For those women, who have found out that they are expecting, they should consider taking prenatal vitamins. Not only do they need to think about their own health, but now they must think about the health of their unborn baby, as well. Prenatal vitamins are essential for the health of both pregnant women and their unborn infants, and following is an explanation of why these vitamins are beneficial. Some doctors say that when pregnant women take prenatal vitamins, it will help prevent various birth defects in their babies such as spina bifada. They also say that the vitamins will benefit both the woman and her baby after birth and while breastfeeding. However, women should always ask their doctors what would be best for them before choosing a prenatal vitamin. The doctors may give them samples to try before settling on one. When women take prenatal vitamins, they must remember that these vitamins are supplements to their regular diet. They are not substitutes for a healthy diet. Women should never rely on vitamins, alone, for all of their dietary needs. They should talk to their doctors about what foods they should and should not eat, as prenatal vitamins work best when combined with a healthy diet. Expectant women need about 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium each day, as calcium is essential for their developing babies. Since prenatal vitamins do not contain this much calcium, they may need to take a calcium supplement in addition to the prenatal vitamins. Most prenatal vitamins only contain about 250 to 500 milligrams of calcium. Although many people get prenatal vitamins from their doctors, there are some that they can purchase in their local pharmacy, as well. When in doubt, women should always ask for their doctors opinions on the various vitamins available without a prescription. When women first begin taking prenatal vitamins, they may experience an upset stomach. If they do, they should let their doctors know, as they may need to try a different vitamin. Finding the right prenatal vitamins can take some time, but the benefits that they provide to pregnant women and their babies are terrific. With a combination of proper diets and prenatal vitamins, women will have a large chance of having healthy, happy babies.