What Supplements To Take Before Getting Pregnant

Is It Ok To Take Prenatal Vitamins If You Are Not Pregnant

Fertility Supplements: What Supplements Should You Take if You Are Trying To Get Pregnant?

Yes, its OK to take prenatal supplements if youre not pregnant. In fact, experts recommend taking prenatal supplements for at least 3 months before becoming pregnant.

They also recommend continuing to take a prenatal supplement after youve given birth, though there are several products on the market specifically designed for the postnatal period.

Vegetarian Vegan And Special Diets In Pregnancy

A varied and balanced vegetarian diet should provide enough nutrients for you and your baby during pregnancy.

But you might find it more difficult to get enough iron and vitamin B12.

Talk to a midwife or doctor about how to make sure you’re getting enough of these important nutrients.

If you’re vegan or you follow a restricted diet because of a food intolerance or for religious reasons, talk to a midwife or GP.

Ask to be referred to a dietitian for advice on how to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need for you and your baby.

Find out more about healthy eating if you’re pregnant and vegetarian or vegan.

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. Keep taking prenatal vitamins throughout your entire pregnancy.

Read Also: How To Manage Anxiety During Pregnancy

Supplements All Women Trying To Get Pregnant Should Take

A prenatal vitamin should be taken before you become pregnant, not just when you find out that you are having a baby. Along with prenatal vitamins, there are additional supplements that may improve your fertility health and help with conception. But it is best to start taking supplements a few months or more before conception, since it may take a few months to get their full benefits. There are so many supplements available. But to keep things simple, here are six that have the best chance of giving your fertility a boost and increase your chance of having a baby.

Co Enzyme Q 10:

Is the source of fuel for mitochondria and is needed for the basic functioning of cells. Our recommendation: If you are up to 37 years old take 200-400 mg and if you are over 37 years old take 400-600 mg.

Vitamin D3

Studies have shown that despite taking a prenatal vitamin, women were still low in Vitamin D. There is typically not enough Vitamin D added to a prenatal pill so it is important to check. Low Vitamin D levels in early life is linked to schizophrenia, diabetes and skeletal disease. Appropriate levels of Vitamin D intake can prevent or reduce depression, dementia, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Our recommendation: Take 2,000-3,000 IU daily.

Folic Acid:
Selenium:
Vitamin E:
Herbs:

If you are interested in taking herbal support: Vitex or Ashwagandha are herbs and aptogens that can be used to boost fertility.

Don’t Forget Your Mental Health

One A Day Women

Your mental health is an important part of your overall health. Here are some things to think about when preparing for pregnancy:

Stress. While we don’t know the exact connections between stress and fertility, we do know that high stress levels can affect your hormone function, which can in turn affect your menstrual cycles. We also know that stress isn’t healthy, and your goal right now is to become as healthy as possible.

So do what you can to reduce stress in your life. Eliminate unnecessary stressors as much as you can, and explore methods for reducing stress, such as yoga, meditation, massage, and deep-breathing exercises. Take time to de-stress with long walks, time with good friends, quiet time, and exercise.

Getting enough sleep can help you better cope with stress throughout the day and contribute to your overall health, too. If you need help dealing with stress, your healthcare provider can refer you to a therapist.

Depression. Women who suffer from depression are more likely to have problems with fertility than women who don’t, says Alice Domar, PhD., Chief Compassion Officer at Inception Fertility.

Domestic violence. Physical harm or emotional abuse by a partner is unlikely to get better during pregnancy or after your baby is born. If you’re the victim of domestic violence, reach out for help through your healthcare provider or by getting in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 799-7233.

Also Check: What Foods Should You Eat While Pregnant

Who Might Need Additional Supplementation

If you’re dealing with a specific health condition , it’s really important to talk with your doctor to ensure that the supplements above are appropriate and to ask if additional supplements may be necessary. Depending on your specific situation, your doctor might recommend nutrients such as CoQ10, melatonin, and DHEA, says Gandhi, “but again, less is more and it’s better to individualize care than taking things your body may or may not need. I don’t like to supplement blindly without checking labs and levels.”

Supports Fetal Brain Development

Folic acid helps the neural tube form, which later becomes the brain. Low folic acid levels can lead to birth defects called neural tube defects. The CDC says anyone who can become pregnant should take at least 400 mcg of folic acid per day. Try Smoo Prenatal Multivitamins, which contain 600 mcg of folic acid per serving.

Recommended Reading: How Do You Get Pregnant If Your Tubes Are Tied

How Much Folic Acid Do I Need When Im Trying To Conceive

The NHS recommends that you take 400 micrograms of folic acid each day when youre trying to get pregnant. You should keep taking this amount every day until youre 12 weeks pregnant. While youre taking folic acid, you should keep eating foods rich in folate as part of a balanced diet.

Some women who have an increased risk of birth defects will need a higher dose of folic acid, typically 5 milligrams . Your GP will tell you if you need this higher dose.

Nutrients Often Missing In Prenatal Supplements

Do prenatal vitamins improve your fertility?

Most prenatals contain all or most of the micronutrients needed during pregnancy.

