Good nutrition is crucial during pregnancy. The nutrients you get -- or don't get -- impact your baby's development. Because certain nutrients are needed in large amounts during pregnancy -- amounts that may be difficult to obtain via diet alone -- women are generally advised to take a prenatal vitamin starting from the time they begin trying to conceive, says the University of Washington Medical Center. However, at some point you may want or need to go off prenatal vitamins -- because you're done with pregnancy and breastfeeding, because they make you unbearably nauseous or constipated or for some other health-related reason.
Step 1
Check with your doctor before stopping supplementation with prenatal vitamins. Even if you've given birth, there may be reasons your doctor might want you to stay on prenatal vitamins, such as if you're nursing. Your physician can evaluate your situation and give you appropriate advice about your nutrition needs.
Step 2
Switch to a doctor-approved alternate supplement if your reason for stopping your prenatal vitamin is that it makes you nauseous or constipated during your pregnancy. According to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, most women who suffer from nausea or constipation from prenatal vitamins can tolerate a children's multivitamin, taken at a high dose, instead.
Step 3
Eat a healthy, balanced diet when you stop taking prenatal vitamins, no matter your situation and reason for doing so. Choosing nutritious foods from each of the main food groups will ensure that you obtain the necessary nutrients your body needs when you no longer require the use of a prenatal vitamin.
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