Prenatal Vitamins: Why They Matter

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Prenatal Vitamins: Why They Matter

March 18, 2026

Prenatal vitamins are daily supplements containing essential vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, iron and calcium. They are designed to support a healthy pregnancy, aid fetal development and prevent birth defects.

Most doctors recommend prenatal vitamins for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, as well as women who have recently given birth and are still lactating. Taking a prenatal vitamin ensures you have all of the extra nutrients you need for you and your baby’s health during pregnancy.

Folic acid plays a key role in the development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord and helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Iron supports the production of additional blood needed during pregnancy and helps deliver oxygen to the baby through the placenta—an essential process for brain development, healthy birth weight, and overall growth. Calcium is important for building strong bones and teeth and also supports the proper functioning of nerves, muscles, and blood vessels in both mother and baby.

Taking prenatal vitamins daily is an easy and important step toward a healthy pregnancy and a strong start for your baby.

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Heart Health During Pregnancy: Why Knowing Your Numbers Matters

Feb 18
1 min read

During pregnancy, your heart works harder, your blood volume increases and your entire cardiovascular system adapts to support your growing baby. Because of these changes, heart health during pregnancy is important. Knowing your numbers can make a difference.

Blood Pressure

Monitoring your blood pressure closely is important in pregnancy. High blood pressure can lead to some serious complications, such as pre-eclampsia and bleeding. This may result in early delivery. You should notify your doctor if your blood pressure is higher than 140/90.

Blood Sugar

Insulin resistance increases in pregnancy, which is why gestational diabetes can develop. Uncontrolled blood sugar can increase long-term risk of cardiovascular disease. With monitoring, nutrition guidance and sometimes medication, gestational diabetes can be managed.

Cholesterol

In pregnancy, cholesterol naturally rises to support hormone production and fetal development. Significantly elevated levels can increase long-term cardiovascular risk. Knowing your pre-pregnancy or postpartum cholesterol levels is important to protect your heart.

Monitoring these numbers helps protect both your pregnancy and your long-term heart health. Supporting your heart during this time is one of the best investments you can make for you and your baby.

Dr. Damian Delhomme, OB/GYN