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How Long Should You Take Prenatal Vitamins After Birth

What About Other Postnatal Supplements

How long should I continue taking my prenatal vitamins after giving birth?

Aside from vitamins, there are also plant-based supplements that may help keep your postpartum mind and body healthy. Fenugreek, an herb similar to clover that’s available in capsules like Finest Nutrition Fenugreek Capsules , is most widely used in the postpartum period as a way to increase milk supply, says Dr. Sekhon. It is believed to stimulate the glandular tissue in breasts, which is responsible for producing milk. While fenugreek is generally regarded as safe by the FDA, it can have side effects, such as diarrhea, in both mother and baby , so it’s important to start with the lowest dose and then increase only if your body tolerates it, she explains. Because of these GI side effects, be sure to seek out your doctor’s advice before taking and, unless you’re struggling with milk supply, consider avoiding altogether.

While melatonin isn’t a vitamin, it can be a helpful sleep aid, especially for new moms who are sleep-deprived and have a disturbed sleep pattern from nighttime diaper changes and feedings, says Dr. Sekhon. It is safe for women to take melatonin while breastfeeding, but it should be used with caution, as it can cause drowsinessand you always want to make sure you’re alert when caring for a small baby, she explains. As an alternative to melatonin, she advises sipping chamomile tea or taking a warm bath before bed, both of which have been shown to help with relaxation and, thus, sleep.

When To Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins

Most doctors will recommend that women of childbearing age should take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid before conception to make sure that their bodies have enough of the vital nutrients necessary to support a healthy pregnancy. The folic acid aids in preventing neural tubal defects, which often occur in the first month of pregnancy when the neural tube is growing.

If you just found out you’re pregnant, you can start taking the vitamins right away. If you are already taking a daily multi-vitamin, you can continue to take it. Other supplements may not be safe to take discontinue use of those. Speak with your doctor about which kind of vitamin is right for you during pregnancy.

Actif Organic Postnatal Vitamin

Containing more than 25 vitamins and herbs, this advanced formula is made to support the nutritional needs of nursing mothers and is designed to boost lactation, energy levels, and mood. It includes choline, which promotes healthy brain development. Composed of 100 percent natural ingredients, these vegan vitamins are free of GMOs, gluten, and BPA.

Also Check: Why Is Vitamin D Important

Can I Take An Over

There’s nothing wrong with taking over-the-counter vitamins as long as they have a USP seal or NSF International certification these organizations monitor supplement quality. “We do have concerns about pills that contain certain herbs and those that may contain too much of a certain nutrient, like vitamin A, which can adversely affect the fetus’ development,” says Ashlesha Dayal, M.D., an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, N.Y. “Take the bottle to your obstetrician to make sure that all the ingredients are safe,” Kukreja adds.

Should All Pregnant Women Take Prenatal Vitamins

How Long Should I Continue to Take a Prenatal Vitamin ...

Proper nutrition is important for your babys health, and your baby depends on you for all of his or her nutritional needs, which includes important vitamins, supplements, and minerals that are necessary for embryonic and fetal development. Ideally, if you eat a healthy diet it should provide all of your growing babys nutritional needs however, doctors recommend taking prenatal vitamins if you are planning to conceive or are already pregnant, for your babys health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends multivitamin supplements for pregnant women who do not consume an adequate diet. However, your doctor or midwife may still recommend taking them unless your doctor refers you to a nutritionist for a nutritional assessment.

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How Long Should Women Take Prenatal Vitamins

Whenever you become pregnant, youre actually eating for two. Because of this, the nutritional requirement that you get from food alone might not be enough to service both you and your baby. To make sure that both of you get the right amount of nutrition and vitamins, you must take prenatal vitamins.

Recommendation on Prenatal Vitamins

Some women enjoy the best prenatal vitamins with dha, while some of them actually lament the fish-flavored aftertaste from these DHA vitamins, queasiness when they take it, and constipation from the iron in the vitamins. Understandably, mothers stop taking these vitamins after giving birth. However, most doctors still recommend taking prenatal vitamins after childbirth. The question is, how long should women take it?

Actually, there is still no universally-accepted recommendation on the duration of taking prenatal vitamins after childbirth. Neither the World Health Organization or the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology have a strict timeline as to when you should stop taking them. Here is a compilation of recommendations of separate organizations:

  • Take prenatal vitamins when you are trying to conceive
  • For women who are actively trying to conceive, its important that they already take prenatal vitamins to anticipate the needs of the baby. These vitamins will help in starting the pregnancy in a very healthy way. Youll need to stick up on these minerals and vitamins to ensure the safety of your future baby.

    Frequently Asked Questionsexpand All

  • What is folic acid?

    Folic acid, also known as folate, is a B vitamin that is important for pregnant women. Folic acid may help prevent major birth defects of the fetuss brain and spine called neural tube defects .

  • How much folic acid should I take?

