Nausea From Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins help provide increased amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, folic acid and iron. These nutrients help promote strong teeth and bones, support development of healthy blood cells and muscles, as well as prevent neural tube defects in the baby. Prenatal vitamins are available either with a prescription or over the counter. Taking the vitamins beginning about three months prior to conception and continuing until the end of breastfeeding an infant is important to help meet the needs of the woman and baby.

Vitamin Side Effects

Taking a prenatal vitamin may cause side effects, including nausea. A prenatal vitamin may also worsen ordinary pregnancy nausea, which is due to change in hormones. The increased iron may cause constipation, which may increase the risk of nausea. Some women may experience nausea related to increased amounts of vitamin A supplements. Vitamin A is available in several forms, including retinol and beta-carotene. High doses of retinol may cause nausea and birth defects, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension. Generally the dosage present in prenatal vitamins is not associated with the risk of malformations, but taking doses greater than 10,000 IU per day is associated with an increased risk, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Pregnant women should take prenatal vitamins with beta-carotene as the source for vitamin A.

Decreasing Nausea

Making changes in the way you take your prenatal vitamin may decrease the nausea. Taking the vitamin at night may reduce nausea because you may sleep through any associated side effects. Taking the prenatal vitamin with a snack may also reduce the risk of nausea. Sucking on hard candy or chewing gum after taking the prenatal vitamin may also help reduce nausea.

Possible Risks

Increased nausea while pregnant may cause other concerns. Women who experience frequent nausea may not eat enough to provide essential nutrients for themselves or the baby. If you experience nausea but continue to take a prenatal vitamin and eat a well-balanced diet, there is no increased risk to the developing baby.

Considerations

Always consult a physician before completely stopping prenatal vitamins. Many different prenatal vitamins exist, and some vitamins may affect a woman differently. Changing the brand of prenatal vitamins may help reduce the nausea you're experiencing. If other prenatal brands still cause continued nausea, a regular multivitamin, a folic acid supplement and a well-balanced diet may provide enough nourishment for you and your developing baby. A children's chewable vitamin with folic acid may also help reduce nausea.