Do prenatal vitamins increase fertility. How can prenatal supplements impact your chances of getting pregnant. What are the key nutrients in prenatal vitamins that support reproductive health. Can prenatal vitamins improve pregnancy outcomes and fetal development.

Understanding Prenatal Vitamins: Composition and Benefits

Prenatal vitamins are essential supplements recommended for women who are trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding. These specialized multivitamins contain a carefully curated blend of nutrients crucial for reproductive health and fetal development. But what exactly goes into these supplements, and how do they benefit both mother and child?

Key Components of Prenatal Vitamins

• Folate (Folic Acid)
• Iron
• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
• Iodine
• Choline

Each of these nutrients plays a vital role in supporting a healthy pregnancy and fetal development. For instance, folate is crucial for preventing neural tube defects, while iron supports the increased blood volume needed during pregnancy. Calcium and vitamin D contribute to strong bones and teeth, and DHA aids in the development of the baby’s nervous system.

The Importance of Choline

Choline is an often-overlooked nutrient that deserves special attention. Recent studies have shown that adequate choline intake during pregnancy can improve various pregnancy outcomes and protect against certain neural and metabolic disorders. Despite its importance, many prenatal supplements lack sufficient amounts of choline.

The Impact of Prenatal Vitamins on Fertility

Can prenatal vitamins enhance your chances of conceiving? While these supplements are undoubtedly beneficial for overall health and pregnancy, their direct impact on fertility is often misunderstood.

Contrary to popular belief, taking prenatal vitamins does not directly increase your likelihood of getting pregnant. However, they play a crucial role in preparing your body for a healthy pregnancy and reducing the risk of complications. Prenatal vitamins significantly lower the chances of neural tube defects and are associated with a decreased risk of miscarriage.

It’s important to view prenatal vitamins as a supportive measure rather than a fertility booster. They provide essential nutrients that create an optimal environment for conception and fetal development, but they are not a magic solution for fertility issues.

Factors Affecting Fertility: Beyond Prenatal Vitamins

Understanding the various factors that influence fertility is crucial when trying to conceive. While prenatal vitamins play a supportive role, several other elements significantly impact your chances of getting pregnant.

Age and Fertility

Age is one of the most critical factors affecting fertility. For a healthy woman in her 20s or early 30s, the chance of conceiving each month is approximately 25-30%. As women age, this percentage gradually decreases due to a decline in egg quality and quantity.

Medical and Family History

Your personal medical history and family history can also play significant roles in fertility. Certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, can impact your ability to conceive. Similarly, a family history of fertility issues or early menopause might influence your reproductive timeline.

Lifestyle Factors

Several lifestyle factors can affect fertility. These include:

• Diet and nutrition
• Exercise habits
• Stress levels
• Alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Caffeine intake

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can positively impact your fertility. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs, and limiting caffeine intake to one cup per day.

Optimizing Your Chances of Conception

While prenatal vitamins alone won’t guarantee pregnancy, they are an important part of a comprehensive approach to improving your chances of conception. Here are some strategies to optimize your fertility:

1. Start taking prenatal vitamins before conception
2. Track your ovulation cycle
3. Maintain a healthy body weight
4. Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke
5. Limit alcohol consumption
6. Reduce caffeine intake
7. Manage stress through relaxation techniques
8. Get regular exercise
9. Ensure adequate sleep
10. Consider fertility-friendly lubricants

Remember, it’s normal for conception to take time. About 90% of couples conceive within one year of trying. If you’re concerned about your fertility or have been trying to conceive for over a year (or six months if you’re over 35), it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or fertility specialist.

Potential Side Effects of Prenatal Vitamins

While prenatal vitamins are generally safe and beneficial, some women may experience side effects. These can include:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Stomach discomfort
• Headaches

If you experience any of these side effects, don’t discontinue your prenatal vitamins. Instead, consult with your healthcare provider. They may recommend taking the vitamins with food, splitting the dose throughout the day, or switching to a different formulation.

Managing Side Effects

To minimize potential side effects of prenatal vitamins:

• Take them with food to reduce stomach upset
• Stay hydrated to prevent constipation
• Consider taking them before bed if they cause nausea
• Explore different brands or formulations if side effects persist

Choosing the Right Prenatal Vitamin

Not all prenatal vitamins are created equal. When selecting a prenatal supplement, consider the following factors:

• Nutrient content: Ensure it contains adequate amounts of essential nutrients like folate, iron, calcium, and DHA
• Form: Choose between tablets, capsules, or gummies based on your preference
• Additional supplements: Some women may need extra folic acid, iron, or DHA supplements
• Quality: Look for reputable brands that undergo third-party testing
• Specific needs: Consider any dietary restrictions or allergies

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual health needs and pregnancy status.

