Our body always requires essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Vitamins and minerals are helpful for a healthy diet and are also helpful for pregnant ladies as well. During pregnancy, you may experience a lot of hormonal changes. In this state, the body needs to be pampered and looked after. After all, you are going to give birth to a new life.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding require the mother to have all the essential nutrients. Start taking prenatal vitamins before a positive pregnancy test. A healthcare provider can recommend taking important nutrients to compensate for the deficiencies during pregnancy. It will be good for your health.
Many pregnant females are recommended to take vitamins by physicians. These vitamins help meet the needs of essential nutrients in the body. However, there are some minor side effects of prenatal vitamins as well. Do not take other supplements or multivitamins if you are taking prenatal or pregnant vitamins.
Do not take prenatal vitamins without food. By reading this article, you will learn the details of prenatal vitamins. You will also know about some side effects of prenatal vitamins. And the possible things you can do to overcome these side effects.
What is a Prenatal vitamin?
Prenatal vitamins are dietary supplement pills for pregnant ladies. These pills are designed in such a way as to provide vitamins and minerals to the pregnant female and baby. The doctors may recommend taking them before or during pregnancy. You can also remain protected after using them.
Eating a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables can complete your nutrition needs. But some people do not follow a proper diet. They tend to face weakness and fatigue. Because they are not taking the essential nutrients. In this way, they can take prenatal vitamins. These multivitamins can provide essential supplements to the body.
Importance of Prenatal vitamins
A Prenatal vitamin plays a crucial role in the health and development of the baby. A prenatal vitamin can get you relief from the following conditions.
- Anaemia
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Postpartum depression
- Low immunity
- Decrease appetite
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Brain fog
- Akin irritation
Best Prenatal vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are of prime importance, especially during pregnancy. During pregnancy, you always require a healthy diet and essential nutrients. Following are some best prenatal vitamins, along with their uses:
- Folic acid is a prenatal vitamin that decreases defects related to the neural tube. The development of the spinal cord and brain can also cause by folic acid.
- Iron can protect from anemia and iron deficiency by improving blood flow
- Calcium is essential for the development of bones and muscles of the fetus
- Vitamin A has an important role in improving vision
- B vitamins help increase metabolism and cell function
- Vitamin C supports the immune system. This vitamin can also prevent oxidative stress.
- Vitamin D is helpful in the absorption of calcium. Research shows that women with low vitamin D levels struggle to get pregnant.
- Omega-3 (DHA and EPA) are useful for the growth and development of the brain. They reduce inflammation and fetal growth restriction. They also decrease gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
Common Side Effects of Prenatal Vitamins
Some prenatal vitamin side effects are also common side effects of pregnancy. A prenatal vitamin can have the following side effects:
- Blurred Vision
Blurred vision is among the side effects of prenatal vitamins. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. Although it has many benefits, one of which is improved vision. But as we know that excess of everything is bad. If you take too much Vitamin A, it can cause hypervitaminosis A. This can lead to blurred vision. Sometimes, pregnant females retain fluid in the body due to hormonal changes. This can also cause blurred vision because it can change the shape and thickness of your retina. However, it can get better after the delivery.
- Stomach pain
Some people who use prenatal vitamins often experience stomach pain. This is also among the common side effects of prenatal vitamins. This may be due to iron that is present in the prenatal vitamins. Iron cannot be suitable for everyone. Some people have reported iron-induced gastritis. This can cause the symptoms of nausea and stomach pain. Because iron products can cause oxidation and damage the stomach and esophagus. This can cause stomach discomfort and stomach pain. Try taking iron with a small amount of food to overcome and stop this problem.
- Constipation
Constipation is also one of the common side effects of prenatal vitamins. Many prenatal vitamins contain high levels of folic acid. This can cause constipation. If you experience diarrhea, it is likely due to the iron found in most prenatal vitamins.
- Nausea
Some studies suggest that prenatal vitamins can cause nausea due to iron. This is among the common side effects of prenatal vitamins. Many prenatal vitamins contain high levels of folic acid. This can cause constipation. If you experience diarrhea, it is likely due to the iron found in most prenatal vitamins.
You can avoid this by choosing prenatal vitamins that contain only a small amount of iron. Or else you can select the prenatal vitamins without iron. It can help you feel better by decreasing discomfort. Some people can also feel nausea as a side effect of prenatal vitamins if they use them on an empty stomach. Talk to your healthcare provider if the side effects of prenatal vitamins persist.
- Heartburn or indigestion
Heartburn and indigestion can also be counted as side effects of prenatal vitamins. Iron is a main component in all over-the-counter prenatal vitamins. Although iron has many benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. It can be hard on the stomach. Some over-the-counter prenatal vitamins contain ferrous sulfate. This is an iron salt. It is poorly absorbed, thus causing acid reflux.
- Pregnancy Gas
Pregnancy gas is also one of the side effects of prenatal vitamins. The DHA or fish oil found in prenatal vitamins can have some side effects that can affect the body. It can cause gassiness in pregnant females. It can be caused by what you have eaten before taking prenatal vitamins.
