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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Best Prenatal Vitamins

Hi So I am guessed to be around 13 weeks pregnant my last period had started July 23 and I haven t been able to go to the obgyn or anything yet cause I don t have health insurance I m waiting to hear back still and they want me to pay 400 first before being seen just for one visit. So I was wondering what would you suggest to be the best prenatal vitiam I should be taking and if there s anything else I should be taking or doing?
Wed, 2 Nov 2016
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Dietitian & Nutritionist 's  Response
Hi There!
Taking a good prenatal vitamin is a good idea - best if started before the actual pregnancy so you do not go into the pregnant state deficient in folic acid or iron.

Most prenatals will provide 100% of the recommended intakes for all major nutrients. Two of the most critical are:5mg folic acid
10 mcg vitamin D. Also try to eat foods high in folic acid such as green vegies and pulses as well as fortified cereals. Taking folic acid can prevent spina bifida.

While recommending actual brand names is discouraged on the forum, there are some well known brands on the market. Ask your local pharmacist if you are unsure.

Is there anything else you should do? Keep fit. Walk everyday. Drink enough pure clean water daily. Eat a variety of health foods such as fresh fruit, fresh or lightly steamed vegies, whole grains, fortified cereals and dairy to get your calcium (only fortified milk/cereal has vitamin D unless you have access to fatty fish that are taken from clean waters). Try to keep regular by eating enough fiber, drinking enough water and being active with a regular exercise routine. Fortified cereals have iron as does molasses, spinach, meat.
Eating a food high in vitamin C along with a food high in iron will increase absorption of the iron.

These are just a few tips towards a healthy pregnancy. Oh, and gain the proper amount of weight which is dependent on the weight you were at when you got pregnant. Avoid added sugars!

Regards, Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN
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General & Family Physician Dr. Muhammad Ahmad's  Response
Hello,

Thanks for writing to Health Care magic, I am Dr , Muhammad Ahmad , I have read your question closely, I understand your concern and will be helping you with your health related problem.

It is always advised to keep regular follow up visits with your doctor during gestation you should never skip visits if you can afford the cost, you can cut down other expenses but it is advised to visit your doctor regularly as advised by your doctor.

This being said it is always advised to stay mobile and physically active during pregnancy, just resting and lying down is never a healthy idea. Instead of vitamin supplements it's always the best first step to keep your diet balanced and use fruits vegetables proteins carbohydrates in a balanced quantity.

During your followup visits if you are found to have anything deficient your doctor will start you with a supplement accordingly but without any real issues using a vitamin supplement is not advised.

I hope this answered your question, If you have more queries I am happy to answer you.
Regards.

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad
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Suggest Best Prenatal Vitamins

Hi There! Taking a good prenatal vitamin is a good idea - best if started before the actual pregnancy so you do not go into the pregnant state deficient in folic acid or iron. Most prenatals will provide 100% of the recommended intakes for all major nutrients. Two of the most critical are:5mg folic acid 10 mcg vitamin D. Also try to eat foods high in folic acid such as green vegies and pulses as well as fortified cereals. Taking folic acid can prevent spina bifida. While recommending actual brand names is discouraged on the forum, there are some well known brands on the market. Ask your local pharmacist if you are unsure. Is there anything else you should do? Keep fit. Walk everyday. Drink enough pure clean water daily. Eat a variety of health foods such as fresh fruit, fresh or lightly steamed vegies, whole grains, fortified cereals and dairy to get your calcium (only fortified milk/cereal has vitamin D unless you have access to fatty fish that are taken from clean waters). Try to keep regular by eating enough fiber, drinking enough water and being active with a regular exercise routine. Fortified cereals have iron as does molasses, spinach, meat. Eating a food high in vitamin C along with a food high in iron will increase absorption of the iron. These are just a few tips towards a healthy pregnancy. Oh, and gain the proper amount of weight which is dependent on the weight you were at when you got pregnant. Avoid added sugars! Regards, Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN