You have just received the long awaited news that you are pregnant. You are ecstatic and scared at the same time. You have a zillion questions that you want answered as your body begins to undergo the process that result in a new life.

One of the first things that may happen is your doctor telling you the importance of taking care of your own health. How healthy you are will help to determine how healthy your baby will be. If you smoke, stop; refrain from alcohol though some doctors may allow an occasional small glass of wine; get adequate and proper exercise; and take your vitamins! No, not the one a day things that you have been swallowing since the beginning of time but what is referred to as prenatal vitamins.

Many obstetricians have their preference in regard to which vitamin you should take and others will simply tell you to go and get a good pre natal vitamin. Aren’t they all good? Well, sort of, but they definitely are not the same!!! Actually the best vitamins are those prescribed by your doctor and if he or she doesn’t offer you a name, then you should be prepared to ask, because over the counter vitamins miss the mark.

The old cliche, “You are eating for two,” takes on new significance when it comes to pre-natal vitamins. You are watching out for the health of two, you and your baby. Higher doses of some vitamins will help to insure that your baby is born healthy. Folic acid is one example. Over the counter vitamins have nowhere near the amount of folic acid needed during pregnancy. This higher dose can prevent Spina-Bifida and the added iron is good for mother and child as well. It has long been studied and determined the right amount of vitamins needed during pregnancy far exceeds the normal daily dose and numerous studies indicate that many birth defects can be avoided by the use of pre natal vitamins.

Should over the counter pre natal vitamins never be taken? Not at all. No one said they were bad; just not quite as good. They do have lesser amounts of some of the necessary vitamins but some women who start taking ore natal vitamins right away may find they have a difficult time in getting their body to adjust to them. Starting out with over the counter vitamins with their lesser strength will give your body time to adjust to them and hopefully the side effects of nausea and constipation can be avoided. Don’t be taken in by all the health food store experts. Talk to your doctor and follow his advice.

Changes in eating habits are also good for the mother-to-be and her unborn baby. The folic acid that is so beneficial to your baby can be found in many foods and you may find them much easier to swallow, pun intended!! Green vegetables, nuts, and fruits, all contain folic acid. Still, you need to rely on the vitamins to meet all your daily requirements. In doing so, you can be pretty well assured that your baby will be born healthy.

Author Bio: Doc. No.: CBFADS729 Colby Brister is a writer for My Baby Bedding Shop and he would like if you check out his Glenna Jean Crib Bedding and Glenna Jean Central Park Collection and his Glenna Jean Madison collection.

Category: Parenting
Keywords: A Pill by Any Other Name Is Not a Pre Natal Vitamin