- Bloating
Pregnancy and prenatal vitamins can cause bloating. These are common side effects of prenatal vitamins. Bloating can also be caused by iron which is present in prenatal vitamins. However, some vitamins contain omega-3 fatty acids and fish oil. Some pregnant females can develop sensitivity to fish oil. This can result in bloating.
- Pain and discomfort
Some side effects of prenatal vitamins cause pain and uneasiness. Some nutrients, such as calcium, iodine, and iron, can cause the following side effects:
- Stomach bleeding
- hives
- Muscle weakness
- teeth staining
- Stomach irritation
- Bradycardia (increased heart rate)
- frequent urination
- pregnancy brain
- confusion
Some females can also experience pain. The common effects include
- Back pain
- headache
- muscle pain
- joint pain
- dizziness
- changed taste of mouth
- unusual tiredness
- Changes in skin and hair
Changes in skin and hair color are also included in the side effects of prenatal vitamins. Some vitamins might have typical negative effects on the skin and hair. The vitamins and their common effects on the skin and hair include:
| Side effect | Causes |
| skin rash | vitamin E |
| Bruising | vitamin E |
| skin itchiness | vitamin A or fillers in prenatal vitamins |
| skin dryness or peeling | vitamin A |
| hair loss | vitamin A |
- Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions can also result from the side effects of prenatal vitamins. Nausea and vomiting are covert signs that you are allergic to a prenatal vitamin. Reactions to micronutrients are uncommon; the problem is not specific to prenatal vitamins. And could be caused by a component used to produce the capsule or tablet.
- Bruising
If you experience bruising after taking vitamins, it can be because of the side effects of prenatal vitamins. According to Dr. Valent, The body processes vitamins E and K differently. This can cause bruising. Talk to the doctor if it remains persistent to prevent the side effects of prenatal vitamins.
- Abnormal bleeding
This can be a concern if you experience bleeding after taking prenatal vitamins. This is among the serious side effects of prenatal vitamins. This can also be an important sign of something wrong with your health. You should immediately contact the doctor to protect your health and well-being.
- Dry or Itchy Skin
Vitamin A is easily absorbed through diet. Therefore it is not always necessary as a supplement. Fruit, eggs, milk, carrots, and melons have vitamin A. Dr. Valent says, “You may be getting too much if you have patches of dry, itchy skin“. This can also be counted among the side effects of prenatal vitamins.
- Changes in mood
Some women may experience mood swings or anxiety with prenatal vitamins, especially if they take them in high doses or late in the day. The supplement’s high iron content is frequently to blame for this.
- Lack of focus and agitation
Lack of focus and agitation are also side effects of prenatal vitamins. When taken later in the day or at night, prenatal vitamins may make concentrating more difficult. And create heightened symptoms of restlessness. Ask your doctor if you are switching to a different vitamin supplement. Or taking it in a lower amount can help lessen any adverse effects if these emotions don’t go away.
- Change in odor and color of urine
The color and odor of urine can change due to the side effects of prenatal vitamins. Vitamin B6, known as Pyridoxine, decreases nausea and vomiting. But this can also change the urine color to fluorescent yellow-green.
Folic acid and Riboflavin (vitamin B12) can change the urine color to bright yellow. Because they contain yellow-green and yellow-orange pigments. Vitamin B can also cause the urine to give a sulfur-like odor. However, these are not serious side effects.
- Other Risks
Vitamins and minerals are helpful for you as well as your baby’s development. But they can also cause some side effects if you use them excessively. Likewise, there are some side effects of prenatal vitamins as well. If you take a too-high dose of vitamins. This vitamin can be dangerous for you as well as for the baby.
Be mindful while taking other products and supplements to avoid danger.
For example, Vitamin A is good for improving vision and eyesight. However, a high intake of vitamin A can cause liver damage. It can also cause birth defects in the baby.
Tell your healthcare provider about any other supplements you are taking. Avoid taking vitamin A products during pregnancy, even skin creams as well. If the following ingredients are present in a product, talk to your healthcare provider
- tretinoin
- isotretinoin
- Retin-A
Taking too much vitamin A, D, E, or K can be harmful. Taking these vitamins in high quantities can cause harm to you and your baby. Because they stay in your body for a very long time. If you consume too many prenatal vitamins, you could experience adverse effects.
You must tell your doctor about every prescription you are taking. Prenatal vitamins can interact with many over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Aleve, Advil, etc)
- Medicine to decrease blood pressure
- Drugs for the heart
- Diuretics
- Trimethoprim \sulfamethoxazole
Summary:
Pregnancy is a critical phase. It requires the females to take care of themselves. They should take a healthy diet and can also take prenatal vitamins. These are essential vitamins and minerals. They fulfill the demands of the body. Folic acid, vitamin A, B, C, and K, helps improve vision, bone growth, and brain development.
Along with benefits, there are some side effects of them as well. Prenatal vitamins can cause constipation, nausea, pain, cramps, bloating, abnormal bleeding, changes in color and odor of urine, lack of focus, agitation, dry and itchy skin, heartburn, and indigestion.
Some of these side effects are not severe, but some can cause risks to life. Before taking any prenatal vitamin, you should ask the doctor. Consider the benefits and risks to avoid causing any danger to your life.