should i take prenatal vitamins when not pregnant?
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You may be tempted to take prenatal vitamins because of unproven claims that they promote thicker hair and stronger nails. However, if you're not pregnant and not planning to become pregnant, high levels of certain nutrients over a long period of time may actually be more harmful than helpful.
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In fact, it's generally a good idea for women of reproductive age to regularly take a prenatal vitamin. The baby's neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord, develops during the first month of pregnancy — perhaps before you even know that you're pregnant.
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“It's best to start taking prenatal vitamins at least one to two months before beginning to try to conceive,” says Earthman. “Popping a prenatal vitamin won't immediately get your blood levels to where they need to be—it takes some time.
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Do not take multivitamins without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Some vitamins and minerals can harm an unborn baby if taken in large doses. You may need to use a prenatal vitamin specially formulated for pregnant women.
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It's always a good idea to supplement your diet with a prenatal vitamin during pregnancy. These are typically high in folate, a very important nutrient found in tomatoes.
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If you're planning to become pregnant, your doctor will recommend that you begin taking a prenatal vitamin. You should begin taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid three months before trying to conceive. Prenatal vitamins contain extra amounts of folic acid, iron, and calcium needed during pregnancy.
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When should I take prenatal vitamins? Always talk with your doctor before starting to take prenatal vitamins. If you're trying to conceive or are pregnant, your doctor will likely recommend that you take them. While you can buy prenatal vitamins over the counter, doctors can prescribe them too.
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Yes prenatal vitamins are an important part of your pregnancy nutrition, but they are never a subtitute for a healty well balanced diet. If you forget your vitamins once in a while do not panic...and do not "double up" because they may make you feel sick or increase constipation.
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You can also take prenatal vitamins when you aren't preparing for pregnancy, but prenatal vitamins aren't recommended for long-term use. Taking birth control and prenatal vitamins at the same time isn't harmful, but it isn't something you should do for a long period.
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Take Your Vitamins Doctors used to tell women to take folic acid as soon as they got pregnant. Now, experts suggest starting a prenatal vitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid before you try to have a baby. This important nutrient prevents spinal defects in growing babies. See if your prenatal vitamin has DHA.
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Whether or not you're pregnant, you should talk to your doctor before adding any prenatals or other supplements to your health routine. If there's any chance you could get pregnant soon, yes, experts do suggest taking some form of folic acid. If not, it's really up to you.
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Twogood recommends starting daily prenatal vitamins one month before trying to conceive and continuing them throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. Mendes says that starting before you become pregnant can help prepare your body.
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Taking prenatal vitamins even after pregnancy is a recommended option. They work well as postnatal vitamins, since your breast milk will continue to provide important nutrients for your baby. Make sure your supplements include essential nutrients such as folic acid, iron, Vitamin D, fish oil, and calcium.
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Depending on your diet, your physician or lactation consultant may recommend that you keep taking your prenatal vitamins as long as you breastfeed your baby.
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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 some birth defects. Keep taking prenatal vitamins throughout your entire pregnancy.
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Take Your Vitamins Doctors used to tell women to take folic acid as soon as they got pregnant. Now, experts suggest starting a prenatal vitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid before you try to have a baby. This important nutrient prevents spinal defects in growing babies.
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When do I need to start taking prenatal vitamins? Start taking folic acid at least 1 month before you start trying to get pregnant. 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 some birth defects.