Benefits Of Folic Acid
Folic acid is a B vitamin that naturally occurs in both men and women to help generate new cells. Folic acid is a key component in all prenatal vitamins due to its benefits for fertility and pregnancy. Dr. Katherine Shepherd, obstetrician and gynecologist at INTEGRIS Womens Health Edmond, recommends women start taking prenatal vitamins or folic acid supplements at least one month prior to trying to conceive. However, because 50 percent of pregnancies are unplanned, Shepherd urges all women of childbearing age to take prenatal vitamins daily.
Fertility and Folic Acid
More than 12 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 54 experience problems with fertility. Consuming high levels of folic acid can potentially reduce ovulation problems in healthy women who are trying to conceive. However, Shepherd says the research to support folic acids impact on female fertility is not extensive. If you have been trying to conceive for more than six months, consider consulting a gynecologist or fertility specialist.
Pregnancy and Folic Acid
There are 3,000 cases of neural tube defects in the United States each year. NTDs occur when the developing neural tube does not close properly in the first month of pregnancy, leaving part of the spinal cord exposed, which causes severe developmental defects in the spine and brain. According to the Center for Disease Control, women who consume 400 micrograms of folic acid per day prior to conceiving have a lower risk of NTDs.
Role Of Micronutrients In Fertility
Because fertility is a complex equation, and each persons body is different, the science around micronutrients and conception is still, shall we say, in its infancy.
That said, some promising studies have begun to shed light on the role of vitamins in getting and staying pregnant.
Vitamins play important roles in female health. Theyre essential for many functions, including:
- menstruation and ovulation
- immune function
- oocyte quality and maturation
So, adequate vitamin and mineral intake is critical when trying to create the right environment for a healthy pregnancy. Some nutrients may even reduce symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome , a common underlying cause of infertility.
In men, studies have shown certain supplements may increase sperm count and motility, helping the little swimmers reach their target.
Its important to remember, though, that more research is needed.
While promising, the majority of these studies were small and did not have rigorous methodology, says Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, chief medical adviser for MegaFood supplements.
Weve broken down some of the most popular supplements for fertility, with the deets on their use, effectiveness, and dosage.
Who its for: Men and women
Claimed fertility benefit: Helps sperm motility contains antioxidants that promote healthy female reproductive system
When you think vitamins, acetyl L-carnitine may not be the first to spring to mind. But that doesnt mean it shouldnt be on your radar.
- PCOS
- amenorrhea
How Can I Boost My Fertility
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What Are The Most Important Nutrients In Prenatals Especially For The First Month Of Pregnancy
While its important to have a well-rounded balance of vitamins and nutrients during pregnancy, some are truly MVPs because they actually help your baby form vital organs and body systems, many of which begin developing in the earliest weeks of pregnancy.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , these are the most important nutrients you need:
Can Prenatal Pills Help Me Get Pregnant
In addition to preventing complications, prenate pills do not increase fertility. Women should start taking prenatals as soon as possible, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . The vitamin should be taken three months before conception by women who plan to become pregnant.
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Best Prenatal Vitamins Before Pregnancy
Congratulations, you are thinking about getting pregnant! Pregnancy is one of the most exciting times of your life, and you may be wonder, do prenatal vitamins help you get pregnant? However, the short answer is no they help prevent pregnancy complications, such as low birth weight and premature birth. Ultimately helping you experience a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.
Prenatal multivitamins may not help your chances of getting pregnant, but they reduce your chances of birth defects. Their use significantly helps reduce the likelihood of neural tube defects, spina bifida and is associates with a lower risk of miscarriage. Think of them as an extra insurance policy with essential nutrients that help fill the nutritional gap of your daily food intake.
We recommend you add a prenatal multivitamin before getting pregnant. While doing this may not make you pregnant, it may help prepare your body to nourish your eggs and aid your uterus to be in optimal condition for implantation. Here are the benefits of taking prenatal vitamins before pregnancy.
Protect Your Pregnancy Before You Conceive
Many women know they need to take extra care of their health during pregnancy. But if you know you want to try to have a baby, its a good idea for you and your partner to start making some changes about 6 months before you actually get pregnant.
That creates the foundation for a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby, says Sherry Ross, MD, an OB/GYN at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
Go through this to-do list as youre getting your body ready for baby.
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Vitamins & Other Nutrients During Pregnancy
Folic acid, or vitamin B9, is needed for the proper development of the human body. Getting enough folic acid not only reduces your babys risk of developing spina bifida and anencephaly by 50-70% but taking a folic acid supplement may also reduce the risk of your baby developing other defects, such as cleft lip, cleft palate, and certain heart conditions.