Beyond Vitamins: Holistic Approach to Fertility

While prenatal vitamins play a crucial role in preparing for pregnancy, a holistic approach to fertility encompasses various aspects of health and wellness. Consider these additional strategies to support your fertility journey:

Nutrition for Fertility

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support reproductive health. Some fertility-boosting foods include:

• Leafy greens (rich in folate)
• Fatty fish (high in omega-3 fatty acids)
• Nuts and seeds (good sources of healthy fats and minerals)
• Berries (packed with antioxidants)
• Legumes (high in protein and fiber)

Mind-Body Connection

Stress can negatively impact fertility. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine can be beneficial:

• Meditation or mindfulness practices
• Yoga or gentle exercise
• Acupuncture
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Journaling

Environmental Factors

Minimizing exposure to environmental toxins can support fertility. Consider:

• Choosing organic produce when possible
• Using natural cleaning products
• Avoiding plastic containers with BPA
• Filtering your water
• Reducing exposure to secondhand smoke

Sleep and Fertility

Quality sleep is crucial for hormonal balance and overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep routine.

When to Seek Professional Help

While prenatal vitamins and lifestyle changes can support fertility, some couples may need additional assistance. Consider consulting a fertility specialist if:

• You’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for over a year
• You’re 35 or older and have been trying for six months
• You have irregular menstrual cycles
• You have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis
• You’ve experienced multiple miscarriages
• You or your partner have a known fertility issue

A fertility specialist can conduct comprehensive evaluations and recommend appropriate treatments, which may include fertility medications, assisted reproductive technologies, or lifestyle modifications.

Remember, every fertility journey is unique. While prenatal vitamins play a supportive role, they are just one piece of the puzzle. A comprehensive approach that addresses nutrition, lifestyle, and overall health, combined with patience and professional guidance when needed, offers the best chance for a successful conception and healthy pregnancy.

Do Prenatal Vitamins Help You Get Pregnant?

Do Prenatal Vitamins Help You Get Pregnant? | Natalist

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Feb 10, 20 ●

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Will prenatal vitamins make you more likely to get pregnant? Find out by reading our detailed guide and get tips to improve your chances of conception naturally. 

By Dr. Liz Kane

Prenatal care is important when TTC, and one step is usually taking prenatal supplements. You’ve likely already heard a lot about prenatals, and that’s because taking a daily prenatal vitamin is so important for your already (or soon to be) developing baby. So you know that they’re good for you-but what goes in a prenatal vitamin? What exactly are their benefits? and do prenatal vitamins help you get pregnant or improve your chances?

What goes in a prenatal vitamin?

A prenatal supplement is recommended to almost every pregnant woman for many reasons, from increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy to preventing complications. What exactly goes in prenatal supplements? Most high-quality prenatal multi-vitamins will include key nutrients and minerals such as folate, iron, calcium, vitamin D, DHA, and iodine.

• Folate: The CDC recommends folate specifically to women of reproductive age to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. 
• Iron: Iron is important for making the extra red blood cells you’ll need for pregnancy and can decrease the chances of complications such as low birth weight and preterm delivery. You can find high purity iron in our prenatal vitamins, as well as our vegan iron supplements.
• Calcium: Calcium and vitamin D are helpful for building strong bones and teeth for you and your baby. 
• DHA: Finally, DHA is a building block of your baby’s developing nervous system.This omega-3 fatty acid can be found in fish and in omega-3 fortified foods like eggs and dairy.
• Choline: Most prenatals lack choline. But growing evidence of its benefits shows choline improves several pregnancy outcomes and protects against certain neural and metabolic disorders.

When you’re on your TTC journey, it’s important to consume enough of these nutrients to meet your recommended daily allowance (RDA). This ensures both mom and baby have what they need for a healthy pregnancy. Natalist’s prenatal supplements provide comprehensive prenatal nutrition that meets or exceeds ACOG’s recommendations for pregnancy. 

What impacts my fertility?

