QuestionHi,
This should be a simple question. I am 34yrs old. I plan to start trying to get pregnant. I heard I should be taking vitiams. I got Calnate vitiams. Is this a good choice? Should I start taking them now? Would you recommend a different one?
AnswerHi Darlene,
Congratulations on your decision to become pregnant. You are certainly doing the right thing by getting a prenatal vitamin. And yes, you should start taking it if there is any chance you may become pregnant. The reason for this is during the very early stages of pregnancy your body needs folic acid in order to allow the embryo to properly develop a spinal cord. Without this essential substance, problems such as spina bifida could result. Spina bifida is when the spinal cord is not completely fused. It causes a whole host rage of problems for a fetus and eventually a baby.
Your body also benefits from the other vitamins and minerals you get from the vitamins, of course.
As for the brand of vitamins - it's a personal issue. Prescription or over the counter, you need to find one that works for you. For example the iron content in the vitamins sometimes makes women constipated. Nausea is also a common problem from the vitamins.
For my first pregnancy I was taking brand name Materna vitamins and I liked them very much. For my second pregnancy, my insurance changed and I was given generic Materna vitamins. These vitamins would make me nauseous if taken on an empty stomach and/or taken BEFORE I brushed my teeth (go figure!). So you have to find one that works best for you.
Good luck to you, and please write again with any other questions or concerns.
