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Prenatal vitamins are essential for both the mother and the baby. Photo by Oscar Wong / Getty Images.Prenatal vitamins are specialized multivitamins and mineral supplements designed for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Medical Treatment
To prevent any stomach discomfort, it’s recommended to take your prenatal vitamins with food.
It's best to take them with a full glass of water or milk, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Follow your doctor’s instructions if they suggest a different approach.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Avoid doubling up on doses.
Side Effects of Prenatal Vitamins
Minor: Side effects like constipation, diarrhea, nausea, stomach discomfort, or vomiting are possible. These should subside as your body gets used to the prenatal vitamins.
To ease constipation, consider increasing your fiber intake with fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads. Regular exercise and drinking more water can also help, unless your doctor advises differently.
Black stools are a common side effect of iron supplements and are not a cause for concern regarding your vitamin treatment.
Major: If any side effects persist or become particularly bothersome, contact your doctor. It is especially important to inform your doctor if you experience bloody or tarry stools, or severe abdominal pain.
Prenatal Vitamin Interactions
Prenatal vitamins generally don’t interact with other medications when used as directed. However, it’s important to inform your doctor of any medications or supplements you are currently taking.
Warnings for Prenatal Vitamins
- Inform your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions to medications, particularly to vitamin, mineral, or iron products.
- Make sure to notify your doctor if you have a history of bone disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or stomach ulcers.
- Because prenatal vitamins can mask the signs of pernicious anemia, they should only be used under medical supervision.
For more information on the topics on this page, check out the following links:
- To learn more about pregnancy and childbirth, visit How Pregnancy Works.
- To explore additional prenatal procedures, check out How Prenatal Testing Works.
- Our Vitamins page offers detailed information on vitamins, their functions, and the required intake in your diet. //]]]]> ]]>
Brand names (manufacturers): Prenatal-1 + Iron tablets (various manufacturers); Stuartnatal Plus (Wyeth-Ayerst)
Drug type: A multivitamin and mineral supplement
Active ingredients: Calcium, iron, folic acid, zinc, copper, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, and vitamins A, D, E, B6, B12, and C
Dosage forms: Tablets containing 200 mg, 250 mg, or 300 mg calcium; 60 mg, 65 mg, or 90 mg iron; 1.0 mg folic acid; 4,000 IU [international units] or 5,000 IU vitamin A; 400 IU vitamin D; 11 IU vitamin E; 1.5 mg thiamine; 3 mg riboflavin; 20 mg niacin; 10 mg vitamin B6; 12 mcg vitamin B12; 120 mg vitamin C; zinc, copper, and other components.
Storage instructions: Keep the prenatal vitamins at room temperature in a tightly sealed, light-resistant container. Do not refrigerate or freeze the vitamins.
