Vitamins for preconception are meant to help you prepare for a healthy pregnancy. Women’s needs change as they get closer to becoming pregnant. As soon as you start attempting to conceive, you should start taking preconception vitamin supplements. Preparing your body for conception and a successful pregnancy includes taking a medically prescribed amount of preconception vitamins and eating healthy.
A preconception vitamin will ensure that you obtain enough nutrients before and during your pregnancy.
Anencephaly and spina bifida are brain and spine defects that occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy, frequently before you know you’re expecting. It’s possible that by the time you learn you’re pregnant, it’ll be too late to prevent birth abnormalities. Moreover, even if you consume a varied diet that includes meat, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, grains and legumes, you may still be deficient in some nutrients that you and your baby require, particularly folic acid and iron.
Folate (folic acid), choline, iodine, and vitamins should all be included, along with preconception vitamins. Hence, enough folic acid and vitamin D, as well as general appropriate nutritional support, are essential.
Folic acid is a source of vitamin B that has a role in a variety of bodily functions. The most well-known benefit of folic acid is that it lowers the chance of certain birth abnormalities. Neural tube defects are the name for several birth abnormalities. At around 28 days following conception, the neural tube, which eventually develops the brain and spinal cord, closes. When the tube does not close properly, a neural tube defect occurs. Since the neural tube closes during the first few weeks of pregnancy, it’s critical to take folic acid when trying to conceive. According to research, taking 400 micrograms of folic acid for at least one month is beneficial as it reduces the risk of neural tube defects by about 36 per cent.
When it comes to Vitamin D, believe it or not, it is still a contentious topic. In vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates are higher in women with normal vitamin D levels (>30 ng/ml) than in women with low levels, according to research. According to one study, each ng/ml rise in vitamin D levels increased the clinical pregnancy rate by 6%.
Additionally, many women eat insufficient amounts of meat in general. As a result, taking an iron supplement is critical for avoiding iron deficiency anaemia. Preterm labour, low birth weight, and infant death are all risks of iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy.
Having said that, it is up to you and your healthcare practitioner to choose prenatal and preconception vitamins that are both safe and effective for you. At your first prenatal exam, your practitioner will most likely recommend that you begin taking vitamins, either a prescription or an over-the-counter one. Do not take any other vitamin or mineral supplement unless your doctor advises you to. Also, nutritional supplements can be a valuable addition to your fertility treatment, but they are not a substitute for fertility testing and care.
