Pure Synergy Organic Prenatal
The best organic prenatal for preconception, pregnancy and lactating women is synergy organic prenatal. This has organic vitamins and minerals from berries, red raspberry, sprouts, leaf, and ginger to aid with pregnancy. Flavorings, binders, fillers, and chemical-free are among the ingredients. It contains certified organic components that are completely natural and devoid of gluten, dairy or GMO.
Are Prenatal Vitamins Fda
While it sets strict standards for the labeling of supplements, the FDA doesnt regulate supplements the same way that it does medications .
This means that the FDA doesnt oversee the actual production and ingredients of prenatal vitamins.
This is why its best to choose a product that has been third-party tested to ensure that your prenatal vitamin contains the types and amounts of ingredients that it claims to on the label.
How We Chose The Best Prenatal Vitamins
We started with the above ingredients and found supplements that contain most of the nutrients you need. We also kept in mind the criteria from Dr. Purdie and Dr. Rankins. From there, we checked which ones were tested and recommended by OB/GYNs, editors and members of the What to Expect community of millions of moms. Here are our top picks.
See registry advice and a custom baby gear checklist
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Improved Skin Hair And Nails
In addition to providing important nutrients for your growing baby, prenatal vitamins can also help improve the health of your skin, hair, and nails. This is because they contain many of the vitamins and minerals that are essential for keeping these key body parts looking and feeling their best. So whether you want to reduce signs of aging, strengthen your nails, or boost the health and shine of your hair, prenatal vitamins can help get you there.
What If I Have Trouble Swallowing The Pills
Prenatal vitamin and mineral supplements tend to be pretty big. They can be hard to swallow, especially if you’re dealing with nausea.
If this is a problem for you, your practitioner may be able to recommend a smaller pill or one with a slick coating that makes it easier to get down.
Chewable prenatal vitamins are also available. There’s even a powdered pregnancy supplement that you mix with water. So if you don’t like one version, keep trying different options until you find a prenatal supplement you can take.
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Is There A Difference In Prenatal Vitamins
There are many different factors that can affect the quality and effectiveness of prenatal vitamins, including the ingredients used in their formulation and the manufacturing process. Some prenatal vitamins may also contain additional nutrients or herbal supplements that may provide additional benefits for pregnant women.
When choosing prenatal vitamins, it is important to do your research and carefully consider all of your options. Some key things to look for when comparing different prenatal vitamins include the presence of folic acid, iron, calcium, and iodine any additional nutrients or herbal supplements included in the formula and the price and availability of different brands.
What Happens If I Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of vitamins A, D, E, or K or certain minerals contained in prenatal multivitamins may cause serious overdose symptoms or harm to the unborn baby.
Overdose symptoms may include hair loss, dry skin, rash, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, increased thirst or urination, weight loss, confusion, weakness, drowsiness, joint pain, muscle weakness, severe headache, tingly feeling, irregular heartbeats, yellowing of your skin, or unusual bleeding.
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What Are Prenatal Multivitamins
There are many brands and forms of prenatal multivitamins available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.
Prenatal multivitamins are a combination of many different vitamins that are normally found in foods and other natural sources. Minerals may also be contained in prenatal multivitamins.
Prenatal multivitamins are used to provide the additional vitamins and minerals needed during pregnancy.
Prenatal multivitamins may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What Are Prenatal Vitamins And When Should I Start Taking Them
Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated supplements designed for pregnancy, and most contain a similar balance of key nutrients to support the health of mom and baby. “These all help with either development in the baby, or they help mom maintain her levels of certain vitamins and minerals,” says Nicole Rankins, M.D., an OB/GYN and site director of the OB Hospitalist Group in Norfolk, Virginia.
Dr. Rankins suggests ideally starting prenatal vitamins three months before you hope to conceive. That’s because women who take supplemental folic acid a key component of good prenatal vitamins before they get pregnant can reduce the risk of neural tube defects .
However, given that many pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned or mistimed making preemptive vitamin-taking challenging! give yourself some grace if you didnt start taking prenatals early. “Don’t beat yourself up, just take them as soon as possible,” says Dr. Rankins. Make sure to also ask your healthcare provider about continuing to take a prenatal after you give birth and finish breastfeeding .
