Prenatal Vitamins

Definition

Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated multivitamins intended for women during pregnancy, providing essential nutrients needed for the health of both mother and baby.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Prenatal vitamins are nutritional supplements that contain a balance of essential vitamins and minerals tailored to meet the increased nutritional demands of a pregnant woman. These typically include higher amounts of folic acid, iron, calcium, and DHA to support fetal development and maternal well-being.

Benefits

• Supports fetal development
• Prevents neural tube defects
• Reduces risk of anemia in mothers
• Supports bone health
• Aids in the development of the baby's brain and eyes

Examples

• Over-the-counter prenatal vitamins
• Prescription prenatal vitamins
• Vitamins enriched with DHA and Omega-3

Additional Information

• Importance: Prenatal vitamins are especially important during pregnancy to ensure that the growing fetus receives adequate nutrients for proper development, while also maintaining the nutritional status of the mother.

Related Terms

• Folic Acid
• Iron
• Calcium
• DHA

References

• ACOG: Nutrition During Pregnancy
• Mayo Clinic: Prenatal Vitamins: Why they matter, how to choose