Does taking prenatal vitamins help you get pregnant. Prenatal Vitamins and Fertility: Benefits, Timing, and Impact on Pregnancy

27.08.202308.07.2023 by alexxlab

When should you start taking prenatal vitamins. Do prenatal vitamins increase fertility. How do prenatal vitamins affect egg health. What are the benefits of taking prenatal vitamins before conception. Can prenatal vitamins reduce the risk of birth defects.

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The Importance of Prenatal Vitamins in Preconception Care

Prenatal vitamins play a crucial role in preconception care and early pregnancy. While they don’t directly increase fertility, these supplements provide essential nutrients that support overall reproductive health and prepare the body for a healthy pregnancy. Understanding the benefits and optimal timing of prenatal vitamin intake can significantly impact maternal and fetal well-being.

Optimal Timing: When to Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins

Many women wonder about the ideal time to begin taking prenatal vitamins. Healthcare professionals recommend starting prenatal vitamin supplementation at least three months before trying to conceive. This timing aligns with the 90-day egg development cycle, ensuring that eggs are well-nourished throughout their 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 egg health during this time, including:

Nutritional intake
Stress levels
Hormonal balance
Oxygen-rich blood flow

By starting prenatal vitamins early, women can provide their bodies with the necessary nutrients to support optimal egg health and development.

Do Prenatal Vitamins Enhance Fertility?

A common misconception is that prenatal vitamins directly increase fertility. In reality, these supplements do not make a woman more fertile. However, they do play a vital role in preparing the body for conception and supporting a healthy pregnancy.

How do prenatal vitamins contribute to reproductive health? While they don’t boost fertility per se, prenatal vitamins:

Fill nutritional gaps in daily diet
Support egg health and development
Prepare the uterus for implantation
Reduce the risk of certain birth defects

Key Benefits of Taking Prenatal Vitamins Before Pregnancy

Taking prenatal vitamins before conception offers numerous advantages for both maternal and fetal health. Some of the primary benefits include:

1. Optimizing Egg Health

Prenatal vitamins provide essential nutrients that support egg development and maturation. This optimization of egg health is crucial for successful conception and early embryo development.

2. Filling Nutritional Gaps

Even with a balanced diet, it can be challenging to meet all the recommended daily nutrient intakes. Prenatal vitamins act as a nutritional safety net, ensuring that women receive adequate amounts of vital vitamins and minerals.

3. Reducing the Risk of Preterm Birth

Research suggests that women who take prenatal vitamins before conception may have a lower risk of preterm birth. One study found that preconception vitamin use was associated with a 50% reduction in the risk of preterm delivery.

4. Preventing Birth Defects

Taking prenatal vitamins prior to conception has been clinically proven to reduce the risk of various birth defects, including:

Neural tube defects
Heart defects
Limb deformities
Cleft palate

Essential Nutrients in Prenatal Vitamins

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

Folic Acid

Why is folic acid so important in prenatal vitamins? Folic acid, a B vitamin, plays a critical role in preventing neural tube defects. It’s recommended that women consume 400-800 micrograms of folic acid daily before and during early pregnancy.

Iron

Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to cells throughout the body. During pregnancy, iron requirements increase to support fetal development and maternal blood volume expansion.

Calcium

Adequate calcium intake is crucial for the development of the fetal skeletal system. It also helps maintain maternal bone density during pregnancy.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D supports calcium absorption and plays a role in immune function. It’s particularly important for bone health and may reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These essential fatty acids, particularly DHA, are crucial for fetal brain and eye development. They may also reduce the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.

Lifestyle Factors That Complement Prenatal Vitamin Use

While prenatal vitamins provide essential nutrients, they work best in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. What other factors contribute to optimal reproductive health?

Balanced Diet

A nutrient-rich diet forms the foundation of preconception health. Focus on consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Regular Exercise

Moderate physical activity can improve overall health, reduce stress, and enhance blood flow to reproductive organs. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can negatively impact reproductive health. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine.

Adequate Hydration

Proper hydration supports overall health and can improve cervical mucus quality, which is important for fertility. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

While prenatal vitamins are generally safe, some women may experience side effects. What are the common side effects of prenatal vitamins?

Nausea
Constipation
Stomach upset

If you experience persistent side effects, consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend adjusting your dosage or switching to a different formulation.

