Does taking prenatal vitamins help you get pregnant. Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins Before Pregnancy: Preparing Your Body for Conception

30.08.202308.07.2023 by alexxlab

When should you start taking prenatal vitamins. Do prenatal vitamins make you fertile. Why should you take prenatal vitamins before trying to conceive. How do prenatal vitamins affect egg health and development.

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The Importance of Prenatal Vitamins in Preconception Care

Prenatal vitamins play a crucial role in preparing your body for pregnancy, even though they don’t directly increase fertility. While these supplements won’t magically make you pregnant, they provide essential nutrients that support overall reproductive health and reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy.

When to Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins

Ideally, you should begin taking prenatal vitamins at least three months before trying to conceive. This timing aligns with the 90-day egg development cycle, allowing the nutrients to support egg health throughout its maturation process.

The 90-Day Egg Development Journey

During the three-month period before ovulation, an egg undergoes significant changes and preparations. Various factors influence the health of developing eggs and ovaries:

Nutritional intake
Stress levels
Hormonal balance
Oxygen-rich blood flow

By addressing these factors through proper nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle changes, you can potentially improve egg quality and overall reproductive health.

Key Nutrients for Reproductive Health

Prenatal vitamins provide a range of essential nutrients that support reproductive health and fetal development. Some of the most critical components include:

Folic acid
Iron
Calcium
Vitamin D
Omega-3 fatty acids
Iodine

These nutrients play vital roles in preventing birth defects, supporting fetal growth, and maintaining maternal health throughout pregnancy.

The Impact of Prenatal Vitamins on Fertility and Pregnancy Outcomes

While prenatal vitamins don’t directly increase fertility, they can contribute to better pregnancy outcomes and reduced risks of complications. How do prenatal vitamins affect pregnancy health? They have been associated with:

Lower risk of neural tube defects
Reduced incidence of preterm birth
Decreased likelihood of low birth weight
Potential reduction in the risk of miscarriage

By providing essential nutrients, prenatal vitamins help create an optimal environment for conception and fetal development.

Nutritional Support Beyond Prenatal Vitamins

While prenatal vitamins are an excellent supplement, they should not be considered a replacement for a balanced diet. What other steps can you take to support your nutritional needs during preconception? Consider the following:

Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables
Include lean proteins and whole grains in your diet
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
Avoid raw or undercooked foods that may pose risks during pregnancy

Combining a well-rounded diet with prenatal vitamins can help ensure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients for optimal reproductive health.

Addressing Common Concerns About Prenatal Vitamins

Many women have questions about prenatal vitamins and their effects. Let’s address some common concerns:

Can prenatal vitamins cause weight gain?

Prenatal vitamins themselves do not cause weight gain. Any weight changes during preconception or pregnancy are more likely due to hormonal fluctuations, increased calorie intake, or reduced physical activity.

Are there any side effects of taking prenatal vitamins?

Some women may experience mild side effects such as nausea or constipation. These can often be mitigated by taking the vitamins with food or adjusting the time of day you take them. If side effects persist, consult your healthcare provider.

Can you take too many prenatal vitamins?

It’s important to follow the recommended dosage on the label or as advised by your healthcare provider. Excessive intake of certain nutrients, particularly fat-soluble vitamins, can be harmful.

Choosing the Right Prenatal Vitamin

With numerous prenatal vitamin options available, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. What factors should you consider when choosing a prenatal vitamin?

Look for a supplement that contains at least 400 mcg of folic acid
Ensure it includes iron, calcium, and vitamin D
Consider a prenatal with DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) for fetal brain development
Check for third-party testing or certifications for quality assurance
Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations

Remember that the best prenatal vitamin is one that you’ll consistently take and that meets your individual nutritional needs.

Lifestyle Factors That Complement Prenatal Vitamin Use

While prenatal vitamins provide essential nutrients, they work best when combined with a healthy lifestyle. What additional steps can you take to optimize your reproductive health?

Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise
Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga
Get adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night)
Avoid exposure to harmful substances like tobacco, alcohol, and environmental toxins
Stay up-to-date with regular check-ups and screenings

By adopting these habits alongside prenatal vitamin supplementation, you create a supportive environment for conception and a healthy pregnancy.