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Other Supplements In Pregnancy
Other than folic acid, vitamin D and iodine and any supplement prescribed for you by your doctor, there is limited evidence to support the use of supplements during pregnancy.
Emerging research has shown that omega-3 supplements during pregnancy might help reduce the risk of premature birth, and that probiotics might help control blood glucose levels in pregnancy. But it’s not clear whether the benefits of taking these supplements outweigh any possible harms. Until there is better evidence available, it’s best to avoid them unless prescribed by your doctor â particularly in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Because nutritional supplements are classed as ‘complementary medicines’, they are not scrutinised or regulated as much as other medicines.
They Can Prevent Nausea
Another nutrient that can support the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system is vitamin B6, and Dr. Nwankwo says the vitamin can alleviate some of the nausea associated with pregnancy. It works by helping the body process certain amino acids that can otherwise lead to nausea, and it’s best to take it before you even get pregnant.
“It works best when its started one to three months before conception,” advises Dr. Nwankwo. Aside from getting it from your prenatal vitamins, you can also find it in foods like bananas and salmon.
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Ease Constipation With These Remedies
- Drink plenty of water with your prenatal vitamin.
- Add more fiber to your diet, like whole grains, oats, and fresh fruit and veggies.
- Add natural prebiotics and probiotics to your diet, like yogurt, bananas, and onions.
- Ask your doctor about taking other supplements that help ease constipation, like fish oil and probiotics.
- Try a prenatal vitamin with less iron in it.
If youre getting a lot of side effects, like itching and stomach irritation, the fillers or additives in some prenatal vitamins might just not suit you. Ask your doctor about switching to a different kind or brand of prenatal vitamin.
Covariate And Exposure Assessment
Demographics, behaviors, and medical history were all collected longitudinally via maternal self-report questionnaire. In these questionnaires, mothers were asked if they used prenatal vitamins for each month of pregnancy . Data for the first month of pregnancy and for 3 months prior to pregnancy were collected at study enrollment.
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How Do I Choose A Prenatal Vitamin
First, look at whats in it. Ideally, choose a prenatal vitamin that contains micronutrients that are important to promote fetal development and maternal health, says Dr. Samuel. The most famously important of these is folic acid, which reduces the risk of neural tube defects . A 2018 meta-analysis in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that taking folate or folic acid supplements during pregnancy might also lower the risk of preeclampsia, a condition of abnormally high blood pressure which can be risky for the parent and fetus.
The food-based version of folic acid is folate, but supplementation is key during pregnancy because it can be difficult to get enough folate through food. Luckily, youd be hard-pressed to find a prenatal that isnt rich in this nutrient.
Prenatal vitamins with iron are also super important, as iron promotes the health and development of the placenta. You also want ones that are easy on the GI system and affordable, says Dr. Samuel, since youll be taking these every day for at least nine months.
Beyond that? I look specifically for prenatals that contain vitamins A, B, C, D, E, zinc, and iodine, says Dr. Samuel. Get one that contains those, folate, and DHA , and youll be in great shape for your reproductive life.
Take Care With Certain Vitamins
Your body only needs a small amount of each nutrient, and higher amounts are not necessarily better. In fact, consuming more than you need can sometimes cause harm.
For example, high doses of vitamin A, vitamin C, or vitamin E can be dangerous. It’s best not to take these vitamins as supplements in pregnancy.
It’s also best to avoid foods that may be very high in vitamin A, including liver and liver products such as pâté.
Just as you need to check with your doctor before you take any medicines while pregnant, it’s best to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
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How To Take Westab Plus
Use Westab Plus exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Never take more than the recommended dose of prenatal multivitamins.
Many multivitamin products also contain minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Minerals can cause side effects such as tooth staining, increased urination, stomach bleeding, uneven heart rate, confusion, and muscle weakness or limp feeling. Read the label of any multivitamin product you take to make sure you are aware of what it contains.
