Do prenatal vitamins increase fertility. How do prenatal vitamins contribute to a healthy pregnancy. When should you start taking prenatal vitamins. What are the key nutrients in prenatal vitamins. How do prenatal vitamins affect fetal development. Can prenatal vitamins prevent birth defects. Are there any side effects of taking prenatal vitamins.

Understanding the Role of Prenatal Vitamins in Conception

Prenatal vitamins are often associated with pregnancy, but their benefits extend far beyond the nine months of gestation. While these supplements don’t directly increase fertility, they play a crucial role in preparing your body for conception and ensuring a healthy start for your future baby.

Do prenatal vitamins help you get pregnant? The short answer is no. However, they serve as a vital tool in supporting your body’s nutritional needs before and during pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins help prevent pregnancy complications, such as low birth weight and premature birth, ultimately contributing to a healthier pregnancy and childbirth experience.

The Optimal Time to Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins

When should you start taking prenatal vitamins? It’s recommended to begin taking prenatal vitamins at least three months before trying to conceive. This timing aligns with the 90-day development cycle of an egg before it’s released for ovulation.

During this three-month period, the egg undergoes significant changes and preparations for potential fertilization. Various factors can influence the health of your eggs and ovaries during this time, including:

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

By starting prenatal vitamins early, you’re providing your body with essential nutrients that can support the development of healthy eggs and create an optimal environment for conception.

Key Nutrients in Prenatal Vitamins and Their Importance

Prenatal vitamins are formulated with specific nutrients that are crucial for fetal development and maternal health. What are the key nutrients found in prenatal vitamins?

• Folic Acid: Essential for preventing neural tube defects
• Iron: Supports the increased blood volume during pregnancy
• Calcium: Crucial for fetal bone development
• Vitamin D: Aids in calcium absorption and bone health
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Support fetal brain and eye development
• Iodine: Important for thyroid function and fetal brain development
• Vitamin B12: Supports fetal nervous system development

How do these nutrients contribute to a healthy pregnancy? By ensuring your body has adequate stores of these essential vitamins and minerals, you’re setting the stage for optimal fetal development and reducing the risk of certain pregnancy complications.

The Impact of Prenatal Vitamins on Fetal Development

How do prenatal vitamins affect fetal development? While they don’t directly cause pregnancy, prenatal vitamins play a crucial role in supporting the healthy development of your future baby from the moment of conception.

Can prenatal vitamins prevent birth defects? Research has shown that taking prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of certain birth defects, including:

• Neural tube defects (such as spina bifida)
• Heart defects
• Limb deformities
• Cleft palate

The folic acid in prenatal vitamins is particularly crucial in preventing neural tube defects, which occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she’s pregnant. This underscores the importance of starting prenatal vitamins before conception.

Prenatal Vitamins and Reduced Risk of Pregnancy Complications

Beyond supporting fetal development, prenatal vitamins can also help reduce the risk of certain pregnancy complications. How do prenatal vitamins contribute to a smoother pregnancy?

• Reduced risk of preterm birth: Research suggests that women who take vitamins before conception may reduce their risk of preterm birth by up to 50%.
• Lower risk of miscarriage: Some studies have associated prenatal vitamin use with a lower risk of miscarriage.
• Prevention of anemia: The iron in prenatal vitamins helps prevent maternal anemia, a common pregnancy complication.
• Support for maternal health: Prenatal vitamins help ensure that the mother’s nutritional needs are met, even as her body works to support the growing fetus.

By providing your body with essential nutrients, prenatal vitamins can help create a more stable and healthy environment for your pregnancy to progress.

Choosing the Right Prenatal Vitamin

With numerous options available, how do you choose the right prenatal vitamin? Here are some factors to consider:

• Folic acid content: Look for a prenatal vitamin that contains at least 400 mcg of folic acid.
• Iron levels: Ensure the vitamin contains adequate iron to support increased blood volume during pregnancy.
• DHA content: Some prenatal vitamins include DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid important for fetal brain development.
• Calcium and Vitamin D: These nutrients are crucial for bone health for both mother and baby.
• Iodine: Adequate iodine is essential for thyroid function and fetal brain development.
• Digestibility: Consider a prenatal vitamin that’s easy on your stomach, especially if you’re prone to nausea.

