Fertility Vitamins - Do They Work?

Fertility vitamins should always be part of your pregnancy preparation list. Start preparing your body and mind for the demands of pregnancy. Stop any bad habits that may endanger your baby. Start taking fertility vitamins four months before trying to conceive. The earlier you optimize your nutrient intake, the significantly you minimize the risks of birth defects. Preparing a healthy meal everyday can be a challenge, but think about the good it can do for you and your baby. If you are just too busy, taking prenatal vitamins can provide a safety net of the nutrients it needs.

Fertility vitamins beneficial for preconception include:

Folic Acid

Folic acid is essential for proper cell division and development of the fetus. Studies have shown women who take supplements with folic acid prior to conception have significantly lower risks of giving birth to babies with severe heart problems, neural tube problems and low birth weights. These women are also less likely to deliver a baby prematurely. Other researches have shown almost 50% of all neural tube problems in babies can be avoided by taking folic acid supplements during the early stages of pregnancy.

Zinc

Zinc is another mineral you should take prior to conception. Studies have shown women with high levels of Zinc had lower risks of delivering neurally defective babies. The risk was reduced to as low as 35%! Zinc is essential for fetal development, fetal immunity and health.

Iron

Start taking Iron supplements four months before trying to conceive and throughout the pregnancy. Iron helps in transporting oxygen throughout the body. It can also help regulate cell growth and development. Iron is essential for the development of the fetus and the placenta. Deficiency in iron can lead to anemia. Remember when you get pregnant, your blood volume will increase by 50%. You will need more Iron than usual. Keep a healthy supply of Iron to prevent you and your baby from developing anemia.

Choline

Choline is a vital nutrient for the development of the fetus. Women with high levels of choline in their body starting three months prior to conception have significantly lower risks of delivering a neurally defective baby.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid helps in tissue repair, bone growth, bone repair, wound healing and healthy skin. It helps your body fight diseases. It can also act as an antioxidant, protecting your cells from free radical damage.

Vitamin C is essential for collagen production. Collagen is a structural protein you can find in cartilage, skin, tendons and bones. Vitamin C can also help your body absorb Iron. If you are pregnant, you need adequate supply of vitamin C to support your immune system, strengthen the capillary wall and strong placenta.

Fertility vitamins are important for prenatal care. But, you should not rely on supplements alone. You should remember to have healthy meals everyday and only take vitamins to boost your healthy diet and nutrient intake. A healthy diet is mainly composed of organic, green, leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds and fresh fruits and whole grains. Also, don't forget to exercise regularly and keep a positive outlook in life. Preparing for pregnancy will put your mind at ease as well as prepare your body for a healthy and joyful pregnancy. Healthy pregnancy not only lead to a healthy baby but also to an easier birth and lower risk of postpartum depression and other complications. Many women worry about excess weight post pregnancy. One of the easiest ways to lose baby weight is to breastfeed. In order to breastfeed you need adequate nutrient supply during pregnancy. Being adequately prepared for pregnancy will reward you many times over.