Special Considerations

Some women may require additional supplementation or have specific needs. These may include:

Women with a history of neural tube defects
Those with certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy)
Women following vegetarian or vegan diets

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Choosing the Right Prenatal Vitamin

With numerous prenatal vitamin options available, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. How can you choose the best prenatal vitamin for your needs?

Key Factors to Consider

Nutrient content and dosages
Form (tablet, capsule, gummy, or liquid)
Third-party testing and quality certifications
Allergen information
Additional ingredients (e.g., herbal extracts)

Consult with your healthcare provider to determine which prenatal vitamin formulation is most suitable for your individual needs and preferences.

Beyond Vitamins: Comprehensive Preconception Care

While prenatal vitamins are an essential component of preconception care, they are just one piece of the puzzle. What other aspects of preconception health should be addressed?

Preconception Check-up

Schedule a preconception check-up with your healthcare provider to:

Assess overall health and identify any potential risks
Review current medications and their safety during pregnancy
Discuss family medical history
Receive recommended vaccinations
Address any fertility concerns

Lifestyle Modifications

Consider making the following lifestyle changes to optimize your preconception health:

Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
Limit or eliminate alcohol consumption
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid exposure to environmental toxins
Get adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night)

Partner Involvement

Preconception health isn’t just about the woman. How can partners contribute to a healthy conception?

Adopt healthy lifestyle habits
Consider male fertility supplements (e.g., zinc, selenium)
Manage stress together
Attend preconception appointments as a couple

The Role of Prenatal Vitamins in Ongoing Pregnancy Health

Once conception occurs, the importance of prenatal vitamins continues throughout pregnancy. How do prenatal vitamins support ongoing fetal development?

First Trimester

During the first trimester, prenatal vitamins play a crucial role in:

Supporting rapid fetal growth and development
Reducing the risk of neural tube defects
Alleviating morning sickness (in some cases)

Second and Third Trimesters

As pregnancy progresses, prenatal vitamins continue to support:

Fetal organ development
Maternal health and energy levels
Preparation for breastfeeding

Postpartum Nutrition and Prenatal Vitamins

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

Breastfeeding Considerations

Many healthcare providers recommend continuing prenatal vitamin supplementation while breastfeeding to:

Support maternal nutrient stores
Ensure adequate nutrient content in breast milk
Aid in postpartum recovery

Transitioning to Postnatal Supplements

Some women may choose to switch to a postnatal vitamin formulation after giving birth. These supplements are designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of new mothers, whether breastfeeding or not.

Addressing Common Myths and Misconceptions

There are several myths surrounding prenatal vitamins and fertility. Let’s address some common misconceptions:

Myth: Prenatal vitamins increase fertility

Fact: While prenatal vitamins support overall reproductive health, they do not directly increase fertility or guarantee conception.

Myth: All prenatal vitamins are the same

Fact: Prenatal vitamin formulations can vary significantly in terms of nutrient content, dosages, and additional ingredients.

Myth: Prenatal vitamins are only necessary during pregnancy

Fact: Taking prenatal vitamins before conception offers numerous benefits for both maternal and fetal health.

Myth: Natural food sources are always better than supplements

Fact: While a balanced diet is crucial, prenatal vitamins help ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients that may be difficult to obtain solely from food sources.

The Future of Prenatal Nutrition

As research in reproductive health and nutrition continues to advance, what developments can we expect in prenatal supplementation?

Personalized Nutrition

Future prenatal vitamins may be tailored to individual genetic profiles, health status, and specific nutritional needs.

Advanced Delivery Systems

Innovations in supplement technology may lead to improved absorption and reduced side effects through novel delivery methods.

Integration with Digital Health

Prenatal vitamin regimens may become more closely integrated with digital health tools, allowing for real-time tracking and personalized recommendations.

Empowering Preconception Health Through Education

Understanding the role of prenatal vitamins in preconception care empowers individuals and couples to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. By prioritizing nutrition and overall wellness before conception, prospective parents can lay the foundation for a healthy pregnancy and a thriving future family.

Remember, while prenatal vitamins are an essential component of preconception care, they work best as part of a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. Consult with healthcare professionals, stay informed about the latest research, and make choices that support your unique reproductive 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.

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.