It’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider when choosing a prenatal vitamin. They can recommend a supplement that best suits your individual needs and health profile.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Are there any side effects of taking prenatal vitamins? While prenatal vitamins are generally safe, some women may experience mild side effects, including:

• Nausea or upset stomach
• Constipation
• Unusual taste in the mouth

To minimize these effects, try taking your prenatal vitamin with food or before bed. If side effects persist, consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend switching to a different brand or formulation.

It’s important to note that prenatal vitamins should not be considered a substitute for a healthy diet. While they help fill nutritional gaps, they work best in conjunction with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.

Complementary Lifestyle Factors for Optimal Fertility

While prenatal vitamins play a crucial role in preparing for pregnancy, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. What other factors can contribute to optimal fertility?

• Balanced diet: Focus on consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Regular exercise: Moderate physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress, both of which are beneficial for fertility.
• Stress management: High stress levels can interfere with ovulation. Consider practices like meditation, yoga, or regular relaxation techniques.
• Adequate sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for hormonal balance and overall health.
• Avoiding harmful substances: Limit or eliminate alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco, which can negatively impact fertility.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: Being either underweight or overweight can affect fertility.

Remember, preparing for pregnancy is a holistic process. Prenatal vitamins work best when combined with overall healthy lifestyle choices.

The Role of Folic Acid in Prenatal Vitamins

Among the various nutrients in prenatal vitamins, folic acid deserves special attention. Why is folic acid so crucial in prenatal vitamins?

• Neural tube defect prevention: Folic acid is essential in preventing neural tube defects, which affect the brain and spine of the developing fetus.
• Early development support: The neural tube forms within the first 28 days after conception, often before a woman knows she’s pregnant. This is why starting folic acid supplementation before pregnancy is crucial.
• Cellular growth and division: Folic acid plays a vital role in DNA synthesis and cell division, processes that are rapid during early fetal development.
• Blood formation: This nutrient is also important for the formation of red blood cells, which increase significantly during pregnancy.

The recommended daily intake of folic acid for women of childbearing age is 400-800 micrograms. Most prenatal vitamins contain this amount, ensuring you’re getting adequate folic acid to support early fetal development.

Prenatal Vitamins and Male Fertility

While the focus is often on women’s prenatal health, men’s nutritional status also plays a role in fertility. Can prenatal vitamins benefit male fertility?

While men don’t need to take prenatal vitamins specifically, certain nutrients found in these supplements can support male reproductive health:

• Zinc: Important for sperm production and testosterone levels
• Selenium: Supports sperm motility
• Vitamin C: An antioxidant that can improve sperm quality
• Vitamin E: Another antioxidant that may enhance male fertility
• Folic Acid: Some studies suggest it may improve sperm count

Men trying to conceive might benefit from a multivitamin that includes these nutrients. However, as with women, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Prenatal Vitamins and Nutrient Absorption

Taking prenatal vitamins is important, but how can you ensure optimal absorption of these nutrients? Here are some tips:

• Take with food: Many vitamins are better absorbed when taken with a meal, particularly one that contains some fat.
• Spread throughout the day: If your prenatal vitamin contains high levels of iron or calcium, consider splitting the dose throughout the day for better absorption.
• Avoid certain combinations: Calcium can interfere with iron absorption, so if your prenatal contains both, consider taking them at different times.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help your body process the vitamins more effectively.
• Be consistent: Take your prenatal vitamin at the same time each day to establish a routine and ensure you don’t miss doses.

Remember, everyone’s body is different. If you’re concerned about nutrient absorption or experiencing any issues, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

The Importance of Continuing Prenatal Vitamins During Pregnancy

While starting prenatal vitamins before conception is crucial, it’s equally important to continue taking them throughout pregnancy. Why should you maintain your prenatal vitamin regimen during pregnancy?

• Ongoing fetal development: Your baby’s nutritional needs continue to evolve throughout pregnancy, and prenatal vitamins help ensure these needs are met.
• Maternal health support: Pregnancy places increased demands on your body, and prenatal vitamins help support your health during this time.
• Prevention of complications: Continuing prenatal vitamins can help prevent pregnancy-related complications such as anemia.
• Breastfeeding preparation: The nutrients stored during pregnancy can support breastfeeding in the postpartum period.

