Ask Our Expert - The need for prenatal vitamins

August 28, 2008

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Specializing in pregnancy and birth.


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Ask Dr. Greenfield The need for prenatal vitamins

QUESTION


Why do I need to start prenatal vitamins before I get pregnant and what happens if I got pregnant before I started them?? — 9/8/00 Hating pills in ohio

ANSWER	September 28, 2000


The most important vitamin to be taking when you conceive is folate. Many North Americans do not get enough folate in their diets to completely protect them from certain birth defects. Although prenatal vitamins are large pills that can be difficult to swallow, folate pills are small and easy to take. There may come a time in the future when many cereals and other commonly eaten foods are supplemented with enough folate that folate pills are not necessary. However, that is not yet the case, and it is strongly recommended that all women who could possibly become pregnant take 400 micrograms of folate every day. See our articles on folate in pregnancy and principles of healthy eating. — by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

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