Learn why prenatal vitamins are vital during the first trimester for foetal development and maternal well-being.
Dr. Priyanka Surisetty
Maya and Ajay had been trying to have a baby for a couple of months now. While talking to a friend who recently had a baby, prenatal vitamins came up. Maya had never heard of it and was curious to know more. She decided to go meet Dr. Veena to learn more about it. Here's how their conversation went.
Maya: "Hello, Dr. Veena. We are trying to have a baby and a friend mentioned prenatal vitamins. I came here wanting to ask you about that. How important are they in getting myself ready for a baby?"
Dr. Veena: I'm glad you decided to look into it. Think of prenatal vitamins as setting the groundwork for a solid house. So yeah, it's quite important.
Maya: But why can't I just eat healthy? Do I really need to take these vitamins?
Dr. Veena: Good question. And good job if you’re already eating healthy. But let’s be honest, if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant, your body requires a lot more nutrients than what we’d get with a healthy, balanced diet. Prenatal vitamins are like a safety net to ensure you don't miss anything. And on top of that, some of these nutrients are not easily available in our regular diet in the right quantity.
Maya: Right, I hadn't thought about it that way. It's like having backup support.
Dr. Veena: Exactly! Let’s dive into why these vitamins are a must-have. Take folic acid, a superhero nutrient that helps prevent neural tube defects early in pregnancy. We always suggest it when you decide to have a baby. But even if you didn't start it then, you should start taking it as soon as you find out you're pregnant.
It's one of those things that is not often discussed until you're right here in this room or doing research yourself. Along with folic acid, prenatal vitamins come loaded with other essentials like iron to support your increased blood volume, calcium and vitamin D for strong bones and teeth—both yours and the baby’s—and DHA for those bright, curious eyes and an active brain.
Maya: And all this growth and development starts in the first trimester?
Dr. Veena: Yes! The first trimester is a whirlwind of activity in your body. In those first 12 weeks, your baby's major organs start forming and all those nutrients help ensure everything develops smoothly.
Maya: And I remember my friend having severe nausea so I imagine it helps meet the nutritional needs at that time as well.
Dr. Veena: Exactly. Nausea and food aversions are pretty common, making it hard to stick to a well-balanced diet. That's another reason prenatal vitamins are saviours—they fill in what you might lack nutritionally when you're not eating properly.
Maya: Are there any side effects I should expect?
Dr. Veena: Most women don't feel anything but some may experience mild constipation or nausea. Staying hydrated, eating fibre-rich foods, and staying active can help. We can adjust the type or dosage if it’s too much, so you’ll be comfortable.
But remember, a balanced diet is an essential element. Your prenatal vitamins are meant to fill the gaps in your diet, not fill you in exclusively. Include healthy fats, whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and veggies in your diet.
Maya: So, when should I start taking these vitamins, doctor?
Dr. Veena: As I mentioned, start as soon as you decide you want to try for a baby. But since you are already trying, don't hesitate to start now.
Maya: This has been so helpful, Dr. Veena.
Dr. Veena: I'm glad to hear that. Just remember, each step on this journey is to be taken at your own pace. It’s just one piece of the puzzle regarding prenatal vitamins. Trust the process, and don’t hesitate to ask if you need help.
In the days following her appointment, Maya began her prenatal regimen, feeling a sense of control and assurance as she and her husband continued their journey to parenthood. She slowly incorporated Dr. Veena's dietary suggestions into their meal plans, made smarter grocery lists, and even started a food log to jot down new recipes and thoughts.
Maya felt ready to embrace motherhood with all its ups and downs, guided by the wisdom and care she had so warmly found with Dr. Veena.
FAQs
It’s okay to take a prenatal vitamin when you’re not pregnant. If you’re beyond your childbearing years or know you won’t become pregnant, you can probably take them as multivitamin supplements.
Many terms are used when referring to either the amount of a particular nutrient (such as calcium or vitamin D) you should get from food or a dietary supplement. The most common are the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): Recommended daily intake of a nutrient for healthy people. Daily Value (DV): DVs aren’t recommended intakes but suggest how much of the nutrient is provided by a serving of food or supplement in the context of a total daily diet.
Always talk with your doctor for advice on choosing the right supplement. Your doctor can help you find an appropriate multivitamin.
When you take this medication with food, if a stomach upset occurs, avoid taking antacids, dairy products, tea, or coffee within 2 hours before or after this medication because they may decrease its effectiveness.
Your prenatal vitamins include iron and folic acid. To maximise the absorption of iron, take your vitamins with juices high in vitamin C. Do not take them with coffee, tea, or milk.