    When you are pregnant you need 600 micrograms of folic acid each day. Because its hard to get this much folic acid from food alone, you should take a daily prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms starting at least 1 month before pregnancy and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

    Women who have had a child with an NTD should take 4 milligrams of folic acid each day as a separate supplement at least 3 months before pregnancy and for the first 3 months of pregnancy. You and your ob-gyn or other obstetric care provider can discuss whether you need to supplement with more than 400 micrograms daily.

  • Why is iron important during pregnancy?

    Iron is used by your body to make the extra blood that you and your fetus need during pregnancy. Women who are not pregnant need 18 mg of iron per day. Pregnant women need more, 27 mg per day. This increased amount is found in most prenatal vitamins.

  • What is calcium?

    Calcium is a mineral that builds your fetuss bones and teeth. Women who are age 18 or younger need 1,300 mg of calcium per day. Women who are 19 or older need 1,000 mg per day.

  • Give you energy

  • Supply energy for your fetuss development

  • Promote good vision

  • Read Also: Does Vitamin K Thicken Or Thin Your Blood

    What Is Vitamin D

    Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. It also helps your bodys nerves, muscles and immune system work. Your immune system protects your body from infection. Vitamin D helps your babys bones and teeth grow.

    During pregnancy, you need 600 IU of vitamin D each day. You can get this amount from food or your prenatal vitamin. Good sources of vitamin D include:

    • Fatty fish, like salmon
    • Milk and cereal that has vitamin D added to it

    Cost Of Prenatal Vitamins

    Prenatal Vitamins | Parents

    Most prenatal vitamins come in over the counter forms and can range from $5.00-$30.00 for a monthly or bi-monthly supply. There are both brand name and generic, along with a variety of supplements made especially for pregnant women.

    Some doctors may prescribe a prenatal vitamin with DHA, Omega-3s, and higher amounts of the usual vitamins and minerals. These vitamins tend to be a bit more expensive than the over the counter versions. If you can afford it and they don’t make you sick, they may be worth it. It is not necessary to have prescription, but if it makes you feel more comfortable, go for it.

    Read Also: How To Eat Vitamin D

    What Is A Prenatal Vitamin

    A prenatal vitamin is a blend of supplemental vitamins and minerals crafted to meet the needs of women who are pregnant or could become pregnant. Prenatal multivitamins can provide reliable nutrition in vital areassupporting babys healthy development as well as moms prenatal wellness. Prenatals provide peace of mind that your body is getting the right foundational support at such an important time.

    Should I Keep Taking Prenatal Vitamins After Birth

    4.1/5take prenatal vitaminspregnancytake prenatal vitamins afterbabyrelated to it here

    When to take themAnd don’t quit your prenatal vitamins after birthpop them for at least four to six weeks after, or until you stop breastfeeding, to protect both you and your baby from nutrient depletion and to start your first months together off right.

    Subsequently, question is, why do I need to take prenatal vitamins after birth? Prenatal vitamins are particularly important for these women. Doctors often recommend that women who are breastfeeding also continue taking prenatal vitamins after delivery. Prenatal vitamins can serve as a further supplement to lactating women who need plenty of nutrients to make breast milk.

    Also to know, what vitamins should I take after having a baby?

    Some doctors recommend women continue taking their prenatal vitamin after the baby is born, but postnatal vitamins have added nutrients to support mothers who are either breastfeeding or not. Postnatal vitamins include Vitamin D, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 that are essential to keep both mom and baby healthy.

    Should you take prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding?

    Many doctors recommend that breastfeeding mothers continue to take a prenatal supplement. In theory, if you eat a well-balanced diet, you should be able to get all the nutrients your body needs. In reality, however it can be hard to be sure you are eating enough of the right foods each and every day.

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    When You Decide To Try For A Pregnancy

    Ready to start a family? In addition to scheduling a well visit with your gynecologist, quitting birth control, and cutting out unhealthy behaviors like smoking, you should start taking prenatal vitamins.

    You wont be able to predict how long it will take you to get pregnant it could be weeks or months and you wont know youve been successful until a few weeks after conception. Prenatal vitamins are an important part of preconception care.

    The Difference Between Prenatal And Postnatal Vitamins

    Prenatal Vitamins While Not Pregnant: Can I Take Them?

    Before you decide to stop taking any vitamins or switch to a different kind, it helps to first understand the goals of each multivitamin.

    • Prenatal multivitamins: The word prenatal literally means before birth. So prenatal multivitamins are specifically designed to include just the right combination of essential nutrients to meet the increased nutritional demands of a pregnant woman and her developing baby in utero. For instance, prenatal multivitamins contain extra iron and folate
    • Postnatal multivitamins: Also known as postpartum, the word postnatal literally means after birth. So postnatal multivitamins are specifically designed to support the nutritional needs of women who recently gave birth as well as women who are breastfeeding. For instance, because pregnant women need nearly double the iron, prenatal vitamins contain much more iron than needed for breastfeeding.1

    The verdict: Since prenatal and postnatal vitamins are specifically designed to meet different nutritional requirements, its best to take prenatal vitamins while youre pregnant. Then, consider switching to postnatal vitamins after you give birth, whether youre nursing or not.

