When should you start taking prenatal vitamins. Do prenatal vitamins make you fertile. Why is it important to take prenatal vitamins before trying to conceive. How do prenatal vitamins impact egg health and development. What are the key nutrients in prenatal vitamins that support fertility and early pregnancy.

Understanding the Role of Prenatal Vitamins in Preconception Health

Prenatal vitamins play a crucial role in preparing the body for pregnancy, even though they don’t directly increase fertility. Many women wonder if these supplements can help them conceive, but their primary function is to support a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of complications. Let’s explore the benefits of prenatal vitamins and their impact on preconception health.

The Timing of Prenatal Vitamin Supplementation

When is the ideal time to start taking prenatal vitamins? Experts recommend beginning supplementation at least three months before trying to conceive. This timeline aligns with the 90-day egg maturation process, allowing for optimal nourishment of developing eggs before ovulation occurs.

The 90-Day Journey of Egg Development

Understanding the egg maturation process is crucial for appreciating the importance of prenatal vitamins. During the 90 days leading up to ovulation, an egg undergoes significant changes and is influenced by various factors:

• Nutritional intake
• Stress levels
• Hormonal balance
• Oxygen-rich blood flow

Each of these elements can impact the health and quality of the egg, ultimately affecting fertility and the potential for a successful pregnancy.

Debunking the Fertility Myth: Do Prenatal Vitamins Increase Fertility?

Can prenatal vitamins make you more fertile? While prenatal vitamins don’t directly enhance fertility, they do play a vital role in creating an optimal environment for conception and early pregnancy. By providing essential nutrients, these supplements support overall reproductive health and prepare the body for the demands of pregnancy.

The Nutritional Safety Net

Achieving optimal nutrition through diet alone can be challenging. Prenatal vitamins serve as a nutritional safety net, ensuring that your body receives the necessary vitamins and minerals to support egg health and early fetal development. This supplementation helps bridge the gap between dietary intake and recommended nutrient levels.

Key Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins Before Conception

Taking prenatal vitamins before trying to conceive offers several advantages:

1. Supports healthy egg development
2. Reduces the risk of neural tube defects
3. Lowers the likelihood of preterm birth
4. Decreases the incidence of birth defects
5. Prepares the body for the nutritional demands of pregnancy

These benefits underscore the importance of preconception care and highlight why healthcare providers recommend prenatal supplementation before pregnancy.

Essential Nutrients in Prenatal Vitamins for Preconception Health

Prenatal vitamins contain a range of nutrients crucial for reproductive health and early fetal development. Some of the key components include:

• Folic acid: Crucial for preventing neural tube defects
• Iron: Supports increased blood volume and prevents anemia
• Calcium: Essential for fetal bone development
• Vitamin D: Aids calcium absorption and supports immune function
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Promote fetal brain and eye development
• Iodine: Supports thyroid function and fetal brain development

These nutrients work synergistically to create an optimal environment for conception and early pregnancy.

The Impact of Prenatal Vitamins on Egg Health

How do prenatal vitamins influence egg health and development? While they don’t directly increase fertility, these supplements provide essential nutrients that support overall reproductive health. Adequate nutrition during the 90-day egg maturation process can positively impact:

• Egg quality
• Hormonal balance
• Ovarian function
• Uterine lining health

By optimizing these aspects of reproductive health, prenatal vitamins help create a favorable environment for conception and implantation.

Prenatal Vitamins and Reduced Risk of Pregnancy Complications

One of the most significant benefits of taking prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy is the reduced risk of certain complications. Research has shown that prenatal supplementation can lead to:

• Lower incidence of neural tube defects
• Reduced risk of preterm birth
• Decreased likelihood of low birth weight
• Lower rates of certain congenital anomalies

These outcomes highlight the importance of prenatal vitamins in supporting a healthy pregnancy and reducing the risk of adverse events.

The Role of Folic Acid in Preventing Neural Tube Defects

Folic acid, a B vitamin found in prenatal supplements, plays a crucial role in preventing neural tube defects. These serious birth defects affect the brain and spinal cord and can occur very early in pregnancy, often before a woman knows she’s pregnant. By taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid before conception, women can significantly reduce the risk of these defects.

Lifestyle Factors That Complement Prenatal Vitamin Supplementation

While prenatal vitamins are an essential component of preconception care, they work best when combined with other healthy lifestyle choices. To optimize reproductive health and prepare for pregnancy, consider incorporating the following practices:

• Maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques
• Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and excessive caffeine
• Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight
• Getting adequate sleep

These lifestyle factors, in conjunction with prenatal vitamin supplementation, can create an ideal environment for conception and support a healthy pregnancy.

