What Are Prenatals Good For?

One common recommendation health care providers give pregnant women is to take a daily prenatal vitamin. While expectant mothers want to do what is best for their babies, some women wonder if taking a prenatal is worth the effort, especially if the vitamins upset their stomachs or if morning sickness makes them too queasy to swallow pills. However, even though taking a prenatal vitamin may be difficult at times, taking the vitamins throughout pregnancy provides a variety of benefits.

Pregnancy Preparation

Prenatal vitamins provide benefits to women trying to get pregnant. Standard prenatals include at least 400 mcg of folic acid, a nutrient that women need prior to conception and in early pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Taking a prenatal that include at least 10 mg of B6 before becoming pregnant and in early pregnancy can reduce morning sickness during the first trimester. The extra nutrients in prenatals, such as zinc, can also increase fertility, improving a woman's chance of conceiving in the first place.

Nutritional Insurance

Since few women have a perfect diet and their nutrient requirements increase during pregnancy, taking a prenatal vitamin can help fill the gaps in a pregnant woman's diet. Taking a prenatal that includes the recommended daily allowance of a variety of critical nutrients can reassure women that they are getting the necessary nutrients, particularly those who have a hard time eating properly due to morning sickness, fatigue and indigestion. Prenatals can also help ensure that women at greater risk of nutritional deficiencies -- such as vegetarians and women who are lactose intolerant or pregnant with multiples -- receive all the nutrients they need.

Extra Nutrients

Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated to include extra nutrients crucial for pregnancy. Women's need for iron increases significantly during pregnancy. Standard prenatals include 30 mg of iron to help prevent iron-deficiency anemia, a complication that raises the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and infant death. Some prenatals also include DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid critical for central nervous system development. A 2003 study in "Pediatrics" found that DHA supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding resulted in higher IQ's by the time children turned 4 years old.

Medical Benefits

Taking a prenatal vitamin may improve pregnancy outcomes. A 2009 study in the "American Journal of Epidemiology" reports that taking prenatal vitamins during pregnancy reduced a woman's risk of miscarrying. Also, according to a 2007 study in the "Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine," taking a prenatal vitamin may result in fewer babies born with low birth weight and fewer newborn deaths for women with a body mass index below 18.5.