Prenatal vitamins provide the necessary nutrients both a woman and baby need during pregnancy. Based on a woman's diet and overall health, vitamin needs may vary. Most drugstores and pharmacies carry a variety of prenatal vitamins. In some cases, the health practitioner may write a prescription for a prenatal vitamin. Once a woman learns she is pregnant, prenatal vitamins will be one of her first purchases to ensure the baby's well-being.
Step 1
Discuss prenatal vitamins with your health practitioner and mention all current supplements you are using, as well as any dietary concerns. This will help ensure that the health practitioner understands your intake needs during pregnancy, which will help determine the proper prenatal vitamin.
Step 2
Ask a pharmacist at the local drugstore to help locate the recommended type of prenatal vitamin. If the doctor has given you a prescription, present it to the pharmacist.
Step 3
Read the labels. The front label or name of the vitamin may not offer enough information. The back label will list the different vitamins contained in the pill, as well as the amounts of each vitamin. Ask a pharmacist for help if necessary, informing him about the health practitioner's recommendations.
Tips and Warnings
- Some women have a difficult time taking prenatal vitamins, since they may cause nausea. If this occurs, discuss it and any other symptoms with a health provider, since your doctor may have alternative solutions, such as chewable prenatal vitamins, explains Cleveland Clinic.
- Avoid taking vitamin supplements in addition to prenatal vitamins, since this could lead to a vitamin overdose, which could cause harm to the baby, warns the American Pregnancy Association.
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