What Are The Dangers Of Prenatal Vitamins?

Prenatal vitamins are similar to other multivitamins except that they contain higher levels of folic acid, calcium and iron. Prenatal vitamins help fill in the nutritional gaps in your diet and, according to MayoClinic.com, may reduce the risk of low birth weight. While prenatal vitamins are generally recommended and safe for most women, there are some dangers if the vitamins are taken incorrectly.

Too Much Vitamin A

Although vitamin A is a necessary nutrient in a healthy diet, too much during pregnancy can lead to problems. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin stored in your liver. It is important for the development of your baby's heart, lungs, kidneys, eyes and bones, and the circulatory, respiratory and central nervous systems. The online resource Baby Center warns that high doses of vitamin A during pregnancy can result birth defects and liver toxicity. To avoid any potential problems, keep your vitamin A intake within the recommended ranges, which is 770 mcg per day for pregnant women over the age of 19.

Vitamin Toxicity

Some prenatal vitamins contain over 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance. Despite the fact that you are pregnant, this excess amount of vitamins is unnecessary and can be dangerous.

Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K are stored in your liver and body fat, where, according to the American Pregnancy Association, toxic side effects of excess intake can begin to wreak havoc on you and your baby. Vitamins such as C and B can be flushed from your body when taken in excess, but may lead to irritation of your digestive system.

Avoid taking prenatal vitamins with nutrient levels over 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance. Avoid taking more than 1 prenatal vitamin per day. Avoid combining supplements such as a prenatal vitamin with a folic acid vitamin, unless directed by your doctor.

Safety Concerns

The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements warns that most dietary supplements have not been well tested for safety in pregnant women, nursing mothers or children. Discuss any prenatal vitamins you are taking or thinking about taking with your health care provider.