Your healthcare provider may adjust your prenatal vitamin regimen as your pregnancy progresses, based on your individual needs and any specific health concerns.

Prenatal Vitamins and Postpartum Health

The benefits of prenatal vitamins extend beyond pregnancy. Should you continue taking prenatal vitamins after giving birth?

Many healthcare providers recommend continuing prenatal vitamins for at least six weeks postpartum, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Here’s why:

• Nutrient replenishment: Pregnancy and childbirth can deplete your body’s nutrient stores, and continuing prenatal vitamins can help replenish these.
• Breastfeeding support: If you’re breastfeeding, your nutritional needs remain high, and prenatal vitamins can help ensure you’re getting adequate nutrients.
• Postpartum recovery: The nutrients in prenatal vitamins can support your body’s recovery after childbirth.
• Mood regulation: Some nutrients in prenatal vitamins, such as B vitamins and omega-3s, may help support mood regulation in the postpartum period.

As always, consult with your healthcare provider about the best postpartum nutrition plan for your individual needs.

The Role of Diet in Conjunction with Prenatal Vitamins

While prenatal vitamins are crucial, they’re not a substitute for a healthy diet. How can you optimize your nutrition alongside prenatal vitamins?

Focus on consuming a balanced diet rich in:

• Fruits and vegetables: Provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber
• Whole grains: Offer complex carbohydrates and B vitamins
• Lean proteins: Important for fetal growth and development
• Healthy fats: Crucial for fetal brain development
• Dairy or calcium-rich alternatives: Support bone health for both mother and baby

Remember, prenatal vitamins are designed to supplement a healthy diet, not replace it. By combining a nutritious diet with prenatal vitamins, you’re providing the best possible nutritional foundation for your pregnancy journey.

Addressing Common Myths About Prenatal Vitamins

There are several misconceptions about prenatal vitamins that need clarification. Let’s address some common myths:

• Myth: Prenatal vitamins make you fertile
  Reality: While they support overall health, prenatal vitamins don’t directly increase fertility.
• Myth: You only need to take prenatal vitamins once you’re pregnant
  Reality: It’s beneficial to start taking them at least three months before conception.
• Myth: All prenatal vitamins are the same
  Reality: Different brands and formulations can vary in their nutrient content and quality.
• Myth: Prenatal vitamins can replace a healthy diet
  Reality: They’re designed to supplement, not replace, a balanced diet.
• Myth: More is always better when it comes to prenatal vitamins
  Reality: Taking more than the recommended dose can be harmful. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance.

Understanding these facts can help you make informed decisions about your prenatal care and set realistic expectations about the role of prenatal vitamins in your pregnancy journey.

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.

If you have questions on the first point, you can write them in telegram or contact us through the contacts listed on the site

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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.

Vitamins and pregnancy – articles from the specialists of the clinic “Mother and Child”

Kurbatskaya Olga Nikolaevna

Obstetrician-gynecologist

Lapino-1 Clinical Hospital “Mother and Child”

One of the most common questions that pregnant women ask their doctor is what vitamins should I take during pregnancy? Let’s say right away whether expectant mothers need to drink pharmaceutical vitamins or not – there is no unequivocal answer to this question. Some doctors believe that the necessary nutrients should be obtained from natural products. Others are in favor of taking pharmaceutical multivitamins. It can only be said unequivocally that vitamins and microelements must necessarily enter the body of a pregnant woman. We will tell you which of them are most important for the expectant mother.

Folic acid

Other names for this vitamin are vitamin B ₉ or B _with . This vitamin is necessary for cell division and reproduction, so it is especially important in the first trimester of pregnancy, when all organs and systems of the child are being laid. Folic acid plays an important role in the synthesis of hemoglobin, and with its deficiency, anemia can develop. And folic acid also helps to reduce the likelihood of spinal defects in a child, takes care of the correct formation of his psyche and intellect. It is better to start taking folic acid three months before the planned conception, since a small supply of this vitamin will only be useful for both the expectant mother and the baby. If the pregnancy has come unplanned, then folic acid must be taken as soon as the woman finds out about her situation. On average, the dosage of this vitamin is from 0. 4 to 0.8 mg per day.

