Whether you’re planning on getting pregnant or already are, you need to ensure your health is in tip-top shape. While you may exercise, avoid certain substances, and eat a balanced diet, you’ll need more vitamins and nutrients to help out during your pregnancy. After all, you’re doing things for two now and want the healthiest pregnancy possible.
One of the easiest ways to support your body is by taking supplements, specifically vegan prenatal vitamins. You may have heard about them before, but we’ll discuss why they’re necessary during pregnancy. We’ll also talk about how to choose the best one for your needs.
Table of Contents
Why Are Prenatal Vitamins Essential for Pregnancy?
Prenatal vitamins are important for mothers-to-be because they contain the recommended dosage of vitamins and nutrients you’ll need for your pregnancy. For example, as an expecting mother, you need to have a certain amount of iron because it helps create blood for you and your baby. But if there isn’t enough, it can deprive your baby of oxygen and affect the pregnancy.
Furthermore, low amounts of iron can affect your energy levels and create anemic discomfort. That’s why most vegan prenatal vitamins have high iron amounts in their formulas. With the recommended dose, you’ll be able to have a healthy pregnancy.
Are They Different From Multivitamins?
Yes, vegan prenatal vitamins are different from multivitamins because they’re specifically made for pregnant women. The formula has certain components you won’t see in your standard multivitamin. For example, another vitamin expecting mothers need to have is folic acid. It’s a B vitamin essential for developing an unborn child’s neural tube.
You can find it in most foods, but you’ll need more for your pregnancy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, you need about 600 micrograms daily, and you can find this dosage in prenatal vitamins. Other essential vitamins include:
- Calcium
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Vitamin D
Yes, you can get most of these from prenatal vitamins. But the best way to support a healthy pregnancy is by eating a well-balanced diet.
When Should You Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins?
You’ll often hear conflicting advice regarding the timing of taking vegan prenatal vitamins. But most health care providers will recommend taking them when trying to conceive. By getting a jumpstart on your pregnancy, you can ensure your unborn child gets the nutrients it needs.
Once you become pregnant, continue taking prenatal vitamins for the duration, especially in the first few weeks, because they are critical to your baby’s development. After your child is born and you plan on breastfeeding, keep taking prenatal vitamins until you stop. Getting the right amount of nutrients means your child will too.
How Do You Choose the Best Prenatal Vitamins?
Finding prenatal vitamins for your pregnancy can be challenging because of the various existing brands. However, before you start taking them, the first thing you should do is schedule a prenatal checkup with your health care provider. They may recommend a specific company or leave it up to you; most prenatal vitamins are available over the counter in any pharmacy.
To find the best ones, look for supplements that have:
- Folic acid
- Iron
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- Iodine
Don’t start taking prenatal vitamins without advice from your doctor. You also shouldn’t begin taking other supplements unless they tell you to. Your health history may determine if you need additional vitamins to support your pregnancy. But taking them without proper knowledge can affect your unborn child.
Are There Side Effects of Taking Prenatal Vitamins?
While prenatal vitamins have some great benefits, you may experience minor side effects. The problem is it can be difficult to tell if it’s the vitamin or the pregnancy. But you should be on the lookout for:
- Skin irritation
- Digestive discomforts
- Muscular soreness
- Head tension
It may be tempting to stop taking prenatal vitamins; they are essential for your baby’s development. So to mitigate some side effects, here are a few suggestions:
- Take them with food
- Avoid taking a prenatal vitamin on an empty stomach
- Follow the prescribed dosage
Prenatal Vitamins Can Support Your Pregnancy
If you’re looking for a simple way to support your pregnancy, take vegan prenatal vitamins. They come with essential vitamins and nutrients that can aid your unborn child’s development. Furthermore, they can improve your energy and alertness levels since you’ll need the extra boost during and after your child is born. But before taking them, consult your health care provider for additional advice on choosing the best one for your needs.
