Pregnancy Week 2: Activity

It’s time to start taking prenatal vitamins! Most expecting women can benefit from taking supplements, but it is especially important if you have any dietary restrictions or health issues.

What are the most important vitamins and minerals to take and how much?

Folic acid (400 micrograms/mcg) helps prevent neural tube birth defects, which affect the brain and spinal cord. These develop in the first 28 days after conception so you should start taking folic acid even before conceive.

Calcium (200-300 milligrams/mg) will help prevent you losing your own bone density as the baby grows its own bones.

Iron (17 mg) helps blood carry oxygen.

Iodine (150 mcg) is critical for a woman’s healthy thyroid function during pregnancy, and can prevent miscarriage and stillbirth. A deficiency in iodine can cause stunted physical growth, mental disability, and deafness.