The Importance of Hydration and Exercise

Proper hydration and regular exercise play vital roles in reproductive health. Drinking at least 64 ounces of water daily and engaging in moderate exercise can improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, supporting egg health and overall fertility. These practices complement the benefits of prenatal vitamins and contribute to a holistic approach to preconception care.

Choosing the Right Prenatal Vitamin

With numerous prenatal vitamin options available, selecting the right supplement can be overwhelming. When choosing a prenatal vitamin, consider the following factors:

• Nutrient content and dosages
• Form (tablet, capsule, gummy, or liquid)
• Potential side effects
• Third-party testing and quality certifications
• Specific health needs or dietary restrictions

Consulting with a healthcare provider can help you select a prenatal vitamin that best meets your individual needs and supports your reproductive health goals.

The Importance of Consulting a Healthcare Provider

While prenatal vitamins are generally safe for most women, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. A medical professional can assess your individual health needs, recommend appropriate dosages, and address any concerns or potential interactions with other medications.

Addressing Common Concerns About Prenatal Vitamins

Many women have questions and concerns about taking prenatal vitamins. Let’s address some of the most common issues:

Side Effects of Prenatal Vitamins

Some women experience side effects when taking prenatal vitamins, such as nausea, constipation, or headaches. These effects are often mild and can be mitigated by taking the supplement with food, staying hydrated, or adjusting the time of day when the vitamin is taken. If side effects persist or become severe, consult with a healthcare provider.

Overdosing on Prenatal Vitamins

Is it possible to take too many prenatal vitamins? While it’s essential to follow the recommended dosage, taking slightly more than the suggested amount is unlikely to cause harm. However, excessive intake of certain nutrients, particularly fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, can potentially lead to adverse effects. Always adhere to the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Prenatal Vitamins and Birth Control

Can you take prenatal vitamins while on birth control? In most cases, it’s safe to take prenatal vitamins while using hormonal contraceptives. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure there are no potential interactions between your specific birth control method and the prenatal supplement.

The Role of Diet in Conjunction with Prenatal Vitamins

While prenatal vitamins provide essential nutrients, they should not be considered a substitute for a healthy, balanced diet. A nutritious eating plan rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is crucial for overall health and fertility. Prenatal vitamins work best when combined with a well-rounded diet that provides a variety of nutrients.

Nutrient-Rich Foods to Support Fertility

In addition to taking prenatal vitamins, incorporating the following nutrient-rich foods into your diet can support reproductive health:

• Leafy green vegetables (rich in folate)
• Fatty fish (high in omega-3 fatty acids)
• Lean meats and poultry (good sources of iron)
• Nuts and seeds (provide healthy fats and minerals)
• Dairy products or fortified plant-based alternatives (calcium and vitamin D)
• Citrus fruits (vitamin C for iron absorption)

These foods complement the nutrients found in prenatal vitamins and contribute to overall reproductive health.

The Future of Prenatal Nutrition: Personalized Approaches

As our understanding of reproductive health and nutrition continues to evolve, the future of prenatal care may involve more personalized approaches to supplementation. Advances in genetic testing and nutritional science may lead to tailored prenatal vitamin formulations based on individual needs, genetic factors, and lifestyle considerations.

The Potential of Nutrigenomics in Prenatal Care

Nutrigenomics, the study of how genes and nutrients interact, holds promise for optimizing prenatal nutrition. In the future, healthcare providers may be able to recommend specific nutrient combinations based on a woman’s genetic profile, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of prenatal supplementation and further reducing the risk of pregnancy complications.

Continuing Prenatal Vitamin Supplementation Throughout Pregnancy

While the focus of this article has been on preconception care, it’s important to note that prenatal vitamin supplementation should continue throughout pregnancy and often into the postpartum period. The nutritional demands of pregnancy evolve over time, and prenatal vitamins help ensure that both mother and baby receive essential nutrients throughout gestation and early infancy.

Adjusting Supplementation During Pregnancy

As pregnancy progresses, nutritional needs may change. Some women may require additional supplementation of certain nutrients, such as iron or calcium, based on their individual health status and the recommendations of their healthcare provider. Regular prenatal check-ups provide opportunities to assess nutritional status and adjust supplementation as needed.

The Role of Partner Health in Conception

While much of the focus on preconception health is often on women, it’s important to recognize that partner health also plays a crucial role in fertility and conception. Male partners can benefit from certain supplements and lifestyle changes to support sperm health and overall reproductive function.

Supplements for Male Fertility

Some nutrients that may support male fertility include:

• Zinc
• Selenium
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Folic acid
• Coenzyme Q10

Men considering fatherhood may want to discuss appropriate supplementation with their healthcare provider to optimize their reproductive health.

Addressing Specific Health Conditions and Prenatal Supplementation

Women with certain health conditions may require specialized approaches to prenatal supplementation. Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune diseases can impact nutritional needs and may necessitate adjustments to standard prenatal vitamin regimens.

