Prenatal vitamins all seek to accomplish one goal -- a healthy pregnancy that results in a healthy baby and mother. Different types of prescription prenatal vitamins can help make the supplements not only palatable, but manageable given the potential for morning sickness. Speak with your obstetrician about the best kind of prenatal vitamin for your pregnancy.
Regular
Regular prenatal vitamins come as pills, which are typically quite large, often due to the amount of vitamins and minerals in the pill. Some women experience nausea after taking them and others struggle with swallowing such a large pill. If this is the case for you, talk to your doctor about splitting your pill into two doses or minimizing the iron to the recommended 30 mg supplement. Additional iron is often present in prenatal vitamins and may upset your stomach. Minimizing the iron supplementation can make the pill smaller and less upsetting to your system.
Easy to Swallow
If swallowing a large pill is too difficult, chewable pregnancy vitamins may be a reasonable alternative. Your obstetrician can best guide you to the brand that fulfills your health needs, but is easier to swallow. If chewables aren't an option, consider liquid drops that you add to your diet, or see if separating your calcium, folate and iron into separate tablets from your vitamin tablet will meet your dietary needs.
Combating Nausea
Taking your prenatal vitamin, regardless of type, with a snack can ameliorate any upset stomach that the vitamin may cause. In addition, sucking a hard candy may also minimize nausea. Changing the time you take the supplement may also make it less nauseating. Consider a night-time dose if you are struggling with stomach upset and irritation.
Why Take a Prenatal?
Prenatal vitamins combine iron, calcium and critical vitamins such as folic acid in doses specific to supporting a developing fetus and your health during pregnancy. Folic acid is especially critical, as it helps prevent neural tube defects that lead to birth defects of the spinal column and brain. As the neural tube develops in the first month, often before you realize you have conceived, taking prenatal vitamins prior to planning a pregnancy is key. Iron helps you maintain healthy blood levels and avoids fatigue and potential bleeding issues. Calcium is key to bone health for both you and the developing baby.
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