Prenatal vitamins are given to pregnant women or women who plan to conceive, and women with vitamin or mineral deficiencies such as iron deficiency anemia might be given prenatal vitamins to supplement for these deficiencies. Women who are on birth control pills to correct hormonal imbalances might be told to take these vitamins if they plan to conceive, but women who have no plans to become pregnant might find no additional benefit in taking prenatal vitamins. Prenatal multivitamins do not interact with birth control pills.
Prenatal Vitamins
A prenatal multivitamin is a special vitamin formula that contains a mixture of fat- and water-soluble vitamins and minerals tailored to meet the needs of pregnant women. The amount of vitamins contained in prenatal multivitamin work for the health of both mother and baby during pregnancy. Often, doctors prescribe prenatal multivitamins or regular multivitamins to women who plan to become pregnant or have a deficiency in iron or folic acid.
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills -- oral contraceptives -- are prescription medication that contain a mixture of progesterone and estrogen, tailored to prevent pregnancy. Doctors might prescribe low-dose birth control pills to control hormone levels in women who have conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome or irregular menstrual cycles. Birth control pills are taken once per day and birth control pill cycles might last for 21 days to three months.
Uses
Birth control pills might lessen the absorption of certain B vitamins, according to the Women to Women website. For this reason, it is necessary to supplement by taking a multivitamin while you're on birth control. Unless you have a significant vitamin deficiency or you plan to become pregnant soon, your physician might suggest that you take a regular daily complete multivitamin rather than a prenatal multivitamin. According to Drugs.com, using a prenatal multivitamin will not cause any adverse health effects or interactions while using birth control pills.
Considerations
Consult with your physician or dietitian before using any birth control pills or multivitamin supplements. If you are taking other medications besides birth control, notify your physician before taking prenatal vitamins or multivitamins, as both might interact with other medications.