Take your prenatal multivitamin with a full glass of water.
Swallow the regular tablet or capsule whole. Do not break, chew, crush, or open it.
You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with the oral powder.
Store this product in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture, light, and heat.
Take the product as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
How To Choose A Prenatal Vitamin
Choosing which prenatal vitamin to take can feel like an overwhelming task, but the most important thing to remember is simply that you should take one. Prenatals are an essential part of a healthy pregnancy and there are lots of options to discuss with your doctor are having trouble deciding which is best for you.
Below are the recommended guidelines for key vitamins and minerals during pregnancy, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians & Gynecologists.
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Why Trust Verywell Family
Casey Seiden is a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist based in New York City. Casey works at Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates, the premier maternal-fetal medicine practice in Manhattan, where she provides nutrition therapy and counseling to women with high-risk pregnancies. She is also the founder of Casey Seiden Nutrition, a virtual private practice specializing in a non-diet approach to diabetes care and womens health.
What Nutrients Does A Prenatal Vitamin Contain
The nutrients provided by a prenatal vitamin vary. Typically, they include:
When comparing ingredient lists, talk to your doctor or midwife about which prenatal vitamin is a good fit for you. Generally speaking, folic acid is a key nutrient. Many prenatal vitamins contain around 800 micrograms of folic acid, and OB-GYNs typically recommend taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms.
DHAan omega-3 fatty acidis also often recommended, as it may help with fetal brain development. Many prenatal vitamins include DHA. You can add a separate DHA supplement to your routine, too.
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What Are Some Things I Need To Know Or Do While I Take Prenatal Vitamin
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take prenatal vitamin. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take prenatal vitamin.
- If you have phenylketonuria , talk with your doctor. Some products have phenylalanine.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
Who May Not Benefit From A Prenatal Vitamin
Men: Getting pregnant is a two-person job. The man’s overall health, as well as sperm health, are important to consider, specifically while trying to get pregnant. Research has seen positive effects on sperm count, motility, and morphology, as well as conception, from supplemental intakes of selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, alpha-lipoic acid, folic acid, and zinc. While most prenatal supplements are specifically designed for those with female reproductive organs, we encourage men to work with a healthcare provider if they would like to choose a supplement to improve their fertility.
If you do not plan to become pregnant: If you do not plan to become pregnant soon, you may be better off sticking with a standard multivitamin. Prenatal vitamins contain higher levels of certain nutrients due to the increased needs of mom and baby, but this is not necessary for a non-pregnant state unless you have documented deficiencies.
Prenatal vitamins can be taken without being pregnant. However, it is advised to take them leading up to pregnancy and even during the postpartum period. Keep in mind that prenatals are designed for the state of pregnancy, where the need for some nutrients is greater than the non-pregnant state, so you will want to be careful not to over-consume supplements.
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Should All Pregnant Women Take Prenatal Vitamins
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.
Your Complete Guide To Taking Prenatal Vitamins
Help give your baby the best start
Whether youre pregnant or just thinking about getting pregnant, nutrition may be on your mind. When youre pregnant, your body needs different nutrition. Though you wont need to take in a lot more calories in the beginning of pregnancy, you will need more vitamins and minerals.
It can be difficult to meet these nutrient needs with food alone, and thats where prenatal vitamins can help. Theyre specifically designed to meet your increased needs and give your growing baby a strong start.
Before getting started, remember to consult with your doctor about changes to your diet and supplement plan.
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What Are The Different Types Of Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins typically contain folic acid , calcium, iron, iodine, zinc, and vitamins A, E, and C. The ingredients in prenatal vitamins vary depending on the product. Your doctor will recommend the right type of prenatal vitamin or prenatal supplement based on your specific needs.
What If I Mistakenly Take Two Prenatal Vitamins On The Same Day
Don’t worry. Taking twice the recommended amounts of these nutrients on just one day won’t harm you or your baby. But taking a double dose more often can be harmful, so it’s important not to do it regularly.
If your practitioner says you need more of a certain nutrient than your prenatal vitamin provides, take the additional amount as a separate supplement.
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