Prenatal Vitamins and Preparations

My partner and I would like to start trying for a baby. When I asked my doctor if there was anything I needed to do in advance of becoming pregnant, she recommended taking a pre-natal vitamin about 3 months in advance of trying to conceive. I have trouble swallowing pills and wondered if it is ok to break the pill into two or three pieces? Would a chewable multivitamin be sufficient as an alternative?

Beyond taking the pre-natal vitamin, are there any other “standard” things I should be doing to prepare my body? I’m a healthy 34 year old on no medication. Aside from taking a pre-natal vitamin, my doctor had no other recommendations. Just want to make sure I’m on the right track!

Thanks in advance!

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
Chewable vitamins are totally fine.  I believe they even have gummy prenatals now.
The goal is to take approximately 400 mcg of folic acid daily to reduce the risk of certain types of birth defects.  Here is a good site for more info: http://www.marchofdimes.com/pregnancy/folicacid_before.html

You can probably guess that stopping smoking/drinking/recreational drug use are strongly recommended.  Also, fertility and pregnancy outcomes are both improved in women with a healthy BMI (body mass index).

Regular moderate exercise is great -- get in shape before you conceive!

Accupuncture can help to increase fertility by increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs.

At your age (sorry) You probably should seek out a specialist in reproductive endocrinology if things are happening within 6 months to 12 months of trying.

Good luck!
Dr B