What’s All the Fuss About Prenatal Vitamins? Insights from Dr. Monika Buerger

Prenatal vitamins play a pivotal role in supporting both maternal and fetal health, yet there’s still much confusion surrounding which supplements are best, when to start taking them, and why they matter so much. In her latest episode of Look to the Children, Dr. Monika Buerger dives deep into the topic of prenatal vitamins, offering essential insights for practitioners and parents alike.

The Role of Prenatal Vitamins in Maternal and Fetal Health

During pregnancy, a woman’s nutritional needs increase significantly to support her body and the growing baby. Prenatal vitamins are specifically designed to fill gaps in the diet, ensuring adequate levels of critical nutrients that influence everything from brain development to immune function.

Dr. Buerger emphasizes that prenatal vitamins are not just about meeting basic nutritional needs but are also tools for supporting optimal neurodevelopment and reducing the risk of future health challenges.

Key Nutrients Highlighted by Dr. Buerger

1. Folate vs. Folic Acid

   • Folate, the natural form of vitamin B9, is crucial for preventing neural tube defects.
   • Dr. Buerger explains the importance of choosing methylated folate over synthetic folic acid, particularly for individuals with MTHFR gene mutations.

2. Iron

   • Essential for oxygen transport and preventing anemia during pregnancy.
   • Dr. Buerger provides tips on managing common side effects like nausea while ensuring adequate iron intake.

3. Vitamin D

   • Critical for bone health, immune function, and reducing the risk of complications such as preeclampsia.
   • Dr. Buerger discusses optimal dosing and how to assess for deficiencies.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA & EPA)

   • Vital for brain and eye development in the baby.
   • She highlights the benefits of high-quality fish oil supplements.

5. Choline

   • Often overlooked, choline is essential for brain development and memory formation.
   • Dr. Buerger stresses the importance of ensuring this nutrient is part of prenatal care.

When to Start and What to Look For in a Prenatal Vitamin

Dr. Buerger advises that prenatal care should begin before conception, ideally three to six months prior, to optimize maternal health and prepare the body for pregnancy.

When choosing a prenatal vitamin, consider:

• Bioavailability of nutrients (e.g., methylated forms of B vitamins).
• Absence of harmful additives, fillers, or allergens.
• Third-party testing to ensure quality and safety.

Supporting Patients in Your Practice

For chiropractors and healthcare practitioners, educating patients about the importance of prenatal vitamins is an essential part of holistic prenatal care. Dr. Buerger encourages providers to offer resources, answer questions about supplements, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive care plan.

Takeaways for Parents and Practitioners

The right prenatal vitamins can make a significant difference in supporting both the mother’s health and the baby’s development. Dr. Buerger’s insights provide a roadmap for making informed decisions and ensuring a healthy pregnancy journey.

Stay Connected for More Insights

For more tips, tools, and resources, follow Dr. Monika Buerger and the Academy of Neurodevelopmental Practices:

• Facebook: facebook.com/anpchiropractors
• Instagram: instagram.com/anpchiropractors
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/academy-of-neurodevelopmental-practices
• YouTube: youtube.com/@anpchiropractors

Let’s continue turning the tide for healthier generations—one milestone at a time! 🌟