Prenatal Vitamins

[xamystarzx]

I am not currently pregnant but hope to be in the next year or so. With my last pregnancy I started taking my prenatals before I got pregnant so I would be used to them, and would have my reserve of folic acid built up. The specific vitamin I took last time gave me a number of side effects, nausea, sleep problems, etc

Comments

[live_momma]

Besides the B-complex (which contains folic acid to help prevent birth defects, and B6, which reduced morning sickness!), I'd also take DHA and Vitamin D. DHA is important for brain development, and there's a good deal of new research about the many benefits of Vitamin D. You may be able to find a supplement that contains both. Watch the vitamin A content, that's one you don't want to overdo.

[lapetitecookie]

during my pregnancy i was taking nature made prenatals, and i had no problems or health matters, u can ask ur doctor bout them, they are all natural vitamins and no extra added chemicals

[lizrocks]

I had issues with my prenatals while I was pregnant/caused by the pregnancy. The one that I stuck with (and still take over 2 years later) is Nature's Sunshine.

[little_e_]

I don't take artificial vitamins; I've seen zero research indicating that they actually work, so why put yourself through so much effort? I get plenty of folic acid from a bit of liver and some lentils and beans each day.

The gov't lists the nutritional content of many common foods (http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=20958) so you can easily compare your diet against nutrition recommendations and see if you are actually deficient in anything and should change your intake or supplement. (On days when my diet isn't so good, I do take a folic acid pill.) But I wouldn't worry about the importance of getting everything in one package. If the pills are causing you more grief than good, just take things separately, eat your veggies, and be good. :)

[madrona]

You're far enough North, according to your profile, that vitamin D is a very good idea especially if you are pregnant in winter. If you take the B, C, calcium and iron, everything else you should be able to get with a varied diet of natural foods. I had no trouble with prenatals, but my BFF was on separate chewable supplements and Floradix until she found a gummy prenatal, which she was able to take without gagging or nausea. YMMV.

And of course don't forget the red raspberry leaf tea.