    Learn More: When Should You Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins?

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    Nordic Naturals Postnatal Omega

    These postnatal omega-3 soft gels are beneficial for metabolism, mood, and brain development. Suitable for sensitive stomachs, theyre easy to absorb and taste good. The soft gels are produced ethically and sustainably without the use of artificial colors or preservatives.

    Note that this supplement solely contains omega-3 and vitamin D3. Its not a multivitamin, so you may need to take an additional supplement to meet other postpartum nutrient needs.

    What Do Postnatal Vitamins Include

    Postnatal vitamins can depend on their intended purpose, but most include a few core nutrients:

    Iron. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin and deliver oxygen throughout the body. A lack of it can lead to anemia in new mothers. In infants, iron supports brain development. Data from the CDC suggest that most infants have enough iron stores for the first 4 months of life, but breastfed babies are often lacking after that. Once they begin solids, however, babies can meet their nutritional needs with iron-rich foods.

    Vitamin D. Sometimes called calciferol, you can get vitamin D from food, sun exposure, or supplements. This vitamin helps your body absorb calcium, making it vital for healthy bone growth. It can also limit inflammation. Breastfeeding women should get 600 international units per day.

    Vitamin D does not pass through breastmilk, so its common for breastfed infants to not get enough. Many experts recommend vitamin D drops. Otherwise, some infants get enough vitamin D from their formula.

    DHA. Docosahexaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid thats included in some prenatal and postnatal vitamins. Its crucial for a fetus growing brain but also for newborns and infants during a time of rapid growth.

    Continued

    Mothers may get enough DHA in their diet to pass it on to their breastfed babies. Supplements can be helpful in all stages of infancy, especially for premature babies.

    Postnatal vitamins may also include:

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    Taking A Postnatal Multivitamin

    Some women choose to continue taking their prenatal vitamin during the postnatal period. However, prenatal vitamins may have higher amounts of certain nutrients than your baby needs during the breastfeeding phase. For example, you need more iron during pregnancy to meet your babys needs. However, a prenatal vitamin contains more iron than you need while breastfeeding, according to the University of California-San Francisco. For this reason, its a good idea to look into a postnatal vitamin designed to have the right balance of nutrients for breastfeeding mothers. Ask your obstetrician for recommendations, and avoid taking anything without getting the OK from your health-care provider.

    References

    How Long Should I Take Prenatal Vitamins For

    Postpartum Nutrition: Tips for Healthy Eating After Giving Birth

    You should start prenatal vitamins six to twenty-four months before you want to start baby-making, to give your body the support it needs to prepare for pregnancy. Your prenatal vitamin should then also be taken for the duration of your pregnancy and for as long as youre breastfeeding.

    If youre looking for more postpartum support, check out my first book,Healing Your Body Naturally After Childbirth.

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    How Do I Choose Prenatal Vitamins

    Prenatal vitamins are readily available over the counter and a prescription is generally unnecessary.

    If youre concerned about which to choose, dont be. Theres not much difference between over the counter and prescription prenatals, and both are adequate, assures Dr. Nwankwo.

    Sometimes prescription prenatals may have special formulationsfor example, they may have a stool softener added to help with constipation, or they may have additional iron. The pills may also be smaller and easier to take. But its not necessary, she says. It also doesnt matter whether you take a tablet or a gummy, just make sure it has the right amount of vitamins you need.

    Every vitamin can differ in the types and amounts of nutrients it contains because specific vitamin ingredients arent regulated by the FDA. If the vitamin you choose doesnt contain the full recommended daily amount of a nutrient, be sure to eat foods that are high in that vitamin or mineral.

    When shopping for prenatal vitamins look for these four primary nutrients that are especially important during pregnancy, per Dr. Nwankwo and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists):

    • Folic acid: 600 mcg
    • Iron: 27 mg
    • Calcium: 1,000 mg
    • Vitamin D: 600 IU

    The following vitamins are also essential during pregnancy, and you may not get enough of them through diet alone. Having these in your prenatals are helpful too:

    • Vitamin A: 770 mcg
    • Vitamin C: 85 mg
    • Vitamin B12: 2.6 mcg
    • Choline: 450 mg

    Vitamin D In Pregnancy

    You need 10 micrograms of vitamin D each day and should consider taking a supplement containing this amount between September and March.

    Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Our bodies make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to summer sunlight .

    It’s not known exactly how much time is needed in the sun to make enough vitamin D to meet the body’s needs, but if you’re in the sun take care to cover up or protect your skin with sunscreen before you start to turn red or burn.

    Vitamin D is also in some foods, including:

    • oily fish
    • eggs
    • red meat

    Vitamin D is added to some breakfast cereals, fat spreads and non-dairy milk alternatives. The amounts added to these products can vary and might only be small.

    Because vitamin D is only found in a small number of foods, whether naturally or added, it is difficult to get enough from foods alone.

    Do not take more than 100 micrograms of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful.

    You can get vitamin supplements containing vitamin D free of charge if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and qualify for the Healthy Start scheme.

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