Side Effects of Not Taking Prenatal Vitamins

The Importance of Folic Acid

According to Womenshealth.gov, folate is found naturally in many foods. Folate enables the body to make new cells. Folic acid is the man-made version of folate and can be taken in vitamin form. Folate prevents neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. When spina bifida occurs (an open spine), the nerves that control leg movements do not work. If an infant has anencephaly, his brain has not developed. Most babies with that condition die shortly after birth or even before they are born. Folic acid also helps prevent a cleft palate.

Folic acid provides protection to the fetus; however, it must be in your system during the first month of pregnancy to afford that protection. If you are already taking a vitamin, such as Centrum or One-a-Day, you should be covered. According to DrSpock.com, the recommended dosage is 400 mcg daily.

Good food sources for folic acid include peas, rice, barley, beans, orange juice, green vegetables and fruit, according to Netdoctor.co.uk, which recommends that a woman take folic acid supplements for two months before conception and three months into her pregnancy or longer if recommended by her physician.

Ideally, a woman is healthy before she becomes pregnant, although that is not always the case. Taking a multivitamin prior to becoming pregnant will help you create a nutritious and healthy environment for a fetus, according to Americanpregnancy.org. That can be achieved by taking a vitamin that contains iron, calcium and folic acid, having a balanced diet, and staying active. However, discuss with your physician what specific vitamins you should take and in what amounts because it is possible to take too much, which can negatively affect you and your baby.

Calcium is very important to the mother-to-be as well as to her fetus. Calcium builds and maintains healthy bones for both you and your fetus. If there isn't enough calcium to go around, the fetus will get it and deplete your supply, causing health problems. Some women have dental problems during pregnancy, which may be attributed to a lack of calcium. Furthermore, even a young woman needs to be aware of the possibility of getting porous bone disease--osteoporosis--later on in life if she is deficient in calcium. It is never too early to start safeguarding against that condition. In addition, calcium promotes the proper functioning of nerve impulses and muscles.

Zinc, in addition to calcium, is needed for the development of the embryo.

Iron is needed so that you don't become anemic or give birth to an infant that is anemic (iron-poor blood). Iron is absorbed better if it is taken along with vitamin C, either in juice or citrus fruit form, or in a supplement, according to Netdoctor.co.uk. When you are pregnant, your body produces more blood to support the growth of your baby. Iron reserves can be spread too thin, thus the need for an iron supplement.

If you have morning sickness, taking a prenatal vitamin will help ensure that your body maintains the proper nutrients that are needed to keep you and your fetus healthy, according to Babycenter.com. If you are having a high-risk pregnancy, you definitely need to take a vitamin supplement. This includes women who have chronic diseases, blood disorders, smokers, food intolerance, those with substance abuse problems, vegetarians and vegans, women who are lactose-intolerant, and/or women pregnant with twins or higher multiples.