Your nutritional needs change during pregnancy and when trying to conceive. Prenatal vitamins provide a supplemental source of essential vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, iron and vitamins A, D, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and C, to aid in growth and development. The One Source brand of prenatal vitamins is available at most drugstores and does not require a prescription.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
The most common side effect of prenatal vitamins is gastrointestinal distress. This is usually caused by the extra iron that is present in One Source Prenatal Vitamins and many other brands. Nausea, vomiting, stomachache and constipation are common symptoms. You may be able to reduce these side effects by taking your vitamin with food. Talk to your doctor if you experience severe vomiting and are unable to keep down foods and liquids. The American Pregnancy Association recommends treating constipation by increasing your consumption of water and fiber-rich foods. Avoid laxatives since these may stimulate uterine contractions and trigger premature labor.
Headache
Headache is another common side effect of prenatal vitamins. Try taking your vitamin at a different time of day or with a meal. The American Pregnancy Association recommends treating headaches with cool or warm compresses, relaxation exercises and massage. Consult your doctor before taking any pain relief medication. Seek immediate medical attention if your headache is accompanied by vision change, swelling, pain in the right abdomen or sudden weight gain, as these are signs of preeclampsia, which is high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions to prenatal vitamins are rare. They may occur in response to the coatings, dyes or fillers used in the vitamin formulation. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
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