Prenatal Vitamins for Women with PCOS

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may benefit from specific nutrient combinations to support hormonal balance and reproductive health. For example, supplements containing inositol, a B-vitamin-like compound, have shown promise in improving ovulatory function and insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS.

The Psychological Impact of Preconception Care

Taking prenatal vitamins and engaging in preconception care can have positive psychological effects on individuals and couples planning for pregnancy. These proactive steps can provide a sense of control and preparedness, potentially reducing anxiety and stress associated with trying to conceive.

Mindfulness and Stress Reduction in Preconception Care

Incorporating mindfulness practices and stress reduction techniques alongside prenatal vitamin supplementation can further support reproductive health. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises may help manage stress levels, which can impact fertility and overall well-being.

The Global Impact of Prenatal Nutrition

The importance of prenatal nutrition extends beyond individual health outcomes. On a global scale, improving access to prenatal vitamins and education about preconception care can have far-reaching effects on maternal and child health, potentially reducing rates of birth defects, infant mortality, and developmental challenges.

Initiatives to Improve Prenatal Nutrition Worldwide

Various organizations and initiatives are working to improve access to prenatal vitamins and nutritional education in underserved communities worldwide. These efforts aim to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for mothers and babies on a global scale.

Conclusion: The Holistic Approach to Preconception Health

While prenatal vitamins don’t directly increase fertility, they play a crucial role in supporting reproductive health and preparing the body for pregnancy. By providing essential nutrients, these supplements contribute to egg health, reduce the risk of birth defects, and support early fetal development. When combined with a balanced diet, healthy lifestyle choices, and regular medical care, prenatal vitamins form an integral part of a holistic approach to preconception health.

As you embark on your journey to parenthood, remember that prenatal vitamins are just one piece of the puzzle. By taking a comprehensive approach to preconception care, you can optimize your health and create the best possible environment for conception and a healthy pregnancy. Consult with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan that addresses your unique needs and supports your reproductive health goals.

The Benefits Of Prenatal Vitamins Before Pregnancy
– feedmomandme

Written by: Co-Founder Maria Davi

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Nicole Palmer, DO

In This Article:

Congratulations, you are thinking about getting pregnant! Pregnancy is one of the most exciting times of your life, and you may be wonder, do prenatal vitamins help you get pregnant? However, the short answer is no; they help prevent pregnancy complications, such as low birth weight and premature birth. Ultimately helping you experience a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.

Prenatal multivitamins may not help your chances of getting pregnant, but they reduce your chances of birth defects. Their use significantly helps reduce the likelihood of neural tube defects, spina bifida and is associates with a lower risk of miscarriage. Think of them as an extra insurance policy with essential nutrients that help fill the nutritional gap of your daily food intake.

We recommend you add a prenatal multivitamin before getting pregnant. While doing this may not make you pregnant, it may help prepare your body to nourish your eggs and aid your uterus to be in optimal condition for implantation. Here are the benefits of taking prenatal vitamins before pregnancy.

★ WHEN SHOULD YOU START TAKING PRENATAL VITAMINS? AND WHY? 

When many think of prenatal vitamins, they think of a prescription prenatal being taken during pregnancy, not before pregnancy. However, as the word PRENATAL suggests, think of taking prenatal multivitamins before pregnancy. It’s a good idea to start taking prenatal vitamins at least three months before trying to conceive. It takes 90 days for an egg to develop before they are released fully. A well-nurtured egg is ideal before conception.

Before an egg reaches its full maturation, it takes a 90-day adventure, changing and preparing for ovulation. During this time, the egg is impacted by both healthy and unhealthy influences. Some factors affecting healthy eggs and ovaries are nutritional intake, stress, hormonal balance, and oxygen-rich blood flow.

As many have heard before, you are what you eat! Your nutritional intake can have a positive or negative impact on the health of your eggs and ovaries. The lack of nutrients like folic acid, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids can negatively affect your reproductive system. Check out our, Feel Good Food For A Healthy Pregnancy Recipe Book for nutrient-rich recipes & nutrition guidelines to help with nutritional intake.

Stress can overall affect your health, including harming your developing egg. When you are continuously under stress, your body produces cortisol and other stress hormones, interfering with or preventing regular ovulation. Reducing your stress levels can help improve your egg health.

A women’s hormonal balance is critical for proper egg health. Factors like stress and food intake can cause hormonal imbalance, leading to a disruption in your fertility cycle and your egg health. Having a nourished endocrine system significantly influences a healthy egg’s hormonal balance and fertility cycle.

Ovaries thrive on oxygen-rich blood flow for healthy egg development. Research suggests that embryos have the highest implantation potential from oxygenated well-vascularized eggs and ovaries. Some ways to increase oxygen-rich blood flow to the ovaries are to drink at least 64 oz of water every day and exercise.

