Prenatal vitamins are supplements providing micronutrients -- vitamins and minerals -- that are often recommended or prescribed to pregnant and breastfeeding women. They contain a variety of different vitamins and minerals that help support healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding, and they are perfectly safe when used as directed. However, they may cause uncomfortable side effects.
Purpose of Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins meet the special and increased nutrient needs of a pregnant or breastfeeding woman. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, your body has to support your own cells and tissues as well as those of a developing fetus or nursing baby. It can be hard to eat enough to ensure that you're getting all the vitamins and minerals you need. Iron and folic acid are particularly important.
Correct Use
The group for whom prenatal vitamins are intended -- pregnant and breastfeeding women -- can use the vitamins safely and generally without serious side effects. Because of the large quantities of iron in prenatal vitamins, and because some vitamins may be toxic in large amounts, it's important to follow package or prescription instructions when taking prenatal vitamins. Still, as long as you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you can use prenatal vitamins without worry that they'll cause you or your baby any harm.
Safety Issues
Prenatal vitamins aren't intended for women who aren't pregnant or breastfeeding, but it's probably safe to take them if you're otherwise healthy, explains dietician Katherine Zeratsky for MayoClinic.com. If you're actively trying to conceive, they may be appropriate. Children should never take prenatal vitamins, as the amount of iron may be toxic.
Comfort Issues
While prenatal vitamins aren't dangerous, they can lead to uncomfortable gastric symptoms, explain Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel in their book "What To Expect When You're Expecting." This is because the large quantity of iron in prenatal vitamins slows your digestive tract, exacerbating the hormone-related digestive slowing that naturally occurs during pregnancy. You may experience nausea, constipation, gas and bloating while taking prenatal vitamins. If your symptoms are severe, switching brands may help.
References
- "You: Having A Baby"; Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.; 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Prenatal Vitamins: OK for Women Who Aren't Pregnant?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; August 2009
- "What to Expect When You're Expecting"; Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel; 2008
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