There are a lot of factors that contribute to your fertility. You and your partner’s age, medical history, and family history are top factors to consider when thinking about how long it will take you to get pregnant. For a healthy woman in her 20s or early 30s, the chance of conceiving each month is 25%-30%. 

Here are lifestyle factors you can control when trying to conceive: 

1. Eat healthily
2. Exercise regularly
3. Avoid alcohol or recreational drugs
4. Minimize stress
5. Limit caffeine use to one cup per day

Can prenatals increase my fertility?

Taking your prenatal vitamin won’t make you any more likely to get pregnant. This one is just a myth we’re happy to bust. 

Prenatal vitamins will, however, make it significantly more likely that you experience a healthy pregnancy. They significantly reduce the likelihood of neural tube defects. Their use is also associated with a lower risk of miscarriage. They are a key safety net in preventing pregnancy complications that result from nutrient deficits, such as low birth weight or premature birth. So, we recommend that you add prenatals into your TTC journey; these can include vitamins and fertility supplements such as iron, folate, or DHA supplements, but don’t expect them to be magic fertility pills.

The good, the bad, and the ugly

If you have decided to start taking a prenatal vitamin, there are some things you should know. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: prenatals are great and super important for your health and the health of your baby. It’s been shown that taking prenatal vitamins can significantly reduce infant morbidity and mortality, and all the vitamins and minerals you’re taking are creating the brain, spinal cord, bones, and teeth of your mini-me.  

So, what could possibly be the bad or the ugly? It’s unlikely, but prenatals can also bring negative side effects such as constipation or nausea. If you’re worried about any negative effects, you can learn how to manage them here.  

Other ways to boost fertility

There is good news! About 90% of couples get pregnant within one year of trying, and you could very well be in that 90%. Although, if it’s taking longer than you’d like, or if you or your partner have a family history that could impact your chances of conceiving, there are specialists ready to help you on this journey. Check out our Q&A for some common questions about when to see a fertility specialist.

Helpful tips for improving your chances of conception:

• Figure out when your six-day fertile window is (more here), and have sex in this time period!
• Try to stay within an ideal weight for your height; you’ll have the best chance of conceiving if you’re not under or overweight.
• Regular exercise—not vigorous exercise—is a great way to prepare your body for pregnancy.
• Maintain a well-balanced diet.
• Use ovulation tests to find out when you’re the most fertile and likely to conceive.
• Use a TTC friendly lube.
• Refrain from substance use and abuse. It’s important to only be drinking caffeine in moderation, and it’s really important you cut out any alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs.

Now that you know all about the benefits of taking prenatal vitamins when trying to conceive, are you left wondering whether men should take a prenatal vitamin as well? We asked four healthcare providers—a reproductive endocrinologist, a urologist, a registered dietitian, and a naturopathic doctor—whether men should take a prenatal vitamin when trying to conceive. Read now for their advice!

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Prenatal vitamins are a must for any pregnancy. But did you know that they can support your TTC (trying to conceive) journey, too?

In this article, we’ll shed light on how prenatal vitamins are related to getting pregnant, why you should start taking them long before you get pregnant, and how the key ingredients work to support fertility and pregnancy. We’ll also cover some of your most frequently asked questions about the practicalities of taking prenatal vitamins. 

Prenatal vitamins and fertility: what’s the connection?

Before we dive deeper into the connection between prenatal vitamins and fertility, it’s important to clarify that there is currently no specific research study that has found a direct link between taking prenatal vitamins and improved chances of getting pregnant. 

However, research does suggest that inadequate levels of certain micronutrients may negatively impact your ability to conceive. This is because several micronutrients (such as folate, zinc, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12) are directly involved in key processes related to fertility. This includes processes like egg development, menstruation, ovulation, implantation, and early embryo development (embryogenesis).  

There is also evidence that suggests those who struggle to become pregnant may often have lower than average levels of key micronutrients, such as vitamins B12, B6, and D. This is true for those who are trying to conceive naturally and those who are undergoing fertility treatments such as IVF. 

In an ideal world, we would be able to get all of the micronutrients that we need from our diet alone. However, this isn’t always realistic or practical in every situation – and prenatal supplements can help. 

In short, while prenatal vitamins may not guarantee a pregnancy, they can help to fill in any gaps in your diet in order to improve your overall health and fertility. 

Why take prenatal vitamins before pregnancy?