★ DO PRENATAL VITAMINS MAKE YOU FERTILE?

The short answer is no. Even though prenatal vitamins don’t make you fertile, prepping your body with prenatal vitamins to get pregnant is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your growing family. If you’re planning on getting pregnant, you should start taking a prenatal vitamin three months before conception. A developing baby strives off a well nourished body. 

Here are more advantages of taking prenatal vitamins before pregnancy.

★ REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE PRENATAL VITAMINS BEFORE TRYING TO CONCEIVE 

• As we mentioned before, healthy eggs are a vital fundamental to a healthy pregnancy. It is essential to nourish your body at least 90 days before your egg is fully developed and released from your ovary.
• Let’s be honest, eating all your recommended daily nutrients is extremely hard. That’s where a prenatal vitamin comes to save the day; it’s like a safety net to optimize your daily intake for pre-pregnancy nutrients.
• The nourishment you receive from taking prenatals before pregnancy may potentially prevent the risk of preterm birth.Research suggests women who take vitamins before conception reduced the risk of preterm birth by one-half!
• Prior to conception, taking prenatal vitamins has been clinically proven to reduce birth irregularities. These birth defects are neural tube defects, heart defects, limb deformities, and cleft palate. 
• From the moment of conception, folate is crucial for fetal development. Within the first month of pregnancy, the baby’s neural tube develops and is one of the most critical stages of fetal development. Having adequate consumption of folate will help your developing baby thrive. We use MTHR folate in our prenatal vitamins, which is the natural form of folate. Unlike the synthetic form, folic acid.
• Like folate, choline is vital for fetal development. Choline also helps prevent neural tube defects during early pregnancy. This building blocks nutrient helps your baby’s brain and spinal cord properly develop and helps form neurotransmitters in the brain.
• Vitamin D is significant during pregnancy. Some women, especially during the winter, don’t get enough to support their baby and themselves. Vitamin D is needed to keep your bones strong and to grow your baby’s bones. It is also linked to a lower risk of first trimester miscarriages.
• DHA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that’s in many prenatal vitamins. Omega-3 fatty acids help improve egg quality, helps support an ideal level of reproductive hormones, and improve cervical mucus quality needed for the sperm to reach the egg. 
• Did you know that pregnant women need twice the amount of iron? Iron in prenatal vitamins helps your body produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to your body’s organs and tissues.

★ BEST PRENATAL VITAMINS BEFORE PREGNANCY

We highly recommend you add a prenatal vitamin before pregnancy and each week of pregnancy. One of the best over-the-counter prenatal vitamins before pregnancy is Feed Mom & Me Complete Prenatal with DHA.

This prenatal is formulated by an OBGYN & Registered Dietitian, containing all the nutrients needed to conceive and during pregnancy. Each small and easy-to-swallow pill is packed with 22 key natural nutrients to provide nutritional support for you and your growing baby. It contains Folate (methylfolate form), DHA, Iron, Calcium, Choline, Biotin, Zinc, Magnesium, and Selenium.

The vegetarian formula is free of artificial colors or flavors, chemicals, preservatives, non-GMO, dairy, soy, or gluten-free. Each of their capsules contains B6, Organic Ginger, and Peppermint Powder, which can help alleviate morning sickness and nausea.

Adding to that, it is a women-owned company. Who better than a female would understand pregnancy!

Click here for more info on Feed Mom & Me Complete Prenatal with DHA, a great pre-pregnancy pill!

+SOURCES

• https://www. plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/pre-pregnancy-health/what-are-prenatal-vitamins
• https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/21/4/1055/585607
• https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/insufficient-vitamin-d-linked-miscarriage-among-women-prior-pregnancy-loss
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15496541/
• https://www.jogc.com/article/S1701-2163(15)30230-9/fulltext
• https://natural-fertility-info.com/increase-egg-health
• https://feedmomandme.com/products/feel-good-food-for-a-healthy-pregnancy
• https://feedmomandme.com/products/complete-prenatal-vitamin-with-dha

Can taking prenatal vitamins help you get pregnant? – Stix

You’ve likely already heard a lot about prenatals, and that’s because taking a daily prenatal vitamin is important for a healthy pregnancy journey. So you know that they’re good for you—but why are these pills so important for pregnancy and what do they do, anyway? Could taking a prenatal vitamin improve your chances of getting pregnant? When should you start taking them?

Don’t worry, we’re here to help straighten out the details!

Will taking prenatal vitamins increase your chances of getting pregnant?

Sorry to break it to you but taking your prenatal vitamin won’t make you any more likely to get pregnant.

