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Dear Sarah,

A great question, thank you. Neither the FDA nor the American College of OBGYN has guidelines. Although, in theory, a full complement of nutrients can be gained from a carefully chosen diet, very few of us actually consume such a splendid collection of natural foods. Most doctors and other caregivers that deal with peri-natal recommendations suggest that pre-natal vitamins and minerals are important.

It is very clear that vitamins and minerals can actually produce fewer premature and low birth-weight (less than 3.3 lbs) babies, and decrease the incidence of spinal cord deformities. These good things happen especially if the mother has been taking these substances even before conception. But they are of continued importance throughout pregnancy.

There are three very important substances; folic acid, (to prevent spinal defects), and iron and calcium, which are used in great quantity by you and your baby and need to be taken in larger quantities than are available in regular multivitamin preparations. Pre-natal vitamins should be specified.

In addition, early attention with medical care, regular exercise (my book has a good small section on exercising while pregnant), natural foods and a positive attitude will all help to insure you both a healthy life beginning.
Just do it, take those prenatal vitamins!

George L. Dixon, Jr., M.D.