Pre Pregnancy Vitamins
Pre pregnancy vitamins can help to safeguard your intake of specific vitamins and minerals when you are planning to conceive. The UK Department of Health recommends taking a supplement containing 400 micrograms of folic acid every day when trying for a baby. Supplemental folic acid increases the folate status of the mum-to-be. Low maternal folate status is a risk factor in the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus. The mineral zinc is another important nutrient, as it contributes to normal fertility and reproduction.

Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are intended to be taken after conception, during pregnancy, and contain many key nutrients. The UK Department of Health recommends a daily supplement of 400µg of folic acid for at least the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Folic acid is also beneficial beyond 12 weeks as it contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy. The UK Department of Health also recommends that everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10µg of Vitamin D, especially during the autumn and winter. Other important nutrients to consider are calcium, which contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth and Omega-3 DHA. Maternal intake of DHA contributes to normal development of the eye and brain of the foetus, with a daily intake of 200mg DHA required in addition to the recommended daily intake of DHA for adults.

Postnatal Vitamins
Postnatal vitamins are designed to be taken after you have given birth, and can be a convenient way to round out any nutritional gaps in your diet. Pregnancy and childbirth can deplete important nutrients from your body, so it’s important to rebuild your nutritional stores, including folic acid, iron, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. If you are breastfeeding, your body’s need for many nutrients will be even higher at this time. Pregnacare Breast-feeding is a carefully balanced formula that brings together the key nutrients needed specifically for the breastfeeding period, including calcium to support normal bones and teeth, iron for energy release, and omega-3 DHA. Maternal intake of DHA contributes to the normal development of the eye and brain of the breastfed infant.