Prenatal vitamins will, however, make it significantly more likely that you experience a healthy pregnancy. So, we recommend that you add prenatals into your trying to conceive (TTC) journey, but don’t expect them to be magic fertility pills.

Taking a prenatal vitamin is also healthy for someone not looking to conceive. While it won’t support fertility, it will replenish folic acid, iron, vitamin D, and calcium stores in the body. This can help keep you strong and prevent potential health complications in an unexpected pregnancy. prenatal-multi-dha

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When should you start taking prenatal vitamins?

It’s much earlier than you may think! The ideal time to start a prenatal vitamin is around 3 months before conception. Here’s why you should start taking prenatals before pregnancy:

• Your eggs develop 90 days before they are released, and healthy eggs are key to a healthy pregnancy. It’s important that your body has quality nutrients to pull from. 
• The first few weeks of pregnancy are a really important time for fetal health and development. Taking folic acid and other prenatal vitamins can help reduce the risk of early pregnancy birth defects. Start taking folic acid at least 1 month before you start trying to get pregnant. Keep taking prenatal vitamins throughout your entire pregnancy.
• Pregnancy is taxing on the body’s nutritional stores. Give yourself a boost by taking a multivitamin to bridge any gaps. Starting a prenatal now will help you avoid any nutritional deficiencies during early pregnancy. You’ll also have time to try out a few brands to see what works for your body. 

Benefits of taking a prenatal vitamin before pregnancy

A prenatal vitamin is an excellent investment for you and your future baby. Although many of us have well-rounded diets, most of us are also unable to absorb adequate amounts of essential vitamins needed to support a healthy pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins help ensure that we’re receiving essential vitamins during pregnancy.

Studies also show that taking a daily vitamin can lower your risk of giving birth prematurely and even stave off morning sickness. But that’s not all a prenatal can do before and during pregnancy.

Taking prenatal vitamins before conception can reduce the chance of irregularities such as neural tube defects, heart defects, limb deformities, and cleft palate, according to research published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada. Additionally, taking vitamins before TTC may reduce the risk of preterm birth. Researchers at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill found that taking vitamins before conception reduced the risk of preterm birth by about one half in a group of about 2,000 women.

After conception, folate supports the earliest, most critical stages of fetal development. The baby’s brain and spine develop within the first month of pregnancy, sometimes before you even know you’re pregnant. By the time you get that first positive test, you should already be regularly consuming folate.

Prenatals also support you during your pregnancy. While pregnant, you need about twice the amount of iron and a prenatal can ensure adequate iron stores.

Disadvantages of taking prenatal vitamins when not pregnant

So what could be the bad part of taking prenatal vitamins if you’re not pregnant or trying to conceive?

Prenatal vitamins are specific are formulated  to make up the common nutritional deficiencies you experience during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But they aren’t reallyyy intended for or optimized if you’re not pregnant or breastfeedingFor example, taking too much folic acid each day can have the adverse side effect of masking a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Excess iron can be a problem and is associated with health problems like constipation, nausea, and diarrhea.

Also, quality is an important consideration when selecting a prenatal vitamins because the FDA is not required to review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed to consumers. In 2015, the New York State Attorney General’s office investigated top-selling supplements at leading retailers like Target and Walgreens and found that four out of five of the products didn’t contain the ingredients listed on the label.

We recommended using Labdoor as a resource that offers you more insight into prenatal vitamin quality. After performing a chemical analysis of a supplement in an FDA-approved lab, Labdoor produces a quality score for the product. Also, we always recommend consulting your primary care provider when selecting a prenatal vitamin.pregnancy-prep-combo

What prenatal vitamins should I take before getting pregnant?

Prenatal vitamins are readily available over the counter at your local drugstore and a prescription is generally unnecessary. While there are many great prenatal brands available, they can differ in the types and amounts of nutrients it contains.

So when shopping for prenatal vitamins, we recommend you look for these four primary nutrients that are especially important during pregnancy

• Folic acid: 600 mcg
• Iron: 27 mg
• Calcium: 1,000 mg
• Vitamin D: 600 IU

***amounts are per day and recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The following vitamins are also essential during pregnancy, and you may not get enough of them through diet alone. Having these in your prenatals are helpful too:

• Vitamin A: 770 mcg
• Vitamin C: 85 mg
• Vitamin B6: 1.9 mg
• Vitamin B12: 2.6 mcg

***amounts are per day and recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Consider it a bonus if you find a prenatal vitamin that also contains omega-3 fatty acids. There’s strong evidence indicating that omega-3 fatty acids may play an important role in the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system.

If you have any questions about which prenatal vitamin is right for you, we always recommend consulting your primary care provider.

The takeaway

As you can see, there are many benefits of prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy!

If you’re thinking seriously about becoming pregnant in the next few months or you’re already pregnant, taking a prenatal vitamin should be at the top of your to-do list.

