If you're wondering whether you can diet on prenatal pills, the answer is that it depends. If you're taking prenatal vitamins and aren't pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, then you can diet -- but you should know that there's really no reason to be taking prenatal vitamins. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, however, you shouldn't be dieting in most cases.
Who Should Take Prenatals
If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, you will likely benefit from taking prenatal pills or vitamins. Such pills contain the micronutrients -- vitamins and minerals -- that you need to support a healthy pregnancy, explains Dr. Miriam Stoppard in her book "Conception, Pregnancy and Birth." If you're trying to conceive, taking prenatals helps ensure that you are in good health when you become pregnant. During breastfeeding, prenatals help support the demands feeding a baby places on your body.
Dieting and Pregnancy
Most women go on at least one diet during the course of their adult life and for many, dieting is a routine way of life. Still, if you're pregnant, dieting probably isn't a good idea. Women who are at a healthy weight prior to becoming pregnant need to gain about 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy, explain Drs. Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz in their book "You: Having A Baby." This helps ensure that you have adequate fat stores to support a developing baby.
Dieting and Conception or Breastfeeding
If you're trying to conceive, it may be reasonable to diet, though you should probably do so under the guidance of an obstetrician. Getting yourself down to a healthy weight prior to becoming pregnant increases your chances of conceiving, and also makes it less likely that you'll experience pregnancy complications. However, dieting too vigorously can reduce your chances of conceiving. If you're breastfeeding, dieting may reduce your ability to produce milk, so it's best to talk to your obstetrician prior to restricting calories or nutrients.
For Everyone Else
If you're taking prenatals and aren't pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, there's no reason you can't also diet. The issue in this case is simply that there's no real justification for taking prenatals -- they won't benefit you if you're not in one of the groups of women for whom the pills are intended. Prenatals can't make your hair or nails grow faster, won't help you lose weight, and won't give you energy -- popular misconceptions to the contrary. As such, it may be worthwhile to reevaluate your reasons for taking prenatals.
References
- "Conception, Pregnancy and Birth"; Miriam Stoppard, M.D.; 2008
- "You: Having A Baby"; Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.; 2009
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