MO HealthNet wants to ensure that participants who are pregnant or hoping to conceive get the nutrition they need before and during pregnancy. Ideally, mothers-to-be would take prenatal vitamins before conception as brain development starts during the first month of pregnancy, often before mothers even know they are pregnant. During pregnancy, mothers also need more folic acid and iron than usual. A healthy diet is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals mothers need for a healthy pregnancy and the baby’s development. Still, mothers may fall short on critical nutrients even with a healthy diet during pregnancy. Some benefits of taking prenatal vitamins include:
- Reduces the risk of spina bifida and neural tube defects;
- May reduce the risk of other birth defects, like cleft lip, cleft palate, or certain heart birth defects;
- May reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia and gestational diabetes;
- Helps prevent iron-deficiency anemia;
- Reduces the risk of pre-term delivery, low birth weight, and infant mortality;
- Helps provide enough calcium for strong teeth and bones, a healthy heart, nerves, and muscles, normal heart rhythm, and blood clotting.
MO HealthNet covers most prescription prenatal vitamins, folic acid, and over-the-counter oral iron, with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Find a list of covered prescription prenatal vitamins here. Additional prescription prenatal vitamins not on the list, may be available with prior authorization