Though there are many doctors who insist on the taking of prenatal vitamins, they may sometimes leave the purpose unclear. Today it is current consensus that prenatal vitamins contain the ability to perform good work on a person's health. The primary function of these vitamins are to make sure that all the proper nutrients are taken in during a pregnancy. Still, knowing this alone may not be enough to convince you to stick with your doctor's vitamin regimen. It is important to acknowledge the benefits gained from these prenatal vitamins so that you will not forget to take yours.
Recent research has indicated that if pregnant women begin taking prenatal vitamins early in their pregnancy, they can lessen the risk of their child developing certain types of brain tumors as they grow. In babies whose mothers began their prenatal vitamin routine close to the time of conception, medulloblastoma and neuroectodermal tumors were less likely to occur.
The developing brain and spinal cord are the hardest hit with neural problems. Within one month, neural defects will already make themselves apparent. One of the frequent articulations of neural formation problems is spina bifida. Spina bifida is marked by damaged nerves due to exposure from a failure of the spine to completely form. Outward symptoms include incontinence and the marked loss of both mental and motor function. In addition to helping to prevent spina bifida, the folic acid has been shown to help decrease the risk of premature birth and underweight children.
To ensure the ability to form bones correctly, calcium is an essential nutrient. A growing fetus requires much calcium, and it is better for the mother than the fetus takes it from incoming calcium, rather than the mother's own skeleton. A corollary to increased calcium intake is calcium's partner in crime, Vitamin D.
In order to ensure a functioning thyroid gland, one must take the proper levels of iodine. Pregnancy will increase the workload of the thyroid, so iodine levels must increase to avoid the growth of a goiter. Aside from risk to the mother, a lack of iodine can lead to hypothyroidism for the fetus. An unexpected side effect can occur from an enlarged thyroid when it presses off and partially closes the airway. Finally, undiagnosed hypothyroidism can lead to retarded brain function.
Iron is another vital nutrient, as it helps create and maintain the correct level of hemoglobin in the blood. This necessary hemoglobin is the key to getting oxygen from the lungs into red blood cells. On top of that, the fetus will begin to stockpile iron in the liver to survive its early months outside the womb, where it is fed by low-iron milk.
Salt is the balancing mechanism in the body, which allows fluids to keep an even balance. With the added fetus in the womb, fluid balance becomes more important than ever. Just as necessary is zinc, which is linked with increased preterm births for those who lack the nutrient.
Ensuring the right balance of all necessary nutrients for a pregnant woman is one of the most critical parts of prenatal care. Talk to your doctor to find out which prenatal vitamins are essential for you to take. The first few months of a child's development in the womb are some of the most crucial moments in a child's life; make sure you're taking the right prenatal vitamins to ensure both yours and your baby's health.
Recent research has indicated that if pregnant women begin taking prenatal vitamins early in their pregnancy, they can lessen the risk of their child developing certain types of brain tumors as they grow. In babies whose mothers began their prenatal vitamin routine close to the time of conception, medulloblastoma and neuroectodermal tumors were less likely to occur.
The developing brain and spinal cord are the hardest hit with neural problems. Within one month, neural defects will already make themselves apparent. One of the frequent articulations of neural formation problems is spina bifida. Spina bifida is marked by damaged nerves due to exposure from a failure of the spine to completely form. Outward symptoms include incontinence and the marked loss of both mental and motor function. In addition to helping to prevent spina bifida, the folic acid has been shown to help decrease the risk of premature birth and underweight children.
To ensure the ability to form bones correctly, calcium is an essential nutrient. A growing fetus requires much calcium, and it is better for the mother than the fetus takes it from incoming calcium, rather than the mother's own skeleton. A corollary to increased calcium intake is calcium's partner in crime, Vitamin D.
In order to ensure a functioning thyroid gland, one must take the proper levels of iodine. Pregnancy will increase the workload of the thyroid, so iodine levels must increase to avoid the growth of a goiter. Aside from risk to the mother, a lack of iodine can lead to hypothyroidism for the fetus. An unexpected side effect can occur from an enlarged thyroid when it presses off and partially closes the airway. Finally, undiagnosed hypothyroidism can lead to retarded brain function.
Iron is another vital nutrient, as it helps create and maintain the correct level of hemoglobin in the blood. This necessary hemoglobin is the key to getting oxygen from the lungs into red blood cells. On top of that, the fetus will begin to stockpile iron in the liver to survive its early months outside the womb, where it is fed by low-iron milk.
Salt is the balancing mechanism in the body, which allows fluids to keep an even balance. With the added fetus in the womb, fluid balance becomes more important than ever. Just as necessary is zinc, which is linked with increased preterm births for those who lack the nutrient.
Ensuring the right balance of all necessary nutrients for a pregnant woman is one of the most critical parts of prenatal care. Talk to your doctor to find out which prenatal vitamins are essential for you to take. The first few months of a child's development in the womb are some of the most crucial moments in a child's life; make sure you're taking the right prenatal vitamins to ensure both yours and your baby's health.
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