A daily multivitamin is recommended to improve health and prevent nutrient deficiencies. The 2007 "Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology" recommends a multivitamin as part of a foundation for a healthy pregnancy. Unfortunately, side effects from multivitamins are a common and uncomfortable occurrence varying from person to person. Each multivitamin tends to have a tremendous amount of nutrients, which is why the variety of side effects occurs.
Nausea
Nausea is the most common side effect for prenatal and multivitamin usage. Nausea is the body's response to a foreign substance in the body. The concentrated combination of vitamins and minerals can shock the body and cause a response of nausea. Taking multivitamins before bed or with food may help ease nausea symptoms.
Heartburn
Heartburn is another side effect of multivitamins. The capsule may be quite large which can cause irritation to the esophagus or could cause the esophageal sphincter to stay open longer, allowing acidic gastric contents to come back up the esophagus and cause heartburn. The size, color or texture of the vitamin might also cause heartburn symptoms. Thus, changing the multivitamin to a smaller size might help. A liquid multivitamin may be another option to assist with alleviating heartburn symptoms.
Constipation
Constipation tends to arise with multivitamins which have iron or high amounts of calcium in them. A study in the 2009 "Journal of Pharmacology" explained that pregnant women afraid of getting constipated contributed to their not taking or discontinuing the use of a multivitamin. Knowing how to deal with constipation is important. These symptoms can be worsened if a low-fiber diet is already being followed. In this case, it's best to follow a high-fiber diet, drink lots of water and take a fiber supplement. Alternatively, cease taking the multivitamin for a few days to allow the symptoms to subside.
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