Pre Pregnancy Vitamins – What Does Your Body Need?

Most obstetricians recommend that you begin preparing your body (and your mind!) for pregnancy at least three months before you start trying to conceive. This should include taking pre pregnancy vitamins. What are the benefits of taking pre-pregnancy vitamins? What sort of vitamins should you look for?

How do Pre Pregnancy Vitamins Work?

The most important ingredient in pre-pregnancy vitamins is folic acid. This is a synthetic version of folate, a B vitamin found in most leafy greens. When folic acid is taken daily in the three months leading up to conceiving and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy, it helps prevent birth defects. Most pre-pregnancy vitamins also contain ingredients to support better general health, vitality, and fertility.

What Pre Pregnancy Vitamins Should I Take?

There are many excellent pre-pregnancy or prenatal vitamins sold over the counter and, unless you have side effects and need to change your vitamins, you shouldn’t need to see a doctor or get a prescription. All pre-pregnancy vitamins should contain folic acid – 400mcg is the ideal amount. Most also contain other health-promoting ingredients. The best pre-pregnancy vitamins contain:

• 400 mcg folic acid
• Vitamins D, C, E, and B12
• Calcium
• Thiamine
• Riboflavin
• Zinc
• Iron
• Iodine
• Niacin

Check out our reader reviews of the best pre-pregnancy vitamins here. 

How Long Should I Take my Pre-pregnancy Vitamins?

Studies show that pre-pregnancy vitamins are most effective when taken for at least three months before conceiving and continued through the first trimester of pregnancy. Many women end up taking the vitamins for much longer, depending on how long it takes to conceive. There is no risk in this.

Are There any Side Effects of taking Prenatal Vitamins Pre Pregnancy?

Very occasionally, women experience a feeling of nausea when taking prenatal vitamins. It may be that you are allergic to one element in the vitamin you have chosen. See your doctor about your side effects and get a prescription for vitamins which better suit your constitution.

More Pre-Pregnancy Articles:

Am I Ready for a Baby?

Deciding to become parents is probably the biggest decision you’ll make in your life. Are you really ready for the changes? Work through our five question quiz and find out if you’re ready physically, emotionally, financially, and relationship-wise.

Pregnancy Planning:

Once you’ve made the decision, there’s quite a lot to think about before you jump into bed and start trying to make a baby! Check out our pregnancy planning checklist to see if you’ve missed anything.

Pre-pregnancy Checkups:

Many women choose to have a general health checkup with their doctor before trying to conceive. This can be particularly important if you’ve suffered a miscarriage in the past or you have a genetic condition which could affect pregnancy. Find out more about pre-pregnancy health checkups here.

Pre-pregnancy Diet:

So you’ve got the vitamins to take pre pregnancy sorted. But have you thought about your diet? A healthy body has all sorts of benefits when you’re planning to get pregnant; including better chances of conceiving quickly, less painful or risky symptoms during pregnancy, and a faster return to your pre-pregnancy shape and size after giving birth. Check out our complete guide to a healthy pre-pregnancy diet here.