Should I be Taking Prenatal Vitamins?

What are prenatal vitamins and why should you take them?

Prenatal vitamins are highly recommended for all pregnant women and those who are trying to conceive. These vitamins are intended to fill the gap that might be missing from an expecting mother’s diet. Think of prenatal vitamins as an insurance policy to make sure that you’re getting the right amount of important nutrients during pregnancy. Your doctor will mostly likely prescribe folic acid, Vitamin B6, and iron supplements.

Although prenatal vitamins are prescribed to pregnant women and those trying to conceive, it’s not always an “easy road” after you’ve taken them. Your prenatal vitamins can sometimes cause unpleasant side effects and changes in your body. For a lot of women, prenatal vitamins cause nausea. The stomach begins to churn as soon as they take their vitamins. If this happens to you, don’t be a martyr.  Ask your doctor to prescribe you another brand.

Your prenatal vitamins may also make you constipated. This is typically true for iron supplements. Don’t fret.  Just ask your doctor to switch you to a liquid form in case this happens. With the care that you are giving your pregnancy, it is inevitable that you sometimes feel guilty about skipping your vitamins for a day or two. Use a pill reminder case from the drug store to make sure that you remember your daily vitamins.

Taking prenatal vitamins is not a substitute for a good prenatal diet. However, taking such supplements can help you reach your special nutritional needs during pregnancy.

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