Articles

Prenatal vitamins: Why they matter, how to choose

How are prenatal vitamins different from other vitamins?

Prenatal vitamins typically contain more folic acid and iron than do standard adult multivitamins. Here's why:

  • Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects. These defects are serious abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord.
  • Iron supports the baby's growth and development. Iron also helps prevent anemia, a condition in which blood has a low number of healthy red blood cells.

In addition, some research suggests that prenatal vitamins decrease the risk of having a baby who is small for his or her gestational age.