Your body absorbs the synthetic version of folic acid found in vitamins more efficiently than the natural form of folic acid found in food, so even if you do eat a well-balanced diet, a supplement is strongly recommended.
Many women do not consume enough meat. Therefore, taking an iron supplement is very important in preventing iron-deficiency anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy can increase your risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and infant mortality.
Other Ways To Boost Fertility
There is good news! About 90% of couples get pregnant within one year of trying, and you could very well be in that 90%. Although, if its taking longer than youd like, or if you or your partner have a family history that could impact your chances of conceiving, there are specialists ready to help you on this journey. Check out our Q& A for some common questions about when to see a fertility specialist.
Helpful tips for improving your chances of conception:
- Figure out when your six-day fertile window is , and have sex in this time period!
- Try to stay within an ideal weight for your height youll have the best chance of conceiving if youre not under or overweight.
- Regular exercisenot vigorous exerciseis a great way to prepare your body for pregnancy.
- Maintain a well-balanced diet.
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What Do Prenatal Vitamins Do
If youre wondering, What do prenatal vitamins do? Do prenatal vitamins substitute a healthy diet? read on.
Prenatal vitamins are not substitutes for a healthy diet, as you still need to consume foods rich in nutrients and minerals. They help maintain the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to support your pregnancy.
Be sure to discuss with your doctor to determine when to start taking prenatal vitamins and which formulas they recommend. If you take more than the recommended dose, you can harm your baby. Some of their nutrients include:
- Folic acid: It is a B vitamin that pregnant women need to help their baby grow and develop. It can also prevent birth defects. You can take between 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid every day.
- Iron: Patients need to take 27 milligrams of iron a day, asit supplies oxygen to the fetus and supports the placentas development. It can also prevent anemia, a condition in which you dont have enough healthy red blood cells.
- Calcium: We recommend taking 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. This helps the baby to develop its bones, muscles, and teeth.
- Docosahexaenoic acid : This is an omega-3 fatty acid that can prevent pregnancy-related complications.
- Zinc: It reduces preterm births.
- Vitamin A: Helps with eye development. Patients can take e700mcg a day. If you take it in large doses it can cause birth defects.
Vital Micronutrients For Male And Female Fertility
Rachel Gurevich is a fertility advocate, author, and recipient of The Hope Award for Achievement, from Resolve: The National Infertility Association. She is a professional member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and has been writing about womens health since 2001. Rachel uses her own experiences with infertility to write compassionate, practical, and supportive articles.
Leyla Bilali, RN is a registered nurse, fertility nurse, and fertility consultant in the New York City area.
Michela Ravasio / Stocksy United
There’s no question about it: food is important for all aspects of life, and fertility is no exception. Our bodies get the vitamins and minerals we need from our daily diet, and creating a new lifewhich is exactly what fertility health is all aboutalso requires micronutrients. So, what vitamins are important for fertility?
We dont completely understand yet how diet and micronutrients directly influence fertility, but researchers are learning more every day. We know that some deficiencies can cause fertility problems. We also know that some diseases that impact the bodys ability to absorb nutrients can increase the risk of infertility.
Overall, the most important vitamin to take while trying to conceiveand throughout pregnancyis a standard prenatal vitamin with the most important component being folic acid. Daily intake of folic acid should be at least 400-1000 mcg
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What Pills Help You Get Pregnant
Does Taking Prenatal Vitamins Help You Get Pregnant
Is it an illusion?
No! It’s actually prenatal vitamins working wonders for your body. Doctors recommend that you take prenatal vitamins at least three months before attempting pregnancy.
But does taking prenatal vitamin actually increase your chances of getting pregnant? Does it boost your fertility?
First, we need to unravel the components that are inside prenatal vitamins that give them their so-called magical properties. You need your prenatal vitamins to have at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. This will help in restricting a very specific malformation on the developing baby, known as a Neural Tube Defect. Other than this, your prenatal vitamins also need to contain iron. Iron is vital for your body during pregnancy since the need for it within your body increases.
Bone growth is important during pregnancy too! This is brought about by Vitamin D and Calcium, which directly contributes to the development of the framework of your babys body. On top of this, Omega-3 Fatty acids are going to help with the babys central nervous system. This is especially important because it will eventually come to determine a flourishing brain development of the baby.
There are also other ways to improve your fertility, though.
