Prenatal vitamins: Give your baby the best start

Provided by: MayoClinic.com
50% of users found this article helpful.

A healthy diet is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals you need. But even if you eat healthfully every day, you may fall short on key nutrients. If you're pregnant or hoping to conceive, prenatal vitamins can help fill any gaps.

Do prenatal vitamins require a prescription?

Prenatal vitamins are available over-the-counter in nearly any pharmacy. Some prenatal vitamins require a prescription. Your health care provider may recommend a specific brand of prenatal vitamins or leave the choice up to you.

How long should I take prenatal vitamins?

It's best to take prenatal vitamins throughout your entire pregnancy. Your health care provider may recommend taking prenatal vitamins while you're breast-feeding, too.

Last Updated: 03/21/2008

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