how long before pregnancy should you start taking prenatal vitamins?
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But according to the Mayo Clinic, neural tube defects can start forming during week six. This is why both experts say it's ideal for prenatal vitamins to be consistently taken before pregnancy. “It's best to start taking prenatal vitamins at least one to two months before beginning to try to conceive,” says Earthman.
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It can also be taken as tablets (supplements). Folic acid protects your future baby against neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Ideally, you should take folic acid supplements for 2 months before you get pregnant and until you are 12 weeks along. This is when your baby's spine is developing.
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That's why it's important for women to start taking folic acid supplements at least 3 months before becoming pregnant.
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At least 30 days before your IVF, start taking a prenatal vitamin. You can even take it up to six months before a scheduled IVF cycle. Prenatal vitamins will help increase your folic acid intake and can protect against spinal and brain birth defects.
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Before pregnancy, take a vitamin supplement that has 400 micrograms of folic acid in it every day. During pregnancy, take a prenatal vitamin that has 600 micrograms of folic acid in it every day. Take a vitamin supplement with folic acid every day, even if you're not trying to get pregnant.
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Don't worry if you didn't take prenatal vitamins before you got pregnant. Many women haven't in the past, and they still had healthy babies. Just start taking them as soon as you know you're pregnant. When you get pregnant, ask your doctor which prenatal vitamin is best for you.
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Reduce risk of birth defects. Perhaps the most important (and best publicized) reason to take a prenatal vitamin is for the folic acid (vitamin B9, or folate when it's in food form) it contains.
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How long should you take prenatal vitamins for? It's best to take prenatal vitamins throughout your entire pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may suggest continuing to take prenatal vitamins after the baby is born — especially if you're breastfeeding.
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When you do become pregnant, continue to take the supplement each day for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you've just found out you are pregnant and had not been taking folic acid supplements, start them right away and continue to take them until the 12th week of pregnancy.
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Because so much of a baby's development happens during the early weeks of pregnancy, it's important to start taking prenatal vitamins before you start trying to get pregnant (three months is a good rule of thumb). That way, you can ensure you're giving your body (and your baby!)
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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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It's no secret that a regular regimen of prenatal vitamins can help both mom and baby get the nutrients they need throughout a healthy pregnancy. But don't wait until you're pregnant to start supplementing; the right combination of fertility vitamins—for women and men—can help boost your chances of conception.
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Take a prenatal vitamin every day during pregnancy. If you're planning to get pregnant, you can start taking prenatal vitamins before you get pregnant. Your body uses vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in food to help it stay strong and healthy.
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Folic acid before and during pregnancy You should take a 400 micrograms folic acid tablet every day before you're pregnant and until you're 12 weeks pregnant. Folic acid can help prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, including spina bifida.
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["In order to help provide support throughout your pregnancy, we recommend taking a prenatal when you're thinking, trying, or when it's time.*", "A good rule of thumb to follow: Aim for 3 months before you're hoping to conceive."]
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It's best to take prenatal vitamins throughout your entire pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may suggest continuing to take prenatal vitamins after the baby is born — especially if you're breastfeeding.
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All pregnant women should take at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily. Many pre-natal vitamins contain 600 mcg of folic acid.