It is important to remember that YOU are at the center of it all. In combination with prenatal vitamins and other fertility enriching methods, you will be the one to reap the benefits and be rewarded with a healthy little baby!
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Important Vitamins And Minerals Before Conceiving:
- Folic acid is most important before conceiving, and in the early stages of pregnancy. This is when the bulk of neural tube formation occurs.
- Zinc, vitamin D and iron are often deficient in adults and are useful in increasing fertility, so likewise, these would be very beneficial before conceiving to increase your chances of success as well as contribute to producing a healthy baby.
How To Choose A Prenatal Vitamin
Its up to you and your health care provider to make sure you choose a prenatal supplement that is safe and appropriate for you. Your practitioner will probably recommend that you start taking a prenatal vitamin, either a prescription one or an over-the-counter brand, at your first prenatal checkup. Unless your physician recommends it, do not take any other vitamin or mineral supplement while you are taking a prenatal supplement.
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Tips For Taking Prenatal Vitamins
Suspicious that your prenatals are upsetting your stomach? There are ways you can minimize some of the more unpleasant effects.
- Ask your doctor about switching to another brand. Sometimes, a prenatal is formulated in a way that just doesnt sit right with you.
- Try a different method. Prenatals are often available as capsules, beverages, gummies, and even protein shakes and ingesting them differently can aid the digestive process. Try switching from one large capsule to three gummies per day or splitting up two doses 12 hours apart.
- Drink lots of water before and after. If youre having constipation, make sure you keep your GI system flushed out. You can also add a fiber supplement if youre really feeling backed up .
- Experiment with food. If your vitamins are making you nauseated, try taking them with or without food. For some people, taking vitamins on an empty stomach is irritating others find that they can only take them on an empty stomach.
Possible Prenatal Vitamins Side Effects
The iron in prenatals can cause constipation, and you may also have low appetite, stomach cramps, dark stools, and diarrhea. You can ease your symptoms by:
- Drinking a lot of fluids.
- Eating more food rich in fiber.
- Getting more physical activity.
Other prenatal vitamins side effects that can appear include:
- Back pain.
- Hives.
- Teeth staining.
Let your doctor know if you are taking pain relievers, heart medications, high blood pressure pills, sulfamethoxazole, or diuretics, as these can have negative interactions with prenate pills. Your healthcare provider can advise you on when to start taking prenatal vitamins.
Now, we can move on to the next section: Do prenatals help you get pregnant? where we will address the following question: Do prenatal vitamins make you fertile? and also discuss when to start taking prenatals.
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Will Taking Prenatal Vitamins Increase Your Chances Of Getting Pregnant
There are many good reasons to take a prenatal while you’re trying to conceive. Theyre formulated with the specific needs of a pregnancy and developing baby in mind, meaning they contain ingredients that support things like the babys brain and spinal cord development, and blood cells getting enough oxygen so everything can run smoothly.* One thing prenatals dont do, contrary to what some might think, is actually change your chances of conceiving .
We dug through the literature in search of scientific evidence supporting a link between prenatals and chances of conception. To date, there have been no published, large-scale studies linking the use of prenatal vitamins or specific micronutrients with pregnancy rates or time to pregnancy meaning there’s no evidence that taking prenatals impacts your chances of conception.
Here, well give you a quick breakdown of where the science stands on what prenatals can and cant do , and point to some actionable steps you can take to increase your own chances of conception.
Are There Vitamins That Can Increase Fertility
We know that vitamins are essential for keeping our bodies working properly — they help regulate the body’s functions and keep everything operating smoothly — so it seems logical that they would play a role in one of the body’s most complicated processes: reproduction. But can taking certain vitamins actually increase the chances of getting pregnant and having a successful birth? In other words, can they increase fertility?
While most studies on the link between vitamins and fertility are inconclusive, some findings do suggest a connection between getting healthy amounts of certain vitamins and the ability to conceive.
One of the vitamins most commonly linked to fertility is vitamin C. Vitamin C is sometimes recommended for women trying to conceive because it can increase the level of the hormone progesterone. Progesterone does several things: It helps regulate the menstrual cycle, it can help thicken the lining of the uterus and it can reduce anxiety . Synthetic progesterone — progestin — is often given to women who are having difficulty conceiving or carrying a baby to term. Some naturally good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, broccoli and green peppers.
Some studies have also found links between insufficient levels of vitamin D and infertility. The good news is that vitamin D is easy to come by in dairy products or by simply spending some time in the sun — exposure to sunlight causes the body to manufacture vitamin D.
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