By Yessenia Anderson

MEDFORD, Ore. -- A new study shows prenatal vitamins are not just encouraged for pregnant woman any more but extends to females as young as twelve. If you're of childbearing age, and there's a chance you'll ever be pregnant any time in the future, doctors say these vitamins could help reduce the risks of an increasing number of disorders.

Many woman start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as they discover they're pregnant, but doctors say taking prenatals even years before you conceive can help your baby when you are pregnant. Doctors say the jump-start is the only way to ensure you can reduce your odds.

Due to the different components of prenatals, this addition can be most significant specifically to the women in our state, where a Vitamin D deficiency is common. The study also suggests that taking the prenatals at least three months before getting pregnant can help reduce the risk of having a child with autism by 40%.

While the vitamins are encouraged for women looking to have children, doctors say men with the same goals should also take a vitamin with similar contents, such as DHA.

Specialists say although it is very rare for there to be any reason for doctors to advise against adding the prenatal vitamins, they say you should consult with your regular physician to make sure there are not any specific concerns.