Pregnancy Vitamins Causing Illness? Here's What Alleviates Nausea in Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a challenging time for many women, and one of the most common complaints is nausea. While morning sickness is a common occurrence, it can be exacerbated by prenatal vitamins. However, there are steps you can take to reduce nausea while still ensuring you get all the necessary nutrients.
Prenatal vitamins, designed to provide the extra nutrients a growing fetus needs, often contain ingredients like iron and folic acid. These can cause stomach discomfort, leading to nausea. To help alleviate this, taking prenatal vitamins with a meal or snack might be beneficial.
Some prenatal vitamins specifically designed for sensitive stomachs might be less likely to cause nausea. They are available in various forms, such as capsules, softgels, pills, gummies, powder, and delayed-release capsules. Some forms might cause less nausea than others. For instance, powder prenatals like the Needed Prenatal Multi Powder, which can be mixed into smoothies, fresh juice, or milk, might be a better choice for those prone to nausea when taking pills.
Ancient Nutrition Ancient Multi Prenatal is a capsule-type prenatal that contains a traditional Chinese medicine blend with ginger root to help curb nausea. Similarly, Best Nest Wellness Mama Bird Prenatal Multi+ is a caplet-type prenatal that skips iron and contains ginger root and chamomile to help reduce nausea.
Folic acid in prenatal vitamins can cause side effects like nausea, bloating, or loss of appetite. Some prenatal vitamins use folate (L-5-MTHF) instead of folic acid, which might be gentler on the stomach.
In addition to adjusting the timing or formula of prenatal vitamins, there are other ways to combat pregnancy-related nausea. Ginger can help, either in the form of ginger tea or supplements. Vitamin B6 supplements may also help with mild nausea in pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends taking a prenatal vitamin to help reduce the risk of developmental issues. However, it's important to remember that everyone's body reacts differently to prenatal vitamins, and the side effects can vary. If you experience severe nausea, it might be worth discussing your options with a healthcare professional.
It's also crucial to talk to a healthcare professional about anemia and whether iron supplements are necessary during pregnancy. Weekly doses of iron supplements may be easier to tolerate than daily supplements, and iron glycinate chelate and iron bisglycinate may be better tolerated and more effective than ferrous sulfate for iron deficiency in pregnancy.
Lastly, companies like Perelel offer subscription packs with supplement combos designed for each stage of pregnancy and for those trying to conceive or supporting their body after birth. These packs often include an 'anti-nausea' blend of vitamin B6 and ginger, which can be particularly helpful during the first trimester when morning sickness is most common.
In conclusion, while prenatal vitamins can cause nausea, there are ways to manage this side effect. By talking to your healthcare professional, adjusting the timing or formula of your prenatal vitamins, and considering supplements like ginger and vitamin B6, you can help reduce nausea and ensure you're getting all the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy.
