Prenatal Vitamins (PNV)
Why Are Prenatal Vitamins Important?
Prenatal vitamins help your body get the nutrients and vitamins that can support your health and your baby’s development during pregnancy. If your health care provider thinks you need more of a certain nutrient, they may recommend an additional supplement.
Please see our handouts “Nutrition”, “Folate (Folic Acid) Supplements”, “You Have Iron Deficiency (And You’re Pregnant)”, and “Nutrients & Vitamins” for more information!
When Should I Start and Stop Taking My Prenatal Vitamin?
Ideally, you will start taking your prenatal vitamin 3 months prior to getting pregnant. Do not worry if you get pregnant without having started the prenatal vitamin, but start right away as folic acid is especially important for the development of the the neural tube (baby’s brain and spinal cord), which develops early in pregnancy. You will continue your prenatal vitamin all the way through pregnancy and, if you’re breastfeeding, throughout the length of time you breastfeed or pump for your baby.
What Nutrients Should My Prenatal Vitamin Have?
- During pregnancy, you need more folic acid and iron, which can help the development of the brain, spinal cord, and prevent anemia.
- Prenatal vitamins may also contain calcium, which help teeth and bone development, and vitamin D, which helps absorb calcium.
- Most prenatal vitamins also contain Vitamins A, B, and C, as well as zinc and iodine
Which Prenatal Vitamins Should I Take?
Prenatal vitamins are available at most pharmacies. They may contain different nutrients and cost different amounts. Any prenatal vitamin is okay so long that it contains enough folic acid for you (typically 0.4mg for healthy, low-risk patients!).
Prenatal vitamins that have been reviewed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) to be safe and effective for pregnancy carry their “recognition” seal.
Are There Any Side Effects of Taking Prenatal Vitamins?
You may experience constipation and bloating when taking prenatal vitamins, which is usually due to the iron they contain. To avoid these side effects, drink plenty of water and include fibre in your diet, which can be found in leafy green vegetables, fruits, and legumes.