Do you have more questions about prenatal vitamins? Ask them below in the comments section!

Vitamins for men during pregnancy planning

Nutrients, minerals and vitamins are required for the normal development of the fetus. But it is equally important for conception and pregnancy that the germ cells (egg and sperm) that are involved in conception are complete and free of defects. Therefore, vitamin complexes when planning pregnancy are necessary in the same way as during it.

This article is not to be used for diagnosis, treatment, and is not a substitute for seeing a doctor.

For a couple who wants to become parents, pregnancy planning is no less important than the pregnancy itself.

After all, you need to carefully prepare for conception, monitor your health, and eat rationally. And this applies to both partners. It is generally accepted that only the expectant mother should think and worry about the health of the long-awaited offspring. But not only a woman must “sacrifice” in order to conceive and bear a healthy baby, a man also needs to give up bad habits, change his lifestyle and nutrition in some way. Vitamins and microelements are especially important in the diet, their consumption should be sufficient for the “bookmarking” of a future healthy person. Therefore, vitamin complexes for pregnancy planning are needed for both a woman and a man who plan to acquire heirs.

Of course, a mother bears a much greater burden in terms of offspring, she will have to bear a child, feed, care for, and educate. But the future father needs to take into account that the child receives a set of genes from both parents. Therefore, a man should assist a woman in everything, with regard to joint children, and not just support his other half, but act in unison with her in preparation for pregnancy. This must be done in order to minimize the risks to the health of the future joint baby. It is necessary to plan pregnancy approximately 3-6 months before the intended conception.

What vitamins are needed to get pregnant?

Often couples have no problems conceiving, women get pregnant as soon as they stop using protection. Of course, this is wrong: if you do not prepare for pregnancy, then there is a very high chance of developing fetal pathologies, developmental disorders of the fetal neural tube, miscarriages, and miscarriage. Vitamins are needed not only by women, but also by men for the proper formation of germ cells, their maturation, and vitamins for men when planning pregnancy should be taken 3 months before the intended conception. This is because sperm development takes about three months.

If a couple has problems conceiving, often the reason for this is the inferiority of germ cells.

Pregnancy vitamins provide parents with the necessary substances for normal spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis. Their absence often causes sperm maturation problems in men. Often, with infertility, after an examination, it turns out that a man has reduced sperm quality (read how to improve sperm quality in this material – note altravita-ivf.ru), this may be the reason that conception does not occur. When a couple is given vitamin supplements to conceive faster, the quality of the sperm improves and the woman becomes pregnant. That is, they saturate the body, contribute to the normal development of sperm and eggs. What to drink to get pregnant faster, the doctor will tell you. So, men, to improve spermatogenesis, you need a sufficient amount of zinc, folic acid. Selenium and iodine are also important trace elements for normal spermatogenesis.

It is necessary to take vitamins only as prescribed by the doctor after the examination! The information on this page is for information and reference purposes only.

Doctor’s opinion

You can’t just drink vitamins that help get pregnant, you need to eat normally. The diet should be rich in fish, meat, liver, eggs, dairy products. Protein is one of the important suppliers of amino acids for the synthesis of hormones used in the regulation of spermatogenesis.

— Rasshchupkina Elena Vladimirovna

Urologist-andrologist, operating urologist

Why does a man need vitamins when planning a pregnancy

All men, and especially those who are planning to become a father, it is desirable to know some facts about spermatogenesis, this will allow a more responsible approach to future fatherhood. The development of spermatozoa (male germ cells) is a complex physiological process that occurs under the control of hormones and depends on many factors, both internal and external.

The main hormone regulating spermatogenesis is testosterone. The pituitary gonadotropes (gonadotropic hormones produced by the pituitary gland) are responsible for the synthesis of testosterone. The full cycle of spermatogenesis, that is, the formation and development of spermatozoa in the testes, occurs in about 75 days. That is why the period of 3 months, during which spermatozoa are renewed, is considered the minimum for preparing for pregnancy. Naturally, the younger and more active the sperm of a man is, the more likely conception will occur, the healthier the fetus will develop. It’s no secret that apparently healthy, athletic men have problems with spermatogenesis.

So how can vitamins help a man?

• Even with proper nutrition and a balanced diet, it is impossible to “guess” whether a sufficient amount of essential substances, microelements came from food, what element is missing. Therefore, it is necessary to take ready-made vitamin complexes as prescribed by a doctor, including physically healthy young men.
• With the use of vitamins, not only the formation and maturation of spermatozoa improves, but spermatozoa “increase the chances” of fertilizing an egg. Vitamins also have a beneficial effect on all organs and systems of the body.
• If the future father takes vitamins for pregnancy planning in preparation for conception, then this will be a great moral support for the expectant mother. The partner will demonstrate to the woman that he, together with her, is ready for significant changes in their life together.