The benefits of taking prenatal vitamins to support pregnancy are well-established by clinical research. For example, they help to:

• Prevent neural tube defects
• Reduce the overall risk of birth defects
• Support the development of the placenta and fetus
• Reduce the mother’s risk of anemia, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes
• Protect and strengthen the mother’s bones

But why do doctors recommend taking them before pregnancy even begins? 

To put it simply, prenatal vitamins must be taken ahead of time to ensure that micronutrient levels are high enough starting from day one of pregnancy.  

This is important because several key processes begin to take place the moment implantation begins. This includes neural tube development, placental development, and early circulatory, nervous, digestive, and urinary system development. It is also important to note that the risk of birth defects is highest during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (i.e. the first trimester), and it is absolutely paramount that the body has enough nutrients to support the pregnancy during this critical period. 

If you are actively looking to plan a pregnancy, many doctors recommend taking a prenatal vitamin for at least 3 months before TTC (trying to conceive). If you are not actively TTC but could still become pregnant, it’s a good idea to start taking prenatal vitamins anyway to protect yourself and your baby in the event of an unplanned pregnancy.  

Nutrients in prenatal vitamins that support conception

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a key player in helping your body produce collagen, which supports follicular development and ovulation. Vitamin C also helps to boost immunity while also improving the body’s ability to absorb iron – which may play a role in reducing the risk of ovulatory infertility.  

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

Vitamin B2 (i.e. riboflavin) is another key nutrient relevant to fertility. It not only helps your body metabolize fats, protein, and carbs into energy, but it also serves as an antioxidant to boost overall health. 

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is involved in every single biological process – including processes related to fertility. It also helps your body absorb calcium and phosphate to promote bone health. 

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 helps the body produce hormones necessary for strengthening the uterine lining. It also helps to increase progesterone levels, which helps to prepare the uterine lining for implantation. Vitamin B6 also plays an important role in the cognitive development of the baby. 

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Vitamin B1 (thiamin) helps to improve your capacity for converting carbohydrates into energy. It also helps to support the brain development of a growing baby.  

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 helps the body develop and release eggs for ovulation. It also supports the implantation process. 

Vitamin K1

Vitamin K1 ensures blood clotting, which is essential for helping the body heal during pregnancy and labor. It also promotes bone health for the mother and baby. 

Folic Acid

Folic acid helps to boost fertility by improving your chances of ovulation. It also helps to significantly reduce the risk of birth defects during the first month of pregnancy. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E supports your overall immune system. It also helps the body create and maintain healthy skin, red blood cells, and blood vessels. 

Tips for taking prenatal vitamins for conception

It’s never too early to start taking prenatal vitamins

If you are an individual of reproductive age and there is even the slightest chance that you could become pregnant, it is never too early to start taking a prenatal vitamin on a regular basis. There is no harm in starting prenatal vitamins (unless your doctor advises otherwise based on your medical history), you do not need a prescription, and the benefits outweigh the risks – especially in cases of unplanned pregnancies. 

Always take with food

Prenatal vitamins may cause an upset stomach. To keep your stomach settled, it is recommended to take a prenatal vitamin each day with either a meal or a snack. The timing of when you take your prenatal vitamin does not matter – you can take it around breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It may be helpful to take it around the same time each day so that you don’t forget to take it. 

Be aware of the potential side effects

In addition to an upset stomach, other potential side effects of prenatal vitamins include loss of appetite, nausea, bloating, and constipation. The best way to manage these side effects is to listen to your body and stay aware of how the vitamin makes you feel. You can then make adjustments to your routine if necessary in order to reduce the impact of the side effects.  

Prenatal vitamins cannot replace an unhealthy diet

Prenatal vitamins are not designed to replace or make up for an unhealthy diet. They can, however, help to fill in the gaps and provide your body with a boost of nutrients to optimize health and fertility. In addition to taking a prenatal vitamin, it is also recommended to follow a healthy pre-pregnancy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. 

Speak with your doctor

If you are unsure about what type or brand of prenatal vitamin to take, it’s always a good idea to have a conversation with your doctor or healthcare provider. They can provide you with the best advice for your specific situation and medical history. 

Try Mira Prenatal

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Pregnancy planning vitamins | Vitamin E and folic acid

What vitamins should I take when planning a pregnancy? This question worries many people who are serious about conceiving and bearing a fetus. Long before making a decision, they turn to specialists in order to do everything in their power for the normal course of pregnancy and the birth of a healthy child.

