Prenatal vitamins are essentially a combination of vitamins normally obtained through food and other natural sources, as well as extra folic acid, calcium and iron. Folic acid is important during prenatal development, as it helps to prevent neural tube defects; these defects are abnormalities affecting the brain and spinal cord. Calcium helps to promote strong bones and teeth for both you and your baby, and iron prevents anemia and promotes the development of muscle and blood cells for both you and your child.
Ingredients in Prescription Prenatal Vitamins
In addition to calcium, iron and folic acid, other common vitamins and minerals included in prenatal vitamins are vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B-1, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, niacin, zinc, copper, vitamin B-2, pantothenic acid and magnesium. Ingredients and concentrations in prescription prenatal vitamins vary by brand.
Side Effects
When taking prescription prenatal vitamins, be aware that you may experience side effects. According to Drugs.com, some side effects of prescription prenatal drugs include allergic sensitivity reactions and digestive tract troubles. Since one of the possible side effects is nausea, you may want to try taking your prenatal vitamin at night or with a snack. Some women experience constipation when taking a prenatal vitamin; if this is the case with you, drinking extra water and eating extra fiber may help. Your doctor may also approve a stool softener to be added to your daily supplement regime.
Overdosing
An overdose on vitamins D, A, E or K can have life-threatening side effects and cause harm to your unborn child. Additionally, and overdose on prescription prenatal vitamins can cause symptoms such as constipation, peeling skin, loss of appetite, severe back pain, vomiting, hair loss, stomach pain, diarrhea, blood in your urine, weight loss, muscle or joint pain, severe headache, pale skin, and easy bruising or bleeding.
Studies of Prescription Prenatal Vitamins
When you and your doctor are mapping out your prenatal care and selecting your prenatal vitamins, be sure to check the levels of folic acid they contain. In a study published in 1997 in the "Journal of American Pharmaceutical Association," researchers found that only three out of nine prenatal vitamins tested met the standards set forth by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention for the release of folic acid from the supplement.
References
- Drugs.com: Prenatal Plus Medical Facts
- Drugs.com: RE-Nata 29 Prenatal Vitamin Tablets
- MayoClinic.com: Prenatal Vitamins, Give Your Baby the Best Start; March 2010
- "Journal of American Pharmaceutical Association"; Failure of prescription prenatal vitamin products to meet USP standards; S.W. Hoag, et al; July 1997
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