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Should You Take Prenatal Vitamins During Pregnancy?

Many women begin taking prenatal vitamins even before they fall pregnant, while they are trying to conceive. Prenatal vitamins contain the daily amounts of vitamins and minerals that your body may require during pregnancy.

Your prenatal vitamins are very different from normal supplements or general multivitamins because of it's folic acid and iron content. These two are the most important minerals your body and developing baby will need during your pregnancy.

Prenatal vitamins contain other essential vitamins and minerals other than just iron and folic acid which are essential for the development of your baby and your own continued good health during pregnancy.

A typical prenatal vitamin may contain the following:

Vitamin/Mineral	Reason for Vitamin/Mineral
Calcium	Helps build healthy and strong teeth and bones for you and your baby
Copper	Helps to prevent anemia aswell as your baby's bone formation
Folic Acid	Reduces the risk of neural tube defects and to help in blood cell production
Iodine	Helps to control your metabolism
Iron	Prevents anemia and helps your baby's blood development
Vitamin A	For general health and body Metabolism
Vitamin B1	For general health and body Metabolism
Vitamin B2	For general health and body Metabolism
Vitamin B3	For general health and body Metabolism
Vitamin B6	For general health and body Metabolism
Vitamin B12	Promotes blood formation
Vitamin C	Helps the body to absorb iron
Vitamin D	Strengthens baby's bones and teeth and helps your body to use calcium and phosphorus
Vitamin E	For general health and body Metabolism
Zinc	Balances fluids in your body as well as aiding in the function of nerve and liver functions

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Should You Take Prenatal Vitamins During Pregnancy?