The need for vitamins when planning pregnancy

Vitamins are low-molecular organic compounds that, in small quantities, provide various metabolic processes in the human body. A special role is given to derivatives of water-soluble vitamins contained in enzyme systems that catalyze the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. These include vitamin E, the need for which increases when planning a pregnancy.

Fat-soluble vitamins D and A act like hormones – they bind to intracellular receptors in target tissues. The need for vitamins is covered by food, only folic acid, which, like vitamin E, is necessary when planning pregnancy, as well as pantothenic acid, vitamin K and cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) in minimal amounts that do not meet the needs of the body of a pregnant woman, synthesized by the microflora that is in the intestine. Only vitamin D can be produced in the skin with sufficient UV rays. Therefore, when planning a child, vitamins must be taken additionally.

Even if a person receives a sufficient amount of vitamins, for some reason vitamin deficiency may develop. One of these reasons is pregnancy, in which the need for these biological substances almost doubles. Some of them are used by the growing fetus, and some for the increased needs of the mother’s body. If the lack of vitamins reaches a critical level, then the activity of enzymes will sharply decrease. This will be followed by functional and biological disturbances similar to those of stress.

Sooner or later, a pregnant woman may develop symptoms of beriberi. What vitamins should be taken when planning a pregnancy? In reality, only beriberi can develop with an insufficient amount of thiamine and folic acid. These are vitamins that are used when planning pregnancy for women. In other cases, we can talk about hypovitaminosis. This also applies to vitamin E. When planning a pregnancy, its dosage should be individual. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces vitamins recommended for pregnancy planning, combined with minerals. Of course, they are considered very effective means of preventing fetal malformations and spontaneous abortion. But we should not forget that vitamin-mineral complexes sometimes contain ingredients that either compete for absorption pathways, or are generally antagonists at the receptor level.

Vitamin E for pregnancy planning

Vitamin E, or α-tocopherol acetate, is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is involved in most metabolic processes that occur in the human body. Its role is huge in reproductive processes. Tocopherol is translated from Latin as bearing offspring.

It enters the human body from the outside. Vitamin E deficiency almost never occurs. However, with its hypovitaminosis, infertility can develop. In addition, it is α-tocopherol that is directly involved in the formation and maturation of the placenta, prevents its premature aging, as well as detachment.

In the body of a pregnant woman, the synthesis of most hormones occurs with the direct participation of this vitamin. How to take vitamin E, or tocopherol, when planning a pregnancy? As the results of the studies show, α-tocopherol acetate must be taken from the moment the decision to become pregnant is made. Vitamins are also necessary for men when planning conception. They also include vitamin E.

For a woman planning a pregnancy, vitamin E is necessary because it has a direct impact on the development of the egg and the ability of the embryo to implant in the uterus. It is he who helps to keep the pregnancy in the early stages and is a means of preventing miscarriage. In the male body, vitamin E promotes active spermatogenesis, increases the activity of spermatozoa and reduces the number of spermatozoa with impaired morphology. Thus, vitamins for men when planning pregnancy are just as necessary as for women.

Characteristics of vitamin E

The spectrum of action of vitamin E is enormous. Here are its most important effects:

• pronounced antioxidant activity;
• participation in the processes of tissue metabolism;
• prevention of erythrocyte hemolysis;
• reduction of capillary fragility and permeability;
• restoration of impaired function of the male gonads and seminiferous tubules;
• participation in the formation of the placenta;
• normalization of reproductive function.

It also inhibits free radical reactions and prevents the formation of peroxides that can damage cell and subcellular membranes. Vitamin E stimulates the production of hemoglobin, myoglobin, catalase, cytochromes and peroxidase. It improves tissue respiration, which has a beneficial effect on the fetus. Tocopherol stimulates the synthesis of various proteins (collagen, myocardium, structural and contractile proteins of striated and smooth muscles).

Upon entry into the body from the digestive system, at least fifty percent of the drug is absorbed. Four hours later, the maximum level of α-tocopherol acetate in the blood is observed. Its absorption occurs in the presence of bile acids. Vitamin E in the process of absorption creates a complex compound with lipoproteins, which are intracellular carriers, partly unchanged, and partly in the form of metabolites. About ninety percent of the vitamin is excreted in the bile, and six percent in the urine.

