Can Prenatal Vitamins Make You Have Diarrhea?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Can prenatal vitamins make you have ? Most women who take prenatal vitamins as directed by their doctor or midwife experience little or no side effects from prenatal vitamins. The iron in prenatal vitamins may cause , and some women complain of nausea.

You also may have diarrhea

, dark stools, low appetite, and stomach upset or cramps.

Are my Prenatals giving me diarrhea?


Prenatal vitamins may bring on diarrhea if they contain iron

, because iron can trigger irritation in the digestive tract. On top of that, because the iron in prenatal vitamins also can cause constipation, some of them contain a stool softener — which obviously can lead to diarrhea.

What ingredient in prenatal vitamins cause diarrhea?

Diarrhea: Some prenatal vitamins contain

polyethylene glycol

—a laxative ingredient to balance out constipation side effects.

Can prenatal vitamins cause nausea and diarrhea?

Taking a prenatal vitamin when you're expecting helps ensure that you and your baby are getting all of the vitamins and minerals you both need to stay healthy.

Some people do experience side effects, including upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea and gas, when taking prenatal vitamins, but these can usually be minimized

.

Can Prenatals cause upset stomach?


A lot of prenatal vitamins contain iron (important for the baby's health) which can cause stomach irritation and make you feel unwell

. Some women might be more prone to feeling sick if they have a history of certain health conditions such as acid reflux, migraines or thyroid disorders (1).

What happens if you don't take prenatal vitamins while pregnant?

What Happens If You Don't Take Prenatal Vitamins? Taking prenatal vitamins before pregnancy can help prevent miscarriages, defects, and preterm labor. If you're not taking prenatal vitamins,

neural tube defects can appear

: Anencephaly: This occurs when the baby's skull and brain doesn't form correctly.

When does diarrhea start in pregnancy?

Although diarrhea isn't a sign of early pregnancy, it's possible that you may experience diarrhea or other digestive issues

in your first trimester

. Early on in your pregnancy, your body starts going through lots of changes, and these can affect your bowel movements, leading to either hard or loose stools.

Which prenatal vitamin is easiest on the stomach?


New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin

contains 100% of your daily iron needs but is designed to be gentle on your stomach. The supplement also contains ginger, which may help ease queasiness. This product is made from all non-GMO ingredients and is both kosher and vegetarian-friendly.

When is the best time to take prenatal vitamins?

  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women may benefit from taking prenatal vitamins because of their extra requirement for essential nutrients. …
  • As with traditional multivitamins, prenatal vitamins are best taken in the morning and as part of your daily routine.

How long does it take for a prenatal vitamin to digest?

On average it takes a multivitamin approximately

30 minutes

to dissolve in your stomach. Some multivitamins advertise that they are “slow release” or “time-released” tablets.

Can I stop taking prenatal vitamins after first trimester?

Breastfeeding women may be advised to continue taking their prenatal vitamins.

Prenatal vitamins are often recommended for use before, during and even after a pregnancy

. Once your pregnancy is over, you may continue to benefit from your prenatal if you are breastfeeding.

What can I take instead of prenatal vitamins?

You'll want to know:

The researchers do recommend that pregnant women take

vitamin D and folic acid supplements

, both of which are available in inexpensive generics.

What trimester are prenatal vitamins most important?

Ideally you should start prenatal vitamins at least one month before pregnancy—and CERTAINLY during the

first 12 weeks of pregnancy

when baby's development is at its most critical point.

Can I skip my prenatal vitamin one day?

If you happen to miss a day, don't panic!

Forgetting to take your prenatal on occasion isn't a big reason to worry

, especially if you typically eat a balanced diet including foods such as dairy, green leafy vegetables, and healthy proteins. Just make sure you start taking them again right away.

Do prenatals make you gain weight?


Prenatal supplements on their own will not cause you to gain weight any more than your pregnancy will

. Some people may experience side effects such as constipation and bloating while taking prenatals, which may feel like weight gain.

Does diarrhea mean miscarriage?

But

diarrhea