The Role of Prenatal Vitamins in Male Fertility

While much of the focus is on female reproductive health, prenatal vitamins can also benefit male fertility. How do certain nutrients support sperm health?

Zinc promotes sperm production and motility
Selenium supports sperm development and protects against oxidative stress
Vitamin C may improve sperm count and quality
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting sperm from damage

Encouraging your partner to take a multivitamin or specific male fertility supplement can complement your preconception efforts.

Beyond Conception: The Continued Importance of Prenatal Vitamins

Once you become pregnant, the role of prenatal vitamins doesn’t diminish. In fact, they become even more crucial. How do prenatal vitamins support fetal development throughout pregnancy?

Folic acid continues to support neural tube development
Iron helps prevent anemia and supports the increased blood volume during pregnancy
Calcium and vitamin D promote healthy bone development
Iodine supports thyroid function and fetal brain development

Continuing prenatal vitamin supplementation throughout pregnancy and even during breastfeeding ensures ongoing nutritional support for both mother and baby.

Addressing Specific Nutritional Needs

While prenatal vitamins provide a broad spectrum of nutrients, some women may have specific nutritional requirements. How can you address individual needs?

Vegetarian and Vegan Diets

Women following plant-based diets may need to pay special attention to certain nutrients:

Vitamin B12, which is primarily found in animal products
Iron, which is less readily absorbed from plant sources
Omega-3 fatty acids, typically obtained from fish

Consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to ensure your prenatal vitamin and diet meet these specific needs.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions may require adjusted nutrient intake or specialized prenatal formulations:

Women with anemia may need additional iron
Those with a history of neural tube defects may require higher doses of folic acid
Women with thyroid disorders may need careful monitoring of iodine intake

Always discuss your medical history and any existing conditions with your healthcare provider when planning for pregnancy.

The Psychological Benefits of Prenatal Vitamin Use

Beyond their physiological effects, taking prenatal vitamins can have positive psychological impacts. How does this simple act contribute to mental preparedness for pregnancy?

Creates a sense of proactive preparation for pregnancy
Establishes a daily routine that prioritizes health
Provides peace of mind knowing you’re supporting your body’s nutritional needs
Can serve as a tangible reminder of your pregnancy goals

This psychological readiness can contribute to reduced stress and anxiety as you navigate the preconception period.

Navigating Fertility Challenges with Nutritional Support

For couples experiencing fertility difficulties, nutrition plays a crucial role alongside medical interventions. How can prenatal vitamins and proper nutrition support fertility treatments?

Provides essential nutrients that may improve egg and sperm quality
Supports overall reproductive health, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of treatments
Helps prepare the body for the demands of pregnancy, should conception occur
May reduce the risk of complications during fertility treatments

While prenatal vitamins are not a cure for infertility, they can be an important part of a comprehensive approach to reproductive health.

The Future of Prenatal Nutrition

As research in reproductive health and nutrition advances, our understanding of prenatal care continues to evolve. What developments can we expect in the field of prenatal nutrition?

More personalized prenatal vitamin formulations based on genetic profiles and individual needs
Increased focus on the role of the microbiome in fertility and pregnancy health
Advanced nutrient delivery systems for improved absorption and efficacy
Greater emphasis on preconception care for both partners
Integration of nutritional counseling with reproductive health services

Staying informed about these advancements can help you make the best decisions for your reproductive health journey.

Empowering Your Preconception Journey

Taking prenatal vitamins is just one aspect of preparing for pregnancy. How can you take a comprehensive approach to preconception health?

Schedule a preconception check-up with your healthcare provider
Discuss any medications or supplements you’re currently taking
Consider genetic carrier screening
Optimize your overall health through diet, exercise, and stress management
Educate yourself about fertility and the conception process

By taking these steps, you’re not only preparing your body for pregnancy but also equipping yourself with knowledge and support for the journey ahead.

Remember, while prenatal vitamins play a crucial role in preconception and pregnancy health, they are most effective when combined with a holistic approach to wellness. By prioritizing your overall health and working closely with healthcare providers, you’re taking important steps towards a healthy pregnancy and a thriving family.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.