There are many applications of vitamin E. These are muscular dystrophy, post-traumatic and post-infectious myopathy, dermatomyositis with febrile syndrome, as well as dysmenorrhea, menopause and threatened abortion. It is indicated for women with menopause, men suffering from hypofunction of the gonads, people with asthenic and neurasthenic syndrome.

The drug is not used for hypersensitivity, cardiosclerosis and myocardial infarction. It should be used with caution if there is an increased risk of thromboembolism. While taking vitamin E, side effects such as allergic reactions may occur. After intramuscular injections, an infiltrate or pain may develop at the injection site. It should be remembered that vitamin E can enhance the effect of corticosteroid hormones and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Vitamins D and A, and also reduces the toxicity of cardiac glycosides.

Folic acid when planning a pregnancy

What other vitamins should I take when planning a pregnancy? Of course, vitamin B9, or folic acid. This is one of the few vitamins, with an insufficient amount of which develops beriberi. You should know that part of folic acid enters the body with food, and the second part is produced by the intestinal microflora. The first form is called exogenous folic acid, and the second is called endogenous.

Both forms of folic acid are reduced in the human body to tetrahydrofolic acid, which is a coenzyme. It is involved in many metabolic processes that occur in the human body: the formation of pyrimidines and purines, as well as nucleic amino acids. Folic acid is essential for choline metabolism.

Folic acid stimulates the formation of red blood cells – erythrocytes. It also promotes the differentiation and maturation of megaloblasts. With an insufficient amount of folic acid, hematopoiesis is inhibited. If you take folic acid when planning pregnancy and during this period, then the risk of exposure to the fetus of teratogenic factors is reduced. This minimizes the chance of having a child with congenital malformations.

Oral absorption of folic acid occurs in the duodenum as well as in the proximal small intestine. With the pathology of these parts of the gastrointestinal tract, ingestion of folic acid loses its meaning. Ninety-six percent of folic acid is found in the blood six hours after administration.

In the intestine, folic acid is first reduced by the specific enzyme dehydrofolate reductase and then absorbed. Eighty-seven percent of the folate that enters the human body is contained in red blood cells, and the rest is in the blood serum. In the liver, folic acid is deposited, as well as its metabolism. Half of the administered dose of the drug is excreted from the body with urine, and the rest – with feces.

Elevit Pronatal – a complex of vitamins for women planning pregnancy

Elevit Pronatal is a complex of vitamins and minerals that are recommended for women when planning a pregnancy. It contains the following ingredients:

• Vitamin A is directly involved in the formation of lipids, proteins and mucopolysaccharides.
• Vitamin B1 ensures the normal functioning of the heart and nervous system, and also takes part in hematopoiesis and ensures high efficiency of metabolic processes.
• Vitamin B2 is actively involved in the formation of red blood cells and the production of antibodies. It is also necessary for the normal development of the fetus.
• Vitamin B6 plays an extraordinary role in metabolism. This vitamin is indispensable for the normal functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system of the fetus. It also helps to improve the contractile function of the myocardium and stimulates hematopoiesis, and also has a beneficial effect on the structure of bone tissue, gums and teeth.
• With the participation of vitamin B12, the formation of blood cells occurs, the activity of the nervous system is normalized. In the presence of acute or chronic hypoxia, it increases the oxygen content in the cells of the organs.
• Vitamin C, which is better known as ascorbic acid, takes an active part in the formation of the bones of the skeleton, teeth and gums. Thanks to it, the walls of small vessels are strengthened, and their permeability is also reduced. Vitamin C helps to increase the body’s resistance to infectious diseases and the normal absorption of calcium and iron ions by the body.
• For the human body, vitamin D3 is also indispensable, which is directly involved in the regulation of calcium-phosphorus metabolism in the body and promotes the absorption of phosphorus and calcium in the digestive tract.
• Vitamin E, mentioned above, is also part of the Elevit Pronatal vitamin and mineral complex.
• It also contains folic acid.
• Nicotinamide improves the expression of corticosteroids by the adrenal cortex. It improves the absorption of other vitamins that are included in the complex, activates the metabolism of fats and participates in redox processes.
• Biotin also takes an active part in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It improves the condition of nails, skin and hair.
• 1Calcium pantothenate is a mineral that the body of a pregnant woman needs for adequate carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism.
• In order for the fetus to develop bone tissue and dentin normally, the trace element calcium is necessary. It also contributes to the normal functioning of the blood coagulation system and affects the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.
• Phosphorus, like calcium, is needed for the formation of skeletal bones and teeth. He takes part in the energy exchange.
• Without sufficient iron, red blood cells cannot form normally. It is part of hemoglobin, which is important in the transport of oxygen ions to the tissues of the mother and fetus. With iron deficiency, anemia develops, which is one of the causes of spontaneous abortion or miscarriage.
• Zinc-containing enzymes play a role in the production and metabolism of glucocorticosteroids. With a shortage of corticosteroids, a miscarriage may occur due to the active production of antibodies to the fetus.
• Magnesium belongs to the trace elements that are involved in the formation of bone and muscle tissue. It is a component of all cells and tissues of the fetal body.
• Necessary for pregnancy planning and manganese. It is indispensable for the normal functioning of the organs of the female reproductive system.
• Copper ions play an important role in the prevention of anemia. The trace element is directly involved in the formation of hemoglobin. It also affects reproductive function and contributes to the normal growth of the fetus.

