Do you think that in order to have a healthy baby that we must take prenatal vitamans? Our parents didnt take them. Neither did anyone for centuries. So why is it necessary to take them now. Could they be the cause of birth defects today?
2006-07-11 01:56:07 · 10 answers · asked by IamMuslimah 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
They don't cause birth defects; in fact, some prevent them (i.e., folic acid prevents spina bifida).
With respect to no one taking prenatal vitamins for centuries, you have to remember that for centuries pregnant mothers ate farm-fresh foods only. Much of what we eat today has had the natural vitamins processed right out of it. Take the vitamins and good luck!
2006-07-11 02:08:39 · answer #1 · answered by Cols 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What caused birth defects before we started taking prenatal vitamins?
When you are pregnant, the baby takes numerous resources from your body. Fetuses are sort of parasitic that way, in that they will take what they need from you, even if that leaves you depleted. The vitamins are there to help you replace what is lost and give the baby everything it needs to grow. There are also other things like folic acid, which help prevent birth defects like spina bifida. However, these vitamins are not a replacement for good nutrition and many do not contain necessary things like calcium, which is important for building strong bones.
2006-07-11 02:06:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well not 'necessary' but you might want to.
You will get vitamins and nutrients from the foods you eat. but they will go directly to the baby first. Your body is 'growing a baby' now. You are a second thought. The prenatal are for both of you and , you might want all the strength you can get!.....birthing babies ain't easy, neither is raising them! Plus there is the nursing factor... if you breast feed you will want them.
If cost is the factor... Walmart has a over counter prenatal that is like $5 , if nausea is the issue divide it into 3 or 4 and take thru the day with food.
2006-07-11 02:05:09 · answer #3 · answered by DrVodka 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You never know if they are necessary until you have a baby with one of the spine or brain birth defects that can be prevented by increased levels of vitamins.
No, they are being used because women who take vitamins have children with much fewer birth defects.
The number one killer of women a century ago was childbirth and complications - why do you want to look to that past for medical advice?
2006-07-11 02:15:24 · answer #4 · answered by oohhbother 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not necessary?? you mean, like to ensure that mom's strong enough to support that baby for the 9 months it will be feeding off of her??
yeah, i think they're very necessary. alot of pregnant women can't eat certain things, and the vitamins make sure she's getting the vitamins she's missing out on...
when i was pregnant with my 2nd daughter, the only thing i could eat for a solid month was saltines and iced tea...not a very good wholesome diet, is it?? then once the cravings started, all i WANTED to eat is chocolate and cheese...that's not very wholesome either...
so, yeah, i think that prenatal vitamins are necessary.
2006-07-11 02:03:46 · answer #5 · answered by alfjr24 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Back then" there wasn't a lot of things...internet, cell phones, cancer treatments....
As we advance and make new discoveries we are finding new and better ways of doing things. I think prenatal vitamins are a good thing to take during pregnancy. It helps to ensure a healthy pregnancy and helps to make sure you are getting what you need so you can give the baby what it needs.
2006-07-11 02:18:46 · answer #6 · answered by Jacob's Mommy (Plus One) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the doctors probably know what they are talking about considering they dedicate their lives to the study. I took my prenatal vitamins and my son is fine. Back then they let you smoke, drink, and sit in hot tubs while pregnate also. Now we know how bad that is for the baby.
2006-07-11 02:02:30 · answer #7 · answered by whatdoiknow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not necessary but very good to take them. No, they don't cause birth defects.
2006-07-11 01:59:29 · answer #8 · answered by miketorse 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is best to take them for folic acid! It was a lot different back then. We have a much better understanding of the body now.
2006-07-11 02:01:14 · answer #9 · answered by kissfan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u shud....nowadays its easy for a miscarriage....u must have started noticing miscarriage happens more nowadays than before(our parents age)....we r not getting enuf nutrients from food we eat....food have become weak in vitamins....
it wnt do ne harm except it lead to strong prego...jst take it...y risking
2006-07-11 02:07:13 · answer #10 · answered by Battery Life 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