Prenatal Vitamin Side Effects – Facts for Keeping You and Your Baby Safe

By Ganda Putra

Your obstetrician is nearly certain to give you a prescription for prenatal vitamins.  What your obstetrician may fail to tell you is about the possible prenatal vitamin side effects you may experience.  Before we jump into the side effects it is important for you to understand one item.  The risks of NOT taking your prenatal vitamin are much greater than the risks associated to taking the vitamin. Your Doctor has prescribed these vitamins to ensure the healthy growth of your baby and to protect your health.

Common Prenatal Vitamin Side Effects You Need to Understand

Your prenatal vitamin is much different than a traditional daily multivitamin.  The amount of minerals, iron, and certain vitamins is much higher in your prenatal vitamin.  This is why there is a higher risk of side effects with a prenatal vitamin compared to a daily vitamin.  Following is a list of common complaints heard from pregnant women:

• Upset Stomach
• Headaches
• Excess Gas
• Belching
• Discolored Urine
• Metallic Taste in Mouth
• Insomnia
• Mild Muscle Aches
• Constipation

You probably notice many of these symptoms are common for any pregnant woman.  The two items which you can highly contribute to your prenatal vitamin are the discolored urine and metallic taste.  This is a common complaint from the higher levels of iron and minerals.

Serious Prenatal Vitamin Side Effects – Calling Your Doctor May Be Required

There are some possible side effects from taking prenatal vitamins which should have you picking up the phone or heading to the Doctor’s office rapidly.  These serious side effects include:

• Hives
• Swelling of the Tongue, Face, Lips, or Throat
• Excessive Vomiting
• Blood in Urine

If you are experiencing these symptoms do not delay, contact your Doctor immediately.  These symptoms could endanger both your health and risk the life of your unborn infant.

Dangers of Using Other Supplements with Your Prenatal Vitamin

Doctors and Pharmacists sometimes forget one of the most critical warnings when handing over your prescription for prenatal vitamins.  You must stop taking other vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements without approval from your Doctor.  With the higher dosages of vitamins and minerals in your prenatal vitamin using other supplements can lead to overdose conditions rapidly.

With your already high dosage of iron and minerals adding over-the-counter supplements can overload your baby’s tiny body and lead to a miscarriage or birth defects.  Always consult with your Doctor and Pharmacist about any medications, supplements, or dietary aids you intend to use.  They are the experts on the potential risks to you and your baby.

The Prenatal Vitamin Side Effects You Will Learn to Live With

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Sadly, there are a few of these prenatal vitamin side effects you will probably need to live with for the next 9 to 18 months.  The first one is the metallic taste in your mouth.  This is due to the higher levels of minerals and iron.  They are required for proper development.  The other item will be the slight touch of nausea you may experience.  Take your vitamins with food to try to avoid an upset stomach but realize it is a very common side effect.  This is one time it is essential to accept these mild side effects and acknowledge the benefit to your baby is more important.