The role of certain vitamins

Most of all the future couple needs the following vitamins:

• folic acid;
• vitamin E;
• vitamin C;
• zinc;
• selenium;
• L-carnitine.

Folic acid (B9) is necessary for the production of normal motile spermatozoa capable of fertilizing an egg. Vitamin B9 is responsible for the state of all newly formed cells of the body, so that with its lack of healthy spermatogenesis, one can only dream of. For healthy men, the daily intake is 400 micrograms. However, for certain diseases (oncology, epilepsy, infectious diseases), this amount is not enough. Schemes, dosages in each case are selected by the doctor. It is important to know that the body does not produce folic acid, so you can replenish its reserves only by taking medications, eating foods rich in vitamin B9. These are mainly the leaves of plants: black currant, plantain, rosehip, mint, dandelion. Cucumbers, beans, bananas, beets, cereals, and raspberries are also rich in folic acid.

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and prevents damage to germ cells. Thanks to him, the sensitivity of spermatozoa to negative environmental factors is reduced. Tocopherol acetate (“tocopherol” from Greek – “I bear offspring”) improves immunity, strengthens blood vessels, prevents thrombosis, improves the function of some endocrine glands, including the pituitary gland, promotes sperm motility, which is the most important factor for conception. Sedentary sperm are often the reason why a couple cannot have a baby. Foods rich in vitamin E: eggs, vegetable oils (olive, corn, peanut, soy), milk, apples, pears, legumes, liver, rose hips and raspberries. For successful conception, you need to consume 400 IU of alpha-tocopherol.

Vitamin C plays a key role in the synthesis of male sex hormones, regulates the sensitivity of receptors to them. Ascorbic acid increases the body’s resistance to pathogenic pathogens, neutralizes toxins and free radicals, participates in the production of L-carnitine, collagen, vitamin E, and has an anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effect. When taking certain medications (quinine, glucocorticosteroids, aspirin), vitamin C stores in the body are depleted. If you are taking any medications in preparation for pregnancy, be sure to notify your doctor. Ascorbic acid is found in almost all fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Especially a lot of it in parsley, blackcurrant, rose hips. It should be noted that vitamin C largely loses its medicinal properties during heat treatment. The daily requirement is 60 mg. But the vitamin intake for men when planning a pregnancy is up to 1500 mg daily.

Zinc, like selenium, supports men’s sexual activity, maintains an erection, eliminates sexual disorders, normalizes sexual desire, and participates in metabolism. It is in the spermatozoa that the highest concentration of zinc in the body is noted, not counting the skeletal muscles. With a lack of zinc, spermatogenesis is impaired. Taking preparations containing zinc and selenium improves sperm motility, increases their number, increases testosterone levels, and normalizes prostate function. Contains a trace element in the liver, beef, fish products, carrots. The daily requirement is 15 mg. Selenium is found in bran, tomatoes, garlic, herring, beef liver. The absorption of selenium is prevented by carbonated drinks, sweets. The daily requirement is 65 mcg.

L-carnitine or vitamin B11 is a leader in the treatment of infertility in men. Thanks to him, the concentration of spermatozoa in the seminal fluid increases, mobility increases, the quality of the ejaculate and its quantity improve. Vitamin B11 promotes the breakdown of fats. The element is contained in beef, but with the help of food alone it is impossible to replenish the supply of L-carnitine, you need to take medications.

After pregnancy, you should take complexes containing calcium, iron. These elements are essential for the growth and development of the baby, as well as for maintaining the health of the mother.

Foods rich in vitamins

How long to take?

It is best to take prenatal vitamins in a continuous course. The duration of admission is determined individually. For healthy men and women, 3-4 months is enough. During this time, the body will have time to make up for the lack of missing substances, get stronger, tune in to a new type of work. If previous pregnancies were accompanied by complications, expectant parents experience excessive psycho-emotional stress, chronic diseases of internal organs occur, there is contact with harmful factors at work and at home, vitamin complexes should be started six months before the planned conception.

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Contraindications for use

Men need to take vitamins to plan pregnancy in such cases:

• Deficiency of any element revealed during the examination.
• Poor spermogram.
• Recovery after a long illness.
• Early ejaculation.
• Erectile weakness, other erectile dysfunctions.

The range of contraindications to the use of vitamin complexes is very narrow. The main one is hypersensitivity to the active substance or auxiliary components of the drug. In addition, it is undesirable to take vitamins in the presence of gastritis, peptic ulcer or enteritis. You should not take vitamins for oncological malignant processes, tuberculosis (active stage), kidney, liver failure. These diseases impair the absorption of nutrients, and the prescribed treatment will not bring the desired effect.

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What to drink?

