Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are vital to your healthy, happy baby journey.
Ideally, you should start taking your prenatal vitamins the month before your pregnancy begins. You should continue to take them until you stop breastfeeding, or until 6 weeks after your baby is born if you bottle-feed.
Look for a prenatal vitamin that includes:
- 400 micrograms (mcg) of folate/folic acid
- 400 IU of vitamin D
- 200 to 300 milligrams (mg) of calcium
- 70 mg of vitamin C
- 3 mg of thiamine
- 2 mg of riboflavin
- 20 mg of niacin
- 6 mcg of vitamin B12
- 10 mg of vitamin E
- 15 mg of zinc
- 17 mg of iron
- 150 mcg of iodine
You can take over-the-counter vitamins as long as they have a USP seal or NSF International certification. These organizations monitor supplement quality.
A note on gummy vitamins
While they may be more palatable, gummy prenatal vitamins are not the same as regular tablet prenatal vitamins and should be avoided. Certain essential nutrients are not well absorbed when in a gummy format. Additionally, most gummy vitamins are coated with sugar, adding empty calories to your day.
What if I have an aversion to prenatal supplements?
Often in your first trimester, prenatal vitamins can increase your nausea and vomiting. If you are having difficulty tolerating your prenatal vitamins, try breaking them in half, taking half in the morning and half in the evening. You can also try crushing them between two spoons and mixing them with applesauce or yogurt.
Finally, if they are still causing nausea, you can try replacing your regular prenatal with 2 children’s Flintstones™ vitamins during the first trimester. While not the same as a true prenatal tablet, they are a good substitute for those who need a gentler supplement.
A note on gummy vitamins: While they may be more palatable, gummy prenatal vitamins are not the same as regular tablet prenatal vitamins and should be avoided. Certain essential nutrients are not well-absorbed when in a gummy format. Additionally, most gummy vitamins are coated with sugar, adding empty calories to your day.
How to reach us
Need to make an appointment with your care provider? Feeling something unusual or like you’re going into labor? Want advice about breastfeeding? We’re here for your call.
