Getting enough vitamin K during pregnancy is essential for proper health and development. While most pregnant women get adequate amounts of vitamin K through their diet, prenatal vitamin supplements also contain this vitamin. If you have specific questions or concerns about your vitamin K dosage during pregnancy, consult your doctor or obstetrician.
Recommended Amounts
Although the recommended dietary allowances of some vitamins increase during pregnancy, pregnant women require the same amounts of the vitamin as women who are not pregnant. Women between the ages of 14 to 18 should get at least 75 mcg of vitamin K a day, while women over the age of 18 should get at least 90 mcg of vitamin K a day. While many vitamins and minerals have a tolerable upper intake level, which is the maximum amount you can take without experiencing side effects, vitamin K does not. However, the vitamin does cross the placenta, so pregnant women should always get their doctor's permission before taking more than the recommended dietary allowance.
Prenatal Vitamins
Although some pregnant women can meet their recommended dietary allowances through a healthy and well-balanced diet, most doctors still recommended a daily prenatal vitamin supplement. Taking these supplements ensures that you will get enough of the vitamins and minerals that you and your baby need. Keep in mind that different brands of prenatal vitamins may contain different amounts of vitamin K. Always check the nutrition label on the bottle of the vitamins to determine the specific amount of vitamin K in the supplement. The amount of vitamin K found in prenatal vitamins are unlikely to cause any side effects or adverse reactions.
Considerations
Pregnant women who take seizure medications may not get enough vitamin K through prenatal vitamins alone. This puts their babies at a greater risk of having a vitamin K deficiency after birth. To prevent this, doctor may suggest that these women take an additional vitamin K supplement two weeks prior to delivery, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Pregnant women who suffer from cholestasis, a liver disease that only happens during pregnancy, may also require additional amounts of vitamin K during pregnancy. If either of these situations apply to you, talk to your doctor.
Warning
It is crucial that you take prenatal vitamins as directed on the label or by your doctor. Taking too much of a prenatal vitamin may cause serious or even life-threatening side effects to you or your unborn baby. If you experience any unusual side effects after taking your prenatal vitamin, call your doctor or seek medical attention.
Member Comments