Prenatal Vitamins Dos and Don'ts

Vitamins and minerals are important at any time of life, but during pregnancy, getting enough of the right nutrients is even more critical. That’s because not only are these nutrients supporting your own health — they’re supporting the health and development of your growing baby. 

While following a healthy diet during pregnancy is essential for maximizing nutrition and health, taking prenatal vitamins is also an essential part of pregnancy care. In this post, Richard Roberts, MD, and the team at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe help you understand the dos and don’ts of using prenatal vitamins to keep you and your developing baby healthy and strong.

DO start before conception if possible 

While most women think of prenatal vitamins as supplements to take once they become pregnant, it’s actually an excellent idea to begin taking them ahead of time, before conception even occurs. That’s because prenatal vitamins contain nutrients that help prepare your body for the rigors of pregnancy while also reducing potential health and developmental risks that can occur within the first few weeks of pregnancy.

For example, taking folic acid before pregnancy drastically reduces the risk of neural tube defects, serious abnormalities of the fetal brain and spinal cord. Increasing iron intake before pregnancy supports healthy placenta development while enhancing blood flow to the fetus during those first critical days and weeks after conception.

DO choose a vitamin with the right mix of nutrients

Today there are dozens of prenatal vitamin brands to choose from. Because nutrients play such critical roles in fetal development, it’s important to choose a vitamin that contains the vitamins and minerals you and your baby need. 

In addition to checking for folic acid and iron content, look for a supplement that contains calcium and vitamin D for skeletal and nervous system support. Other nutrients, like vitamins C and E, B vitamins, iodine, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are important, too. Overwhelmed by the choices? Don’t worry. Dr. Roberts can suggest supplements ideal for your needs.

DO take vitamins with food

Most expectant moms are familiar with one specific side effect of pregnancy: nausea. For some, vitamins can make these feelings worse. Taking prenatal vitamins with a meal or snack helps reduce nausea and may make it easier for your body to absorb certain nutrients, too.

DON’T rely on vitamins for all your nutrition

While vitamins certainly help boost nutrition during pregnancy (and before and after pregnancy, too), they’re absolutely not a substitute for good nutrition. Eating a variety of whole, healthy foods is the best way to ensure balanced nutrition for you and your baby. 

DON’T take more than directed

More isn’t always better. Taking more prenatal vitamins than directed or using other vitamins or supplements in addition to prenatal vitamins could do a lot more harm than good. Be sure to ask Dr. Roberts before taking any supplements other than the prenatal vitamins he recommends. 

If you skip a dose, don't double up, a practice that could lead to vitamin toxicity. Instead, go back to your daily routine the next day and set an alarm on your phone to keep you on track.

DON’T skip vitamins if you don’t like the ones you’re taking

If your prenatal vitamins are causing side effects like nausea or constipation, don’t simply stop taking them. Call the office so we can recommend an alternative. Sometimes, changing the type of vitamin — for instance, switching from a pill form to a gummy — is all it takes to keep side effects at bay. Increasing fiber intake or taking vitamins before bed instead of in the morning may help, too.

DO continue vitamins after giving birth

Prenatal vitamins can help your body recover from pregnancy, and they can continue to support your nutritional health during breastfeeding. Depending on your needs, Dr. Roberts may advise you to continue taking your prenatal vitamins after delivery, or he may recommend a post-natal vitamin product instead.

One more step toward a healthy pregnancy 

Taking prenatal vitamins is a simple, affordable way to make sure you and your developing baby stay healthy throughout pregnancy and beyond. To learn more about prenatal vitamins and other steps you can take to enhance your health and wellness during pregnancy, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe in Conroe, Texas, today.