However, many prenatals fall short in a few areas, which is why its important to do your research before purchasing a prenatal supplement.

In particular, prenatal supplements are often lacking in these nutrients that are important during pregnancy (

  • omega-3 DHA and EPA

Since each pregnancy is unique, your doctor or a registered dietitian may suggest a specific prenatal supplement based on your health needs.

Read Also: How Do You Feel At 7 Weeks Pregnant

If Youre Thinking Of Trying For A Baby Were Here To Help You Improve Your Chances Of Becoming Pregnant Including Advice On What Vitamins Could Help & Which Ones You Should Avoid

When you’re planning to conceive, there are certain things you can do that can benefit the health of your future baby. It’s important that you and your partner take care of both your physical health and overall wellbeing, as this can improve your chances of becoming pregnant.

A big part of supporting your health involves eating a healthy, balanced and varied diet to make sure your body is healthy and ready to conceive. Lifestyle habits like regular exercise and managing everyday stress can also play a key role.

Around 8 out of 10 couples conceive naturally within a year of trying, however this depends on things such as age, lifestyle and other factors. Some people get pregnant straight away, for others it can take a bit longer.

Some people may need an extra helping hand and, unfortunately, some can experience fertility setbacks. Its important not to compare yourself to others when trying for a baby, as everyones journey is different.

If youre under 36 and havent conceived after a year of trying, speak to your GP. If youre 36 or over, or have any reason to be concerned about your fertility, have a chat with your GP when you decide youd like to start trying for a baby.

What to do when trying to conceive

If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, you should avoid smoking or drinking alcohol. Smoking and drinking can have harmful effects on your unborn baby and can also affect your chances of conception

Help support your fertility
Folic acid
Vitamin D
Next steps

Is It Safe To Take A Prenatal When Youre Not Pregnant Yet

The very first thing you might ask yourself when youre planning to have a baby is: what can I do to make sure that me and my future bubs are as healthy as possible?

While this article lists all the benefits of taking a prenatal when youre not pregnant yet, you also need to know if its even safe to do so. After all, prenatals are mostly developed for women who are already pregnant.

Well, the CDC recommends that all women of reproductive age take 400 micrograms of folic acid each day, not just women who are already pregnant!

Also, the Mayo clinic states that its generally a good idea for women of reproductive age to regularly take a prenatal vitamin.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also thinks starting early with prenatals is a great idea. They recommend taking a prenatal vitamin at least 1 month before becoming pregnant, but since you cant predict whats going to happen in the future, its a good bet to start when you start trying for a baby. Besides, you want to start early as Ill show you what the science says about how a good prenatal vitamin can actually improve your chances of becoming pregnant faster!

You May Like: What Is The Most Bioavailable Form Of Vitamin C

Recommended Reading: What Is Pregnancy Discharge Like

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:

What Is The Best Fertility Supplement To Get Pregnant

Q& A supplements to take for pregnancy

If youre wondering what is the best vitamin for female fertility, it can be hard to narrow down. Determining which vitamins and supplements youll need depends on your diet, your body, and your unique nutritional needs. However, there are a few vitamins and supplements research has found to boost fertility in women.

Read Also: Does Taking Prenatal Vitamins Increase Chances Of Pregnancy

Nutrients To Look For

There are several nutrients you should look for when shopping for fertility supplements.

In fact, many nutrients have been shown to support certain aspects of fertility and reproductive health, including:

  • L-carnitine. This amino acid has been shown to slow age-related changes in the female reproductive system and may help improve symptoms of endometriosis and PCOS. It may also help boost sperm motility in men (

Keep in mind that you can also get many of these nutrients from food and that supplementation may not be necessary if you follow a balanced and nutritious diet.

How Much Folic Acid Should I Take

Most women are advised to take a 400mcg supplement every day. You can get these from most pharmacies, supermarkets, and health food shops. Your GP may also be able to prescribe them to you.

You can also get folic acid in some pregnancy multivitamin tablets. If you do, make sure the tablet does not contain vitamin A. High doses of vitamin A can cause developmental problems in the first three months of pregnancy.

You can also try to eat foods that contain folate. These include:

  • fortified breakfast cereals.

Eating foods high in folate alone will not be enough to give the best protection to the baby so it is important to take the tablet too.

Read Also: When Do You First Start Showing Signs Of Pregnancy

Ways To Reduce Free Radical Damage While Youre Trying To Get Pregnant

In addition to taking antioxidant supplements, you can take these steps to help to stop free radical damage from interfering with fertility:

  • Move your wifi router at least 10 feet away from your desk and at least 30 feet away from your bed.
  • Use organic, paraben-free and phthalate-free shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and other personal care products.
  • Control your stress. Take walks in nature, meditate, do yoga, and spend time relaxing every day.
  • Get plenty of sleep in a dark room. Aim for eight hours per night.

