As soon as two lines show up on a pregnancy test, it is oh-so tempting to go to the store and do a little shopping for baby! Tiny little socks, crisp white onesies, baby’s first teddy bear! If you aren’t taking them yet, be sure to toss some prenatal vitamins in the cart, too. Good for baby and mom during pregnancy, taking prenatal vitamins is an act of love that keeps both mom and baby healthy for three trimesters and beyond!

When to Start a Prenatal Vitamin
Considering starting or expanding your family? Go ahead and start taking a prenatal vitamin. Mayo Clinic notes that, “Ideally, you’ll start taking prenatal vitamins before conception,” explaining that, “The baby’s neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord, develops during the first month of pregnancy—perhaps before you even know that you’re pregnant.”

Prenatal Vitamin Benefits for Mom
Growing a human takes a lot of work, and pregnancy puts a woman’s body systems into overdrive. Prenatal vitamins are designed to include ingredients that aid in maternal health during pregnancy.

■ Choline: Supports brain function and mood regulation.
■ Folic Acid: Promotes cell growth.
■ Iron: Supports increased blood volume during pregnancy, can help prevent anemia, and helps reduce fatigue.
■ Vitamin A: Promotes healthy skin, protects against infections, and is essential for maintaining eyesight.
■ Vitamin B: Supports metabolism, prevents fatigue, strengthens immune system, and supports brain function and mood regulation.
■ Vitamin C: Helps the body absorb iron, promotes healthy skin, and supports the immune system.
■ Calcium and Vitamin D: Prevents maternal bone loss, reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia, supports a healthy immune system.

Prenatal Vitamin Benefits for Babies
From zygote to blastocyst to embryo to fetus, in-utero babies grow rapidly—exponentially each day! The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that during pregnancy, “Eating healthy foods and taking a prenatal vitamin every day should supply all the vitamins and minerals you need during pregnancy.” Conveniently, many of the vitamins and minerals that help maintain mom’s health during pregnancy also help baby grow!

■ Calcium: Builds strong bones and teeth.
■ Choline: Supports cognitive and neural tube development.
■ DHA: Supports fetal cognitive development.
■ Iodine: Essential for healthy brain development.
■ Iron: Helps red blood cells deliver oxygen to baby.
■ Folic Acid: Helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spine.
■ Choline: Develops baby’s brain and spinal cord.
■ Vitamin A: Forms healthy skin and eyesight while also helping with bone growth.
■ Vitamin C: Promotes healthy gums, teeth, and bones.
■ Vitamin D: Builds baby’s bones and teeth.

Choosing a Prenatal Vitamin
Most prenatal vitamins are rich in all of the key nutrients recommended during pregnancy, with folic acid and iron being most important. An expensive prenatal vitamin is not superior to a lower cost option. Chat with your OB/GYN and see if they have a recommendation, or even better: a sample or coupon!

Tips on Taking Prenatals
There are a few fairly common side effects that may occur when taking a prenatal vitamin, but luckily, there are ways to remedy these negative occurrences.

■ Constipation: Iron is the likely culprit that is keeping mom from being regular. Solutions include increasing fiber intake, taking a fiber supplement, drinking lots of water, getting moving, taking a stool softener, or switching to a vitamin with a lower dose of iron.
■ Nausea: Pregnancy and nausea go hand in hand. Nausea that occurs after taking a prenatal vitamin is typically caused by the high iron content. Taking the prenatal vitamin right before bed may be helpful. Another suggestion would be to take the vitamins along with a small snack or meal. Switching to a vitamin with a lower dose of iron is another option.

When to Stop Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are designed for a mother’s increased nutritional needs, but they can also benefit her in the postnatal stage, too. After giving birth, it is recommended for women to continue taking B vitamins and Omega-3 DHA. Mom may continue taking prenatal vitamins or make the swap to a postnatal multivitamin, which has been formulated specifically for the “fourth trimester” time frame of healing. It is a good idea to continue with prenatal or postnatal vitamins until baby is six months old, or if a mother is breastfeeding, until the end of nursing.