OOPs! should read 800 mcg of folic acid but 1000mcg (1mg) is better. I take the GNC prenatal with iron.
From what I get, the basic vitamins are for general good health so it is ok to simply take a multivitamin (my OB recommended flintstones) Flintstones have all the needed vitamins without having too much vitamin A which can cause birth defects.
For pregnancy the most important things are folic acid, at least 800mg (prevents neural tube defects like spina bifida(sp?)), and DHA, a form of omega fish oil responsible for developing brain, nervous system and eyes. If you get fish oil/omega 3 fatty acids, make sure the quantities list DHA and an amount specifically eg.
EPA 650 mg
DHA 450mg
Dont take it if it says
Omega 3 1650mg
Includes EPA and DHA
High Quality like "Nordic Naturals" is best. (Available at whole foods and GNC.) Because they use only the highest quality with the least amount of mercury (which can be harmful during pregnancy, that is why you should limit fish.) High quality fish oil is safe to take during pregnancy.
The DHA need increases from 200mg (not pregnant) to anywhere between 300 and 1000mg (depending on which expert you consult) during pregnancy. It is also a mood enhancer and can reduce symptoms of depression and is thought to help with postpartum depression.
As many others have already said as long as the prenatal vitamin has 1mg of folic acid you should be good. Folic acid must be available in the body at the time of conception, that is "before is more important than after".
I have found that the prenatal vitamins differ significantly on the amount of "iron" contained in the pill. I think this is because the "iron" is what can cause nausea/vomiting in some people. I must take my vitamins on a "full" stomach since I am sensitive to the iron.
Not all the nutrients in the multi-vitamin are 100% available (many nutrients cross-react with each other or the form it is present in the vitamin is not 100% available) but they are still very beneficial. That is why it is important to eat GREEN leafy vegetables and fish (min 2X a week) amongst other things..... :-)
Everything the other ladies has told you is great!! I would also add that I have been reading a lot about omega 3 fish oils. Very good for the developing brain, and we shouldn't eat to much real fish due to mercury content. Good luck to you!!
If you are currently taking a prenatal vitamin chances are you're covered. Prescription and OTC prenatal vitamins are very comparable in vitamin/nutrient dosage, just be sure your folic acid is 1mg. I am on a prescription prenatal called PreNexa. It contains DHA and a stool softener. Most OTC prenatals do not contain these additives, you would have to purchase seperately. You can call an OB office to consult a prenatal nurse to see what prenatal vitamins they recommend, or ask your local pharmacist. Also, eating lots of vitamin rich vegs (spinach, all dark green vegs) and fruits (oranges, kiwi, all dark berries, bananas) will help naturally provide you with most of your nutritional intake for these vitamins. Happy Conceiving! Pam
I am taking One a Day prenatal with DHA, I also take Zinc, Follic acid, B6, B12, Fish oil, and Calcium. Hope that helps.
I started taking a pre-natal vitamin about a year ago - when we knew we'd be trying to conceive after our cruise in November. Can't hurt to build up a supply of folic acid.
Joanne
Taking folic acid is very important - it was one that I started during tww & pregnancy.