References:

  • Shkolnik K, Tadmor A, Ben-Dor S, et al. Reactive oxygen species are indispensable in ovulation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011 Jan 25 108:1462-7.
  • Machtinger R, Combelles CM, Missmer SA, et al. Bisphenol-A and human oocyte maturation in vitro. Hum Reprod. 2013 28:2735-45.
  • Ilacqua A, Izzo G, Emerenziani GP, et al. Lifestyle and fertility: the influence of stress and quality of life on male fertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018 16:115.
  • Nassan FL, Chavarro JE, Tanrikut C. Diet and mens fertility: does diet affect sperm quality? Fertil Steril. 2018 110:570-7.
  • Gupta S, Agarwal A, Banerjee J, Alvarez JG. The role of oxidative stress in spontaneous abortion and recurrent pregnancy loss: a systematic review. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2007 May 62:335-47 quiz 353-4.
  • Kim MK, Park EA, Kim HJ, et al. Does supplementation of in-vitro culture medium withmelatonin improve IVF outcome in PCOS? Reprod Biomed Online. 2013 Jan 26:22-9.
  • When To Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins

    Why You Should Take Folic Acid BEFORE Pregnancy

    The best time to start taking prenatal vitamins is before conception. Folic acid is especially important. You should begin taking a folic acid supplement at least 1 month before you try to get pregnant to prevent birth defects.

    Some doctors recommend that all women who could have a baby take prenatal vitamins, even if they donât plan a pregnancy.

    Also Check: How To Determine How Far Pregnant You Are

    The 12 Benefits Of Taking Prenatal Vitamins Before Pregnancy

    1. Using vitamin supplements is not a complete alternative to nutrition before pregnancy. It is a prerequisite for trying to conceive.

    2. Deficiency of some vitamins may endanger the babys metabolic system.

    3. Not taking some pre-pregnancy vitamins increases the chance of premature birth.

    4. Taking vitamins increases the secretion of hormones in women.

    5. Vitamin E is needed for fetal placenta formation.

    6. Vitamin C supports the immune system.

    7. Vitamin D helps produce sex hormones and assimilate calcium. Vitamin D deficiency can have long-term effects on childrens bone health and body composition.

    8. Iron helps red blood cells to produce enough oxygen to help the fetus grow.

    9. Vitamin B6 helps the ovulation cycle.

    10. Folic acid, called Vitamin B9 has a positive and essential effect on the growth and formation of the fetuss brain and spinal cord. Recommend you read on article Folic Acid Before Pregnancy.

    11. Omega-3 fatty acids, called vitamin F, are required for brain development in the fetus. Adequate omega-3 in the body of women plays an essential role in improving their fertility and ovulation.

    Omega 3 improves the quality of the uterine wall by increasing blood flow to the female reproductive organs. Omega-3 is made up of two kinds of acids called DHA and EPA, which are beneficial fats, and fights mental illness and depression in women, principally during pregnancy.

    Keep To A Healthy Weight

    If you’re overweight, you may have problems getting pregnant and fertility treatment is less likely to work.

    Being overweight or obese also raises the risk of some pregnancy problems, such as high blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis,miscarriage and gestational diabetes.

    Before you get pregnant you can use the BMI healthy weight calculator to find out your BMI. But this may not be accurate once you’re pregnant, so consult your midwife or doctor.

    Having a healthy diet and doing moderate exercise are advised in pregnancy, and it’s important not to gain too much weight.

    You can keep to a healthy weight by having a balanced diet and doing regular exercise.

    Read Also: What Can I Take To Get Pregnant With Pcos

    Supports The Earliest Days Of Pregnancy

    If youre closely tracking your cycle, youll catch a positive pregnancy test right away. But did you know that by the time you get a positive test, youll already be 4 weeks along? Women who get pregnant with irregular cycles may have an even longer wait and see period. Start taking a prenatal vitamin to cover the days before you know youre pregnant.

    Do Prenatal Vitamins Have Side Effects

    One A Day Women

    A lot of people wonder about about prenatal vitamins side effects. Some people get nauseated or constipated from taking prenatal vitamins. If this happens to you, talk with your doctor about changing brands or the types of vitamins youre taking.

    Prenatal vitamins come in tablets or capsules, so finding the kind that works best with your body can help ease side effects. Your doctor or midwife can help you find a prenatal vitamin that will work best for your body.

    Read Also: Can You Get Cramps When You Are Pregnant

    Adding Fertility Supplements To Your Regimen

    Even if an ingredient is natural or naturally occurring, it may not be safe at certain doses, free from side effects or potential interactions with other medications you may be taking, or okay to take during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant. Always talk to your doctor before introducing a new supplement into your regimen.

    Why Take Them Before Youre Even Pregnant

    Heres the deal: Pregnancy takes a lot of you. Your cute little fetus is actually a major drain on your bodys natural resources, which is why you spend so much time in those 9 months feeling nauseated, exhausted, achy, crampy, moody, weepy, and forgetful.

    Your baby gets all the nutrients it needs directly from you, so its easy to become deficient in important vitamins and minerals during pregnancy. Making sure your body has what it needs to nourish both of you is much easier if you get started before baby is in the picture.

    Think of it like building up a reserve: If you have more than enough of the vitamins and nutrients you need to thrive, then you can afford to share those vitamins and nutrients with your baby as they grow.

    Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Way To Not Get Pregnant

    Related Posts

    Recent Stories