If you’re thinking about starting a family, one of the most important things you can do to prepare your body for pregnancy is to start taking prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated multivitamins that contain all the essential nutrients your body needs to support a healthy pregnancy.

It’s a common misconception that prenatal vitamins are only necessary after you become pregnant, but in reality, it’s recommended that women start taking them as soon as they begin planning to conceive. This is because many of the crucial nutrients that support fetal development, such as folic acid and iron, are needed in the very early stages of pregnancy, often before a woman even realizes she’s pregnant.

Folic acid is perhaps the most important nutrient for a healthy pregnancy, as it plays a critical role in preventing birth defects of the brain and spine. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all women of reproductive age consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid per day, even if they’re not planning to become pregnant. However, many women don’t get enough folic acid through diet alone, which is why taking a prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid is so important.

Iron is another essential nutrient for a healthy pregnancy, as it helps to form hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to your baby. During pregnancy, your body needs more iron than usual to support your growing baby, but many women don’t get enough iron through diet alone. Taking a prenatal vitamin that contains iron can help ensure that both you and your baby are getting the necessary oxygen to support healthy growth.

Other important nutrients found in prenatal vitamins include calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients support healthy bone growth and development, as well as brain and vision development in your baby.

In conclusion, if you’re planning to start a family, it’s important to start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as possible. By doing so, you can help ensure that both you and your baby are getting the necessary nutrients to support a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Talk to your doctor about which prenatal vitamin is right for you, and start taking it today.