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Expecting a child is always an exciting time of a woman’s life. As exciting as it may be, the woman’s body also goes through numerous changes in her body brought about by the growth of a baby being inside of her. Because of this, sometimes, eating a balanced and healthy diet may not be enough, as you’re already sharing your intake with your baby inside you. Vitamins rich in Folic, Iron, and DHA are often prescribed to supplement your daily nutrient needs.

Here’s a breakdown of things you should know about prenatal vitamins, and why you need one.

1. You should take prenatal vitamins with DHA even before you get pregnant

If you’re thinking about having a baby, it’s best for you to start taking a DHA vitamin as well. The most crucial points of the development of a baby happen in the first four to six weeks of pregnancy, at a time where you still may not even be aware that you’re already pregnant. Hence, it’s essential to play it safe, and be extra cautious by taking prenatal vitamins as early as possible, even before you conceive.

2. You need that added dose of DHA

DHA is short for Docosahexaenoic Acid, and it’s an Omega-3 fatty acid. It’s one of the essential vitamins that you must supplement with if you’re pregnant. The human body doesn’t make Omega-3 on their own, and with you and a baby competing for nutrients, you need all this added dose.

DHA is vital to help support overall health and wellbeing of you, the mother, and your baby before, during and after your pregnancy. When you’re pregnant, you need a minimum of 200 milligrams of DHA per day, to ensure optimum development of your baby’s brain and eyes. DHA is essential for the following reasons as well:

• Reduce inflammation, especially when your feet start to swell during pregnancy
• Reduce chronic heart diseases

DHA is also included in the list of vitamins and nutrients that you need in your body when pregnant. The others are:

• Folic
• Calcium
• Iron
• Vitamin D
• Iodin

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3. You might feel nauseous; however, this is normal

Yes, it’s normal that you might feel ill, especially after taking DHA supplements, or any other prenatal vitamins, for that matter. However, don’t let this unpleasant experience stop you from taking one, because yes, you do need this vitamin in pregnancy. To minimize any of these possible side effects, you can try taking your prenatal vitamins at night before you go to bed, rather than in the morning.

4. You have to ask the advice of your doctor first, before taking one yourself

There are many over the counter prenatal vitamins that contain DHA. In spite of this convenience, it’s still best for you to consult your OB-GYN or your doctor about this. Don’t self-medicate, especially not when you’re carrying a baby as well, as women don’t universally react to vitamins and supplements. You may not know it, but you may have a severe reaction such as allergies to some vitamins that other women may be okay with.

Before you take any supplement, ask your doctor about it first.

5. You certainly need to take DHA vitamins if you are vegetarian

For expectant mothers who are vegetarians, DHA supplements are extremely necessary. DHA is sourced from oily fish and animals such as salmon. However, since you don’t consume any animal products, then you may be highly deficient in this essential nutrient. The best way for you to combat this deficiency is to take prenatal vitamins that are rich in DHA.

6. You’re also keeping yourself healthy if you take DHA

As the expectant mother, remember that you should think of your welfare as well. You’ll be bringing a child to life, and the changes that your body is going through can be extreme. Not all pregnancies are the same as well, as other mothers have it smoother and more manageable than others. For the expectant mother, DHA has the following benefits:

• Reduced chances of preeclampsia
• Reduced chances of preterm birth

Even after you have already given birth, DHA is also helpful for you as you lactate and feed your baby. Remember, too, that your milk is the only food source of your baby, if you’re breastfeeding, hence it’s crucial that you keep your milk quality as healthy as possible.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, yes, prenatal vitamins are a great supplement both for you and your growing baby. Remember that you are no longer thinking about yourself, but you have a baby inside to take care of as well. When it comes to your baby, and even with your health, you can make no room for risks and second chances. Taking prenatal vitamins, especially those with DHA, help supply you with all the nutritional needs that your body will need.

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