may suggest that you take supplements. There are several different supplements that are commonly recommended during pregnancy, and this article will help you understand why your obstetrician wants you to take them.
Prenatal Vitamins
Almost all obstetricians recommend taking prenatal vitamins during pregnancy, and most will even suggest taking them before pregnancy if you are trying to become pregnant. Prenatal vitamins are supplements that contain a variety of different vitamins your body needs, but these vitamins are even more important for the baby growing inside you.
Two key vitamins found in prenatal vitamins are folic acid and iron, and both of these are vital for the development of the baby. Taking these vitamins is often the only way a pregnant woman can obtain the necessary amounts of folic acid, iron, and other vitamins because most people cannot get enough vitamins from food alone.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Some prenatal vitamins contain omega-3 fatty acids, but others do not. If your prenatal vitamins do not, your doctor may suggest taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements. These vitamins are good for you and the baby because they:
- Help keep blood pressure low
- Keep arteries clean
- Are necessary for healthy development of your baby's brain and eyes
You can also get omega-3 fatty acids from foods you eat, such as fish.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Prenatal vitamins also typically contain calcium and Vitamin D; however, they may not contain enough of these important vitamins. Calcium is necessary for having strong bones, and taking this during your pregnancy will also benefit your baby's teeth and bones.
When taking calcium, it's also important to take Vitamin D. These two supplements are often taken together because Vitamin D helps your body absorb the calcium you take. In other words, Vitamin D encourages calcium to do its job.
One of the main reasons this is so important during pregnancy is because most women do not get enough calcium to begin with, but the baby needs it to grow. The baby will pull out all the calcium from the mother's body as it grows inside her, which will leave the mother without enough calcium for her needs. This doesn't necessarily put an immediate risk on the mother, but it could cause problems later on in life.
Probiotics
Probiotics are another type of supplement your doctor might recommend during this time. Probiotics are often called the good bacteria, and they are extremely important for a person's digestive system. This is something that will help you stay regular because it helps prevent constipation. Ingesting these may also reduce your chances of developing preeclampsia and postpartum depression.
Taking probiotics while pregnant is helpful for the baby's digestive system too, and studies indicate that they may help reduce certain risks in babies. If a mother takes enough probiotics while she is pregnant, her baby may have a lower chance of developing asthma, allergies, and eczema.
If you want to stay as healthy as possible during your pregnancy, and if you want to have the healthiest baby possible, listen to your doctor's suggestions when it comes to supplements. Taking these additional vitamins could make a big difference with the way you feel and with your health. If you would like to learn more about any of these, contact your obstetrician today or visit a clinic like Women's Clinic of Johnson County.
