Lifestyle
What is the Importance of Prenatal Vitamins?
May 13, 2021
Pregnant woman holding her belly

If you ask any expecting mother about their number one priority, they’ll likely tell you it's the health of their developing baby. And between swearing off coffee, saying no thanks to Friday night sushi, and forgoing their favorite glass of wine, pregnant women are willing to sacrifice a lot for the sake of their child.

Luckily, prenatal vitamins can make it much easier to navigate the healthy living aspect of pregnancy—plus, they come with potentially life-saving benefits. It’s crucial to understand the benefits of prenatal vitamins and how these powerful supplements can help both you and your baby. Let’s take a look at the importance of prenatal vitamins and why they should never be underestimated.


#1 A Healthy Diet Is A Great Start—Prenatal Vitamins Can Fill In Any Gaps

Developing babies are sensitive, and since they absorb the nutrients from everything you do, the list of off-limits foods during pregnancy can seem a mile long. As a pregnant woman, many health and nutrition experts will recommend steering clear of:1

  • Fish that contain high mercury levels
  • Raw or undercooked meat and fish
  • Processed meat
  • Raw eggs
  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Raw sprouts
  • Unwashed produce
  • Unpasteurized milk and cheese

As you avoid these foods, try to reach towards fresh fruits, vegetables, tolerated whole grains, wholesome and unprocessed ingredients instead.

With this said, we know following the “ideal diet” is a lot easier said than done.

Especially if you’re accustomed to a very different diet, the tastes of salad and roasted broccoli can get some getting used to. Once you factor in the inevitable food aversions that come with pregnancy, you might have a tough time stomaching the necessary key nutrient-rich foods for you and your baby. Prenatal supplements can easily bridge the gap.


#2 Prenatal Vitamins Contain The Specific Nutrients Needed During Pregnancy

Even if there’s no gap to fill—suppose you’re eagerly chowing down on fruits, vegetables, and proteins—it’s important to note that the cleanest, most nutrient-rich diet can’t provide you and your baby with all the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed during pregnancy.

Prenatal vitamins are specifically designed to contain the high levels of iron, calcium, and folate you need for a healthy pregnancy:

  • Iron – Everybody needs iron, but pregnant women need to pay extra attention to their intake. Iron helps your body produce hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen through the blood. When you’re pregnant, your body requires double the amount of iron since your baby is also relying on your blood to get oxygen.2 Though you can consume iron by eating red meat and leafy greens, a supplement can ensure you’re getting enough.

  • Calcium – Like iron, pregnant women need to increase their intake because their baby is drawing from their stores. To ensure your baby develops strong teeth and bones (without weakening yours by effectively stealing your calcium), it's essential to increase your calcium intake.3 Dairy products are a good source of calcium, but no matter how much milk and cheese you consume, vitamins can keep your intake at an optimal level.

  • Folic Acid Folate – Folate is a type of B vitamin that’s critical during pregnancy. It plays a key role in the production of red blood cells, and an adequate supply can drastically reduce the risk of some neural tube defects.3

Too Much of Some Vitamins and Minerals Can Do More Harm Than Good

It’s a common misconception that you can’t have too much of a good thing when it comes to nutrient intake. The truth is that consuming too many minerals and specific vitamins can have detrimental effects on your baby’s health. Vitamin A is a particular cause for concern since large doses can lead to congenital disabilities.3

Unlike general supplements, a prenatal vitamin supplement was designed for this exact phase of life, complete with all of the beneficial nutrients your body needs and free of the ones that could inadvertently cause harm.


#3 Nutrient Deficiencies Can Have Serious Consequences

When it comes to giving your body everything it needs, the stakes are high during pregnancy. Not only can prenatal vitamins help your baby thrive, but they can also reduce the risk of serious—and even life-threatening—congenital disabilities.

Prenatal vitamins primarily protect against neural tube defects, which affect the brain, spine, and spinal cord. Take a look at how prenatal supplements can reduce the risk of these issues:

  • Spina Bifida – The name Spina Bifida comes from the Latin phrase for split spine, and it’s the most common congenital disability in the country. This condition occurs when the neural tube can’t form properly, so the backbone that protects the spine remains incomplete. Though genetic factors play a role, this condition is also linked to a lack of folate4.

  • Anencephaly –Taking in enough folate with a prenatal vitamin can also help prevent this type of congenital disability, which happens when the skull doesn’t develop entirely and is unable to protect the baby’s brain. This is a serious condition that can be deadly.5

Despite the seriousness of these congenital disabilities, the solution is relatively simple—an adequate folate intake can reduce the risk for these problems by 70%.6


#4 Supplements Can Keep Mom Happy and Healthy, Too

Your baby isn’t the only one who needs care, attention, and a wellness boost or two. If you’re wondering how to boost your immune system while pregnant, supplements can help both. Prioritizing and optimizing your own health is equally important. After all, you need to be healthy to tackle motherhood head-on.