Calcium

An expectant mother needs about 1200–1400 mg of calcium daily, while an ordinary woman needs 800–1000 mg of this trace element. Why? During pregnancy, the amount of calcium in the body of the expectant mother is significantly reduced, since it is also spent on the growth and development of the child. Especially a lot of calcium is needed in the third trimester, when the baby’s skeleton is calcified. But calcium is needed not only for the growth of bones and teeth of a child – with its help, his nervous system, his heart, muscles, skin tissues, eyes, ears, hair and nails are formed. A pregnant woman needs calcium for the full functioning of the kidneys, the prevention of muscle pain, constipation, osteoporosis, caries and toxicosis. In addition, this trace element protects the expectant mother from stress and nervous overload.

Vitamin E

This vitamin is involved in the process of tissue respiration, it helps oxygen to penetrate into every cell of the body. At the same time, vitamin E is an excellent antioxidant: it protects cells from the formation of free radicals that can provoke various diseases. This protective function is especially important at the stage of embryo formation. In addition, vitamin E helps to normalize the hormonal balance of the body. In the early stages, it participates in the formation of the placenta, and also protects against abortion. The dose of vitamin E during pregnancy is 15 mg.

Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, not less than this vitamin in lettuce, tomatoes, rose hips, parsley, spinach and peas. Some vitamin E is found in meat, eggs and milk.

Magnesium

Magnesium is involved in all metabolic processes, helps to cope with stress, normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system and blood pressure, and keeps blood vessels in good shape. Due to a lack of magnesium in the body, cramps in the muscles (usually in the calves) may appear. And since the uterus is also a muscular organ, with a lack of magnesium during pregnancy during gestation, the excitability of the myometrium increases, which leads to active uterine contractions. Therefore, with hypertension and the threat of abortion, magnesium is often prescribed.

Magnesium is rich in whole grains and whole grain breads, figs, almonds, seeds, dark green vegetables, and bananas.

iodine

Iodine is usually prescribed for pregnant women in the first trimester. Up to 16 weeks of pregnancy, the development of the child and the laying of all its organs and systems are “under the protection” of the mother’s thyroid gland. And if a woman has little iodine, then this means that some system or organ of the baby may suffer. And even when the child’s own thyroid gland is formed and starts working, she can still take iodine only from the mother’s body. Its daily dose is 250 mg per day.

Iodine is easiest to get from seafood and sea or iodized salt. A lot of iodine is found in sea fish, seaweed, squid, persimmon, feijoa, dates, dried figs, dairy products and meat. However, iodine is destroyed by temperature effects, which means that after heat treatment, the amount of iodine in the products decreases sharply.

Iron

Iron is necessary primarily for the prevention of anemia. After all, it is part of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body of the mother and child. In addition, iron is involved in protein synthesis, which is involved in the formation of muscle tissue. And iron deficiency can lead to increased uterine tone. The average daily dosage of iron is 30–60 mg. In some cases, if the woman’s iron supply was initially reduced, the dosage may be higher.

Iron is found in meat, especially a lot of it in veal, turkey, hare, pork and beef. There is iron in plant foods, but from there it is absorbed much worse. Iron is best absorbed when taken together with vitamin C.

If a pregnant woman eats properly and varied, eats a lot of fruits and vegetables, then she may not need an additional complex of vitamins for pregnant women. It may be necessary to drink some vitamins separately, but this should be determined by the doctor. If, before pregnancy, a woman had signs of vitamin deficiency, she eats incorrectly or poorly, then multivitamins cannot be dispensed with.

Inset

Vitamin B ₉ (folic acid) is found in animal liver, spinach, asparagus, lentils, Brussels sprouts, beans and wholemeal flour. However, it is absorbed very poorly from food, no more than 50%. That is why it is prescribed to almost all pregnant women.

At one time, our body will not be able to absorb more than 500 mg of calcium. Therefore, you should not try to get the entire daily norm of this trace element in one meal. Try to eat foods containing calcium in small portions several times a day.

To increase the concentration of magnesium in tissues, vitamin B ₆ (pyridoxine) is needed, which facilitates its absorption and acts as a conductor of magnesium into the cell. Therefore, magnesium and vitamin B ₆ are often prescribed together.

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