The Vital Importance of Prenatal Vitamins

As a hopeful parent-to-be, you want to maximize your chances of a healthy pregnancy. In terms of nutrition, that means getting the vitamins and minerals you need. But even the healthiest, most disciplined diet alone is not enough to give baby all the nutrients necessary to support his/her growth. That’s where prenatal vitamins come in! In fact, prenatal vitamins are a game-changer for your fertility journey and for the health of your newest addition.

Did you know that taking prenatal vitamins can improve your chances of getting pregnant and help ensure a healthy pregnancy? Prenatal vitamins support your nutritional needs to help your body function better. For fertility, prenatal vitamins for women and men can improve egg quality and increase sperm motility. Taking prenatal vitamins two or three months before trying to conceive can make a world of difference!

Some of the important supplements contained in prenatal vitamins for women are:

• Vitamin D to support healthy hormone development
• Vitamin E to support the ovaries and egg quality
• Folic acid to decrease the risk of neural tube defects for the baby
• Fish oil to improve egg quality and support the baby’s brain development

Some of the important supplements contained in prenatal vitamins for men are:

• Folic acid to promote healthy sperm
• CoQ10 to improve sperm count
• Zinc to improve sperm count and sperm quality
• Fish oil to support general fertility

You’ll want to work with your doctor to identify the best prenatal vitamins to take and to ensure that you’re not getting too much of any single vitamin, which may be harmful for the baby and your own health. You’ll want to find a prenatal vitamin that’s easy for you to swallow and sits well with your stomach after taking it. Over-the-counter brands are perfectly sufficient, and there’s no need to take prescription prenatal vitamins.

It’s also important to buy your dietary supplements from a credible brand to ensure that the prenatal vitamin you’re taking is of the highest possible quality. Some prenatal vitamin brands will have a seal from an industry group such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or Consumer Lab, which helps you understand their quality—but it doesn’t necessarily mean brands without the seal should be taken out of the running. Trusted brands of prenatal vitamins include Nature Made, Ritual, SmartyPants, MegaFood, and Garden of Life.

We hope this short guide on prenatal vitamins can help support you on your fertility journey! If we can support you in any other way, contact us to discuss your individual needs and talk through which options may be best for you. Or you may call us at 205-778-4819.