Prenatal vitamins are an essential part of the equation for pregnant women and those attempting to conceive. Maintaining proper levels of folic acid, calcium and iron as well as many other nutrients while carrying a fetus will provide the best possible health results for a baby and mother prior to delivery.

Studies indicate that low folic acid levels can cause severe birth defects of the brain and spinal cord called neural tube defects. Low folic acid levels may even reduce the chance of a woman carrying to term.

Many women who are trying to get pregnant and not taking a prenatal vitamin find their levels well below the suggested safe levels recommended by the FDA.

They spend the first several weeks of pregnancy with unsafe levels of these nutrients in their systems increasing their risks of having a baby born with birth defects.

With this in mind, anyone even considering pregnancy should be taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 800 mcg of folic acid each day. For women with low folate levels, of advanced age or who are experiencing fertility issues, doctors may recommend a prescription prenatal vitamin that contains 1000 mcg for a more aggressive approach.

The most important nutrient in a prenatal vitamin is folic acid. Folate can also be found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans and citrus fruits. The FDA requires that many flour products such as breads, buns and bagels be fortified with extra folic acid. Breakfast cereals and fortified enriched grain products offer the nutrient as well.

Calcium is another important nutrient in a prenatal vitamin. A growing fetus consumes much of the mother’s calcium during pregnancy; thus creating a low level in the mother’s system that may result in bone density loss and increase the chance of osteoporosis later in life. Calcium can also be found in dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt. Many juices are now fortified with calcium as well.

Iron is also an essential nutrient for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. The mother’s body creates additional amounts of blood during pregnancy to support a growing baby. With a higher volume of blood present in her system she needs supplemental iron to maintain a healthy level throughout her blood supply. Keeping a healthy level of iron lowers the risk in pregnant women of developing iron-deficiency anemia. Natural sources of iron include meat, fish and poultry. Other sources of iron may include beans, dried fruits, whole grains, fortified cereals and enriched breads.

Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, niacin and zinc are also found in a prenatal vitamin tablet. Although most experts agree that proper levels of folic acid, calcium and iron are most essential in carrying a healthy baby to term, these other vitamins are important as well.

Some women taking prenatal vitamins have experienced mild side effects like constipation and nausea. The constipation may be caused by the iron supplement. Drinking more water than usual may ease the constipation. Nausea can be reduced by taking the prenatal vitamin with food later in the day.