what exactly is their purpose because im really tryin to eat healthy but i always give into temptation and eat foods that are less than good for me? also are the over the counter as good as prescription ones cause my last pregnancy i had prescription but this time they said over the counter ones are ok...
2006-09-21 05:16:00 · 10 answers · asked by toolate 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
The vitamins are to supply you and your baby with the nutrients that you either need more of during pregnancy or are lacking. Vitamins are good for anyone whether pregnant or not. I've always been awful about remembering to take mine, but I try really hard and I try to eat healthy, but it's not always possible. Do what you can and try to make the best decisions most of the time. No one expects you to never fall off the bandwagon....after all you're pregnant!
2006-09-21 05:21:03 · answer #1 · answered by justwondering 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Over the counter or prescription are both okay. I like prescription because the one I take has a stool softener and that helps with some things.
You need them especially during the first trimester to help prevent some birth defects. The rest of the time for yourself. It's hard to eat enough to give enough vitamins to your baby and then yourself. You'll probably have a healthier pregnancy if you take them.
2006-09-21 12:21:09 · answer #2 · answered by momoftwo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something that is very important before and during the first month of your pregnancy is folic acid. Folic acid helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida. You should have: 1 mg a day of folic acid,
4000 to 5000 IU of vitamin A,
no more than 400 IU of vitamin D,
70 mg of vitamin C,
1.5 mg thiamine,
1.6 mg of riboflavin,
2.6 mg of vitamin B6,
17 mg of niacinamide,
2.2 vitamin B12,
10 mg vitamin E,
15 mg zinc,
30 mg iron,
200 to 300 mg of calcium - If you're not getting high calcium foods you'll need additional calcium to reach the recommended 1200 mg/day. Do not take more than 250 mg of calcium (or more than 25 mg of magnesium) along with supplementary iron since these minerals interfere with iron absorption. Take any larger doses at least two hours before or after your iron supplement.
I took a prescription (and still take it because I am nursing) pre-natal vitamin called Natatab which follows these guidelines and have had two healthy children. A pharmacist should be able to help you with an over-the-counter pre-natal vitamin but if they can't help you find one that meets the guidelines, ask your OB for a prescription.
2006-09-21 12:48:19 · answer #3 · answered by Momof2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good over the counter one with calcium and folic acid. Take them with food if you have trouble or at bedtime with a SMALL bite to eat!
You will be fine. Prescription is usually not needed!
2006-09-21 12:20:34 · answer #4 · answered by mom of 3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the purpose is the folic acid and calcium. the baby will need them to protect it. they help prevent birth defects and keep your calcium and iron at a good level as well. I can't take the prescription ones, they make me sick. You can take the over the counter ones, they have the same vitamins in them.
Also my ob said two flintstone vitamins equal the prenatals as well.
2006-09-21 12:24:12 · answer #5 · answered by Maddie and Jacobs mom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
over the counter is the same as a prescription. the pills help boost your body so theres enough for you and the baby. they help keep your teeth and eyes in good condition during the pregnancy. you have to have enough vitamins and nutrition for two people and if you dont the baby make get your part or you get the babys part if there isnt enough to share
2006-09-21 12:20:31 · answer #6 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always forget to take them. Gave up on it. But I'm a healthy eater because I have Type II Diabetes.
2006-09-21 12:21:10 · answer #7 · answered by jevic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Proper development and growth while all of the embroyo/fetus's parts are being formed.
Folic acid is most important - it's essential for brain and spinal cord development.
2006-09-21 13:45:09 · answer #8 · answered by im_shady77 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
EITHER ONE IS FINE...O.T.C. OR PRESCRIPTION. THE POINT IS SO YOUR BABY CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF BIRTH DEFECTS. THE OTHER POINT IS SO THE BABY AND YOU HAVE ALL THE VITAMINS YOU NEED TO BE HEALTH WITH OUT THEM YOU WOULD FEEL LIKE CRAP. TRUST ME!
2006-09-21 12:56:57 · answer #9 · answered by CMA 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are to ensure that you get all the nutrients you need. Your baby will take what he/she needs and you need to make sure that you have some too.
2006-09-21 12:31:16 · answer #10 · answered by Lisa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