The importance of prenatal vitamins for pregnant women has been a hot topic for quite some time
Women are now encouraged to take them before getting pregnant to prevent birth defects, as well as throughout the pregnancy and breastfeeding to ensure a healthy baby.
Prenatal vitamins are a supplement to the diet and should not be substituted for healthy food choices. There are many over the counter prenatal vitamins available in addition to those prescribed by a physician.
Absorption rates can vary between over the counter brands, or there may be too much or too little of an essential vitamin or mineral. The prenatal vitamins prescribed by physicians are usually of better quality and have greater absorption rates. All types of insurance plans cover most prenatal vitamins so that they are affordable and accessible to women.
At the first prenatal visit, prenatal vitamins should be prescribed if the woman has not already started taking them. There are many different vitamins available and the health care provider can recommend which prenatal vitamins are appropriate. Side effects such as nausea are common, and can be alleviated by taking with food, and not on an empty stomach.
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