How to take vitamins when planning a pregnancy

Today there is an unhealthy tendency to take vitamins in unlimited quantities. This is not only useless, but can harm the body. The dosage of vitamins when planning pregnancy should not exceed the recommended instructions.

Thus, the daily dose of vitamin E is from one hundred to three hundred milligrams per day, regardless of the route of administration. If this becomes necessary, the doctor can increase the dosage of vitamin E when planning pregnancy up to one gram per day.

Recommended daily dosages of vitamin B9 (folic acid) when planning pregnancy:

• the optimal dose should not exceed 400 mcg;
• minimum dose is 200 mcg;
• when planning pregnancy, a woman is recommended to take 400 mcg of the drug;
• during lactation, the dose of folic acid can be increased to 600 mcg.

When planning pregnancy, it is recommended to take one tablet of Elevit Pronatal per day. They are consumed fifteen minutes after eating, drinking plenty of water. Given the fact that the complex includes many ingredients, the side effects of each of them should be considered.

Vitamins are essential when planning a pregnancy. The choice of drugs that contain them should be approached carefully. The dosage of vitamins when planning pregnancy should be individual.

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Preparing for pregnancy

According to statistics, 40% of pregnancies are unplanned. Huge number, isn’t it? And how many of this number of women will decide to terminate the pregnancy – this is already a very sad story.

To my great joy, more and more often I hear from patients about pregnancy planning. Moreover, not only young patients speak about this, but also the older generation. What I am sincerely glad!)

So how do you start preparing for pregnancy?
Of course, with the survey!

List of examinations at the planning stage:
– Blood for thyroid hormones (TSH, T4 free, AT to TPO)
For what? The thyroid gland, as a “gray cardinal”, affects the bearing of pregnancy – this is the time. We belong to an area endemic for iodine deficiency, which is proven to affect the mental development of the fetus – that’s two!
– Complete blood count + ferritin + iron. To exclude iron deficiency and the development of anemia.
– Examination for STIs. Only for God’s sake, DO NOT RUN for ureaplasma, and even more so for gardnerella. From the words of the patients, “doctor, I have gardnerellosis,” my eye begins to twitch and my pulse quickens!
It makes sense to hand over only 4 (!!!!) infections: chlamydia, gonococci, trichomonas and mycoplasma genitalium.
– Ideally, test for rubella antibodies (Ig G only). For what? In the absence of immunity to rubella, vaccination should be carried out (by the way, it will be possible to become pregnant already 3 months after vaccination)
It is advisable to also pass antibodies to measles and chickenpox viruses (this is quite European)
– Oncocytology. In the American guidelines, it is proposed to conduct an oncocytological study with an HPV test once every 3 years. I am deeply convinced that such a model does not work in Russia because of the mentality of the population and the poor quality of the analysis. It is believed that the efficiency of this method is only 60%. So we draw conclusions and go to take oncocytology as in the old fashioned way once a year.
– Research on vitamin D deficiency. Now many reputable researchers talk about vitamin D as a hormone. That is, its role in the body is really more important than we thought before. If it seems expensive to pass this analysis, then I recommend at least taking vitamin D3 for preventive purposes (read more about this later)
– I strongly recommend that patients at the planning stage do an ultrasound of the genitals in order to exclude the pathology of the pelvic organs. And for patients older than 30 years – ultrasound of the mammary glands.
– You may be surprised by this point, but I recommend consulting a dentist. To my shame, I began to recommend the appointment of this specialist quite recently .