What is the primary purpose of prenatal vitamins during pregnancy?

The primary purpose of prenatal vitamins during pregnancy is to nourish the fetus. These vitamins contain essential nutrients that are crucial for the developing baby. Key components such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and DHA play significant roles in fetal growth and development. For instance, folic acid is particularly important as it helps prevent neural tube defects, which are serious abnormalities of the brain and spine. Iron supports the increased blood volume and the development of the placenta, while calcium contributes to the formation of bones and teeth in the fetus. Thus, prenatal vitamins are formulated specifically to ensure that the developing fetus receives the nutrients needed for healthy development. While maintaining maternal health is also vital during pregnancy, the direct aim of prenatal vitamins is to enhance fetal health and growth. The other options, while important aspects of prenatal care, do not capture the primary purpose of these vitamins as explicitly as this one does.