What vitamins to drink to get pregnant for a woman and a man? It all depends on the state of her health. For example, with anemia, an increased content of iron and B vitamins in food is required. But taking folic acid is mandatory for all pregnant women. It prevents the improper formation of the neural tube of the embryo, and often it is its lack that causes early miscarriages and fetal pathologies if the woman did not expect conception, did not prepare for pregnancy and did not take any drugs.

How to improve sperm quality

First of all, you need to review the diet. The future father needs to refrain from consuming fatty, hard-to-digest foods. Eliminate preservatives, flavor enhancers and other additives – they all negatively affect the quality of sperm. Introduce more fruits, vegetables, berries, seafood, lean meat, greens into the diet. Overweight men should bring their weight back to normal, since the female sex hormone, estrogen, is produced in fatty tissue.

In addition to nutrition, pay attention to the following points:

• Quit smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Visit environmentally friendly areas more.
• Avoid contact with chemicals.
• Take care of mental health, avoid stress, learn to relax.
• Before the planned conception, do not visit baths, saunas – any overheating worsens the functioning of the reproductive organs.
• Remember that testicular temperature is normally lower than body temperature. Therefore, no overheating, tight underwear, synthetics, tight jeans, too warm underwear.
• When working with a laptop, do not put it on your knees, do not keep a mobile phone in your pants pocket.

Working conditions of a man also affect the ability to conceive. At risk are: metallurgists, painters, car mechanics, builders. You need to be more careful when working with pesticides in agriculture, with paints and varnishes in the furniture industry, when working with smoking ovens.

Pregnancy planning vitamins

Svetlana

Krasnoyarsk

Preparing for pregnancy should begin with a nutritional analysis. The diet of a couple planning to become parents in the near future should be as rich as possible in vitamins. These substances play the role of regulators that affect all important biochemical and physiological processes in the body. Sufficient intake of vitamins when planning pregnancy helps to avoid many disorders in the development of the child and the health of the mother. According to experts, it is necessary to take care of getting the required amount of vitamins three months before conception. Both future parents need to focus on foods rich in folic acid, vitamin B12, ascorbic acid and vitamin E.

Pre-pregnancy vitamins: folic acid

Folic acid (vitamin B9, folacin) is one of the most important vitamins in pregnancy planning. First, it improves the quality of a man’s sperm. Secondly, with sufficient content in the tissues of a woman, it ensures the normal division of a fertilized egg, prevents the development of congenital malformations in a child and anemia in a mother.

• Folacin is recommended at 400-800 micrograms daily for 3 months before conception and throughout the first trimester of pregnancy.
• The richest sources of vitamin B9 are yeast (550 mcg per 100 g of product), beef liver (240 mcg), pork liver (225 mcg), soy (200 mcg), parsley (110 mcg), beans (90 mcg), spinach (80 mcg).
• Folic acid is very sensitive to cooking. After grinding and prolonged boiling, no more than 10-20% of the initial amount of folacin remains in the products.
• To meet the daily requirement for folic acid, experts advise to pay attention to synthetic sources of the vitamin.

Pre-pregnancy vitamins: cyanocobalamin

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) increases the chance of successful conception. It participates in the process of egg maturation. Lack of vitamin B12 can lead to the disappearance of ovulation or missed pregnancy in the early stages. Just like folic acid, vitamin B12 plays a role in the prevention of congenital malformations of the fetus.

• The daily requirement for a vitamin when planning a pregnancy is 3-4 micrograms.
• Cyanocobalamin is predominantly found in foods of animal origin. That is why the lack of this vitamin, as a rule, occurs in vegans – the most strict vegetarians who refuse not only meat, fish, eggs, but also milk and honey for many years.
• Even with a complete rejection of animal food, vitamin B12 deficiency does not develop immediately. Within 3-4 years, the body consumes the reserves located in the liver.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency is often observed in people suffering from helminthiasis and gastrointestinal diseases.
• Potassium preparations and smoking affect the content of cyanocobalamin in the body.
• The richest sources of vitamin B12 are pork (60 mcg per 100 g of product), pork liver (25 mcg), sardine (11 mcg), Atlantic herring (10 mcg).
• Vitamin B12 is destroyed by light, but is resistant to high temperatures.

Pre-Pregnancy Vitamins: Tocopherols

Vitamin E is a blend of 4 compounds known as tocopherols. To appreciate their role in the birth of a new life, it is enough to familiarize yourself with the translation of this word from Latin. “Tocos pheros” means “carrying offspring.” It has been scientifically proven that vitamin E in combination with selenium improves sperm quality. In the absence or shortage of tocopherols, degenerative changes in the reproductive system occur. During pregnancy, the development of the fetus is disrupted.

• The recommended dose of vitamin in preparation for pregnancy is 10 – 17 milligrams per day.