June 1, 2020

Essential Vitamins & Minerals During Pregnancy

Do you know which nutrients your body needs most during pregnancy? While needs will differ from woman to woman, the ingredients listed below are among the most important nutrients for expecting mothers.

Folic Acid

A form of folate, folic acid plays an important role in fetal development by supporting healthy brain and spinal cord development. Folic acid is also more bioavailable than folate, the natural form, which makes it easier to absorb. This is especially important for expecting mothers who have the MTHFR genetic mutation, which affects folic acid metabolism.¹

DHA

This is an omega-3 fatty acid that aids in the development of the brain, eye, and immune system. Studies have also shown DHA supplementation during pregnancy is associated with longer gestation and lower incidence of low birth weight.²

Calcium

This nutrient is essential for building strong bones, but it is also needed for supporting muscle, nerve, and heart health.³ Calcium formate, in the form of FormiCal^®, can be processed by the body more rapidly and does not cause uncomfortable side effects such as gas and bloating.⁴ If you’re searching for a prenatal vitamin with calcium, you may want to look for an option, such as those from the Prenate^® line, that contains this form of calcium.

Vitamin D

This is a critical nutrient for expecting mothers and women who are planning to become pregnant. Not only does vitamin D help build strong bones, it can also help prevent conditions such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes in pregnant women.⁵

Iron

During pregnancy, the mother’s heart works harder to increase blood production for the fetus.⁶ To help maintain healthy levels of blood production, energy, and strength, women who are pregnant should ensure they are getting enough iron through their diets and or prenatal vitamins; this is very important for women who are iron deficient.

Finding a prenatal vitamin that contains the above ingredients is essential to starting your pregnancy journey on the right track. However, the nutritional needs of each expecting mother can vary, and you should always talk to your doctor before beginning a daily vitamin supplement routine.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.