If you’re worried about some of the more unpleasant symptoms on the journey to motherhood, prenatal vitamins are going to be your new best friend. You’ll be surprised at how much better they’ll make you feel before, during, and after pregnancy.

A good prenatal vitamin can help ward off:7

  • Postpartum depression
  • Anemia
  • Osteoporosis
  • Fatigue
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Preterm birth
  • Nausea

#5 Prenatal Vitamins Offer Benefits During Pregnancy and Beyond

The idea that prenatal vitamins are only for the nine months you're pregnant is another common misconception. In fact, experts agree you should start prenatal supplements before you conceive. Here’s why:

  • Doing so allows your body to begin storing the nutrients it needs.
  • Prenatal vitamins can remedy any underlying deficiencies before pregnancy.
  • You can launch into your pregnancy with a healthy start from day one.

Whether you’re just starting down the path towards motherhood or are a busy mom who’s about ready for another family expansion, chances are you should be taking prenatal vitamins as part of your everyday routine.


Cymbiotika: Prenatal Vitamins Made Just For You

Cymbiotika offers a variety of products that we’ve tailored to health-minded moms and moms-to-be. Our vitamins and supplements are organic, plant-based, and natural, so you never have to worry about where your nutrition comes from.

If you’re ready to take your and your future family’s health into your own hands, take a look at these products that contain all the ingredients your body needs to thrive:

  • The Omega – Omega 3s are the second most studied substance on the planet (behind aspirin), and research has proven just how vital these powerhouse fatty acids are for your health. Cymbiotika’s formula contains potent, high-quality DHA, essential for eye, brain, and central nervous system health. Doctors also agree that it fosters healthy pregnancy and child development.

  • Liposomal Sulforaphane Matrix – Removing harmful toxins from your body is equally as important as nourishing it with the right ingredients, which is why our Liposomal Sulforaphane Matrix is an incredible addition to your wellness routine. Its powerful detoxifying properties work to provide digestive relief (which is perfect for expecting moms experiencing morning sickness) and promote healthy cell replication.

  • Synergy Liposomal Vitamin C – Vitamin C is one of nature’s most powerful agents. This product offers enhanced bioavailability to unlock vitamin C’s ability to boost immunity, increase collagen production, and repair tissues in the body.

At Cymbiotika, we also offer several other products that can give you that pregnancy “glow,” both inside and out:

  • Our Synergy Vitamin B12 helps ensure you’re getting enough folic acid to protect your future child against serious health conditions.
  • Our Synergy D3 + K2 + COQ10 Vitamin helps your body absorb vital calcium during pregnancy, enhancing the effectiveness of calcium-rich foods and supplements.

A Holistic Approach to Prenatal Health

Cymbiotika cares just as much about your health—and the health of your little one—as you do. We make it easy to nurture and tend to your body’s needs before, during, and after pregnancy. Your prenatal care can affect you and your child for life, so it's essential to put your trust in products that guarantee their purity, power, and potency.

Thankfully, that’s where Cymbiotika comes in.

Now that you know the importance of prenatal vitamins, it's time to start taking action. It’s never too early to begin curating a health and wellness routine that sets you up for a healthy pregnancy in the future. You don’t have to manage your nutrition alone; our team is here to support you with our specialized line of wellness-promoting vitamins and supplements.



Sources:

  1. Healthline. 11 Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy: What to Eat. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-foods-to-avoid-during-pregnancy
  2. MayoClinic. Iron Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy: Prevention Tips. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/anemia-during-pregnancy/art-20114455
  3. WebMD. Prenatal Vitamins: Nutrition Your Baby Needs. https://www.webmd.com/baby/prenatal-vitamins-nutrition-your-baby-needs
  4. WebMD. What is Spina Bifida? https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/spina-bifida#2
  5. Healthline. What is Anencephaly? https://www.healthline.com/health/anencephaly
  6. Virginia Beach OBGYN. 10 Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins. https://www.virginiabeachobgyn.com/blog/10-benefits-of-prenatal-vitamins/
  7. LabDoor. Five Benefits of Taking Prenatal Vitamins. https://magazine.labdoor.com/the-benefits-of-prenatal-vitamins-for-mom-and-baby/
  8. WebMD. Protect Your Pregnancy Before You Conceive. 8https://www.webmd.com/baby/features/protect-your-pregnancy-before-you-conceive#1
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by / May 13, 2021