What exactly do prenatal vitamins do when trying to conceive?

Question

I have just started taking a prenatal with folic acid, what exactly do they do whenn ttc?

Answer 1

Essentially, Folic Acid helps prevent certain kinds of birth defects (typically those dealing with the CNS like neural tube defects, spina bifida and the like). The recommended dosage is 400 mcg (MICROgrams) per day. Your doctor may recommend that you take more if you have a personal or family history of certain kinds of birth defects.

NOTE: More folic acid is certainly safe. HOWEVER don't try and double up on your folic acid by taking more Prenatal vitamins. The reason for this is that Vitamin A (also present in prenatal vitamins) can be teratogenic if taken in too high quantities. It's of course certainly safe (and essential) at the dosage given in single pills.

If you want to take more folic acid you can buy these over the counter at your local pharmacy.

Answer 2

I am a nutritionist

prenatal vitamins DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING when you are trying to conceive!!!

they are only good for already pregnant women because they have too much iron and not enough of many other vitamins if you are not pregnant!! too much iron can hurt you!!

if you are trying to conceive take a good multi vitamin (NOT A PRENATAL) with at least 400mcg and less than 1000mcg of folic acid and less than 8000IU of vitamin A as retinol acitate (betacarotine is fine)

I also want to expose a lie about prenatal vitamins, they DO NOT make your hair or nails grow! that is controlled by hormones not vitamins!

Answer 3

It is very good to take prenatal vitamins, even before conception, your baby needs those vitamins, especially Folic Acid, Folic Acid is proven to delevep the nervous system and the brain, it also is proven to prevent a lot of spinal, brain, and nervous system disorders. It won't have any side effects, It's just like taking regular vitamins.

Answer 4

The big thing folic acid does is help prevent neural tube defects, particularly spina bifida, which can be devastating. And it's important for you to start taking them before conception so you don't go into the pregnancy with a deficiency.

Answer 5

Folic acid helps prevent birth defects, specifically Spina Bifida. The rest of the vitamins are just to insure your health before you get pg.

Answer 6

Make you constipated. I thought prenatal was for when you are pregnant and have not yet had the kid.

Answer 7

well they basically make sure your body is healthy enough and has the right nutrients to support the growing fetus...taking them while trying to concieve helps prepare your body for the pregnancy.

Answer 8

not much: they are for after you conceive and before the baby is born....