There's something about the holiday season that just primes us for heartwarming stories of kindness and charity, right? Well, a few weeks ago a first-time mom with just two months left in her pregnancy took to Reddit, where she asked for help in locating affordable prenatal vitamins and a breast pump. While she received a few helpful answers, she received something even more valuable just three days later. A stranger shipped her an entire box of prenatal vitamins. As anyone who's gone through pregnancy and parenting knows, health care costs can be high. This random act of kindness (the donor requested to remain anonymous) is sure to be one that this mom-to-be will always remember during holiday seasons to come.
What are prenatal vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins are multivitamins that typically contain folic acid, calcium and iron. They serve as a comprehensive solution to supplement a healthy diet. The exact contents of a prenatal vitamin may vary by the manufacturer. They may also include, for example, recommended daily values of…- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Thiamin
- Riboflavin
- Niacin
- Vitamin B-6
- Vitamin B-12
- Zinc
Do I need prenatal vitamins?
Women should consult with their OB/GYN before making the decision to take prenatal vitamins. Some health care professionals recommend pregnant women supplement a well-rounded diet (rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains) with folic acid and Vitamin D. Other providers may advise their patients to take a comprehensive prenatal vitamin in order to ensure good nutrition throughout pregnancy. Ultimately, the decision to take prenatal vitamins is one every woman will have to make for herself.The Benefits of a Prenatal Vitamin
- Folic Acid: This B vitamin helps prevent major birth defects of the brain and spine. Because folic acid is not always easy to obtain through a normal diet, many health care providers recommend getting folic acid through a prenatal vitamin.
- Iron: This mineral is used to help your body produce more blood, which delivers oxygen to the baby.
- Calcium: Helpful for building bones and teeth, calcium is an essential mineral for pregnant women to include in their diet.