It can be difficult to get all of the daily-recommended vitamins and minerals during pregnancy from food alone, which is why most pregnant women are also advised to take a prenatal vitamin. However, though vitamins are considered healthy, it is possible to get too much. Overdoing it on certain vitamins during pregnancy can even lead to pregnancy problems and birth defects. Before taking any vitamin or supplement during your pregnancy, discuss the dosage with your physician.
Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are like a pregnant woman's back-up source for the necessary vitamins and minerals her developing baby needs. Even with a healthy diet, women may fall short on one or more vitamins. For instance, it can be difficult for many pregnant women to get adequate folic acid and iron from diet alone. This is because pregnant women require more of these vitamins and minerals than the average women. Some pregnant women opt for prenatals alone, while others may prefer to supplement only a few specific nutrients. However, the American Pregnancy Association advises pregnant women to opt for multivitamins over multiple supplements to avoid getting too much of one nutrient.
Vitamin Solubility
Another factor in vitamin safety during pregnancy is how the vitamin is stored in the body, if at all. Fat-soluble vitamins remain in the body long-term, and can be dangerous in large amounts if not completely used. The APA reports that excessive amounts of fat-soluble vitamins can be toxic to both mom and her developing baby. Water-soluble vitamins, on the other hand, do not remain in the body long-term. While unlikely, it is still possible to overdose on a water-soluble vitamin if taken in large enough quantities. However, the APA reports that this is not common, and generally only causes digestive issues.
Taking Supplements Safely
If you prefer to take multiple supplements, be sure to monitor your intake. Some vitamins are dangerous to the developing baby in large quantities. For instance, the March of Dimes reports that taking more than 5,000 units of vitamin A daily can cause birth defects. More than 200 mg of vitamin E may cause excessive bruising or bleeding, per the APA. As a general guideline, the APA advises pregnant women not to take more than double the recommended daily amount, or RDA, of any vitamin or mineral. This includes not only those taken in supplement form, but those found in the diet as well.
What About DHA?
Even though the APA cautions against it, some pregnant women may be advised to add an extra pill to their daily routine: DHA. DHA is in the omega-3 category, and is good for baby's brain. According to the March of Dimes, pregnant women need around 200 mg daily; however, DHA is not always included in prenatal vitamin formulas. If your prenatal is missing DHA, you may want to add it as a supplement.
Getting More Guidance
Most women do just fine taking a prenatal vitamin and eating well throughout their pregnancy. However, women with dietary restrictions or concerns about how many vitamins and minerals they are getting should consult their doctor or nutritionist who can help them determine whether their vitamin intake is adequate and safe.
