Prenatal Vitamins
Nutrients are most bioavailable when consumed in the form of real, unprocessed foods. Prenatal vitamins are not a replacement for food and should serve as a supplement to a diet rich in nutrients. Ideally, prenatal vitamins should be started approximately 3 months prior to conception. However, we understand that not every pregnancy is perfectly planned! Starting these vitamins, along with a healthy eating plan, as soon as you know you are pregnant will go a long way towards a healthy foundation for your growing baby. A good prenatal vitamin will have folic acid, Iron, B vitamins such as B12 and B6 and zinc. The vitamin form is also very important. Methylated folate (instead of folic acid) is better if you have a genetic mutation known as MTHFR. You should also take about 400 mg of the essential fatty acid DHA for neurologic development and function of your baby. Vitamin D3 daily, about 2000 IU, should also be included as this vitamin is especially important in the second and third trimester as the fetal skeleton starts growing rapidly. It is estimated that 50% of mothers go into pregnancy already deficient in Vitamin D.
We recommend the following supplements brands for pregnant women and women who plan to become pregnant:
Thorne Basic Prenatal or Designs for Health Prenatal Pro™
Designs for Health OmegAvail™ DHA
Designs for Health Vitamin D Synergy