Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or who have recently given birth are recommended to take prenatal vitamins daily. Proper doses of vitamins and minerals, especially folic acid, are important during this time to ensure optimal health of both mother and baby. After delivery, prenatal vitamins can help heal the body and help the mother with recovery. For some women, prenatal vitamins can cause unpleasant side effects.
Nausea, Constipation and Intestinal Upset
One of the most common complaints when taking prenatal vitamins is of nausea, constipation and general stomach discomfort. Iron is generally to blame for causing these side effects. Pregnant women are at risk for developing anemia, which is a low amount of red blood cells in the blood. Iron helps to prevent anemia, which is why it's commonly found in many prenatal vitamins. Some formulations contain more iron than others and it's even possible to purchase prenatal vitamins without iron. Taking vitamins with food and at night may help decrease nausea. Constipation can be relieved by increasing fluids and fiber at each meal.
Headaches
Headaches are a frequently reported side effect when taking prenatal vitamins. Hormonal changes during pregnancy often cause an increase in headaches, which may be mistaken as a side effect of prenatal vitamins. Copper can also be to blame for headaches. According to Healing Edge Sciences, some women have higher levels of copper in their bodies than others. Prenatal vitamins containing copper can cause headaches in women who already have high copper levels. Pregnant women experiencing headaches should speak to their healthcare provider.
Discoloration of Urine
Women taking prenatal vitamins may notice a color change in their urine. As vitamins are processed in the body, excess is excreted via the kidneys and urinary tract. Vitamin intake can cause urine to look orange or bright yellow, depending on the dosage and the body's ability to absorb the vitamins. Vitamin B-12 particularly is responsible for the color change, although it does not indicate any abnormality.
Metallic Taste
Women who aren't used to taking vitamins on a regular basis may be more at risk for developing a metallic taste in the mouth due to the mineral content of the vitamins. Taking the vitamin with food or taking the vitamin at night instead of first thing in the morning may help. Metallic tastes associated with prenatal vitamins often go away over time as the body adjusts to the vitamins.
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