It’s essential for women to get all the nutrients their bodies need during pregnancy, both for the development of their growing baby and their own health. In addition to eating a healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins, most doctors recommend that expecting mothers should take prenatal vitamins. Available over the counter at your local pharmacy or drug store, these supplements are easy to find and offer many benefits. Below is a brief explanation of why they are important to pregnant women. 

Prenatal Vitamins vs. Multivitamins

While regular and prenatal vitamins contain many of the same ingredients, prenatal vitamins provide larger amounts of specific nutrients that are highly beneficial for the body during pregnancy. These include folic acid, which has been shown to help prevent birth defects in a baby’s brain and spine, and iron, which promotes healthy fetal development and growth. 

Extra iron is also essential because it boosts the body’s red blood cell count, which often gets depleted during pregnancy, which is a condition known as anemia. In addition, some prenatal vitamins add omega-3 fatty acids, which can help promote a baby’s brain development. If you don’t eat fish or other kinds of omega-3-rich foods, your doctor may recommend picking up these types of prenatal supplements at your local pharmacy.

When to Take Prenatal Vitamins

You should always consult your doctor before trying a new supplement, as well as follow their specific health care recommendations during pregnancy. But ideally, all pregnant women should be taking prenatal vitamins, particularly during the early stages. Folic acid is especially crucial during the first few weeks of pregnancy because this is when a baby’s brain and spinal cord begin to develop. Women who are trying to get pregnant can also benefit from heading to the pharmacy for prenatal vitamins, as the vitamins may help improve the odds of conceiving. 

If you’re in need of regular or prenatal vitamins, visit Anderson Pharmacy in Denver, PA. Since 1994, this locally-owned pharmacy has been the area’s one-stop-shop for prescription and over-the-counter medicines, in addition to cosmetics, gifts, and greeting cards. Visit their website for further information, and call (717) 484-2649 to speak with a friendly pharmacist today.