Prenatal vitamins are designed to provide pregnant, soon-to-be pregnant and breastfeeding women with the essential vitamins and minerals needed while pregnant or breastfeeding. Drugs.com states that most healthy women do not experience adverse reactions to prenatal vitamins. If you are taking prenatal vitamins and experience unpleasant side effects, discontinue use and call your doctor immediately. You may have an allergy to one or more of the vitamins or a medication you're talking may be interacting with the prenatal vitamins.
Allergic Reaction
Although uncommon, some women experience an allergic reaction to certain vitamins, according to Health Tree. The most common symptoms of a vitamin allergy include asthma, wheezing, itchiness, skin rashes, fatigue, headaches, nasal congestion, a runny nose and sniffling. Asthma symptoms can lead to shortness of breath, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Common skin rashes associated with a vitamin allergy include hives, eczema and general skin inflammation.
Drug Interactions
Disclose all drugs you're currently taking before using prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins can interact with the following drugs: heart medications, blood pressure medications, diuretics, tretinoin, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, isotretinoin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory durgs, such as ibuprofen, according to Drugs.com. This is not a complete list of drugs that may interact with prenatal vitamins. Each brand of prenatal vitamin contains different vitamins, minerals and other supplements and needs to be evaluated by your doctor.
Side Effects
Common side effects from taking prenatal vitamins include headache, unpleasant taste in your mouth and an upset stomach, according to Drugs.com. An upset stomach may be a sign of an allergic reaction. If other symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, bloating, gas and stomach pain are present, discontinue use of the vitamins and seek medical evaluation.
Fish Oil Consideration
Fish oil is a common supplement used with prenatal vitamins. Fish oil is used to provide the appropriate amount of omega 3's for proper brain development in a developing fetus, according to MedlinePlus. Taking more than 3g of fish oil can cause significant adverse reactions, such as thinning of the blood, increased depression and liver damage. If you are allergic to fish, it is not advisable to use a fish oil supplement as you may experience an allergic reaction.
Severe Allergic Reaction
A severe allergic reaction can occur while taking prenatal vitamins, according to Health Tree. A severe allergic reaction is also called anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition. During anaphylaxis, your entire body experiences extremely high levels of histamine that results in a state of shock. Your lungs swell, your blood pressure suddenly drops and your heart rate increases. This type of reaction can affect the growing fetus and needs to be evaluated by a medical doctor. If you experience mental confusion, an increased heart rate or cannot breathe, call 911 immediately. Prenatal vitamins are essential to take while pregnant. Only your doctor can recommend an alternative if you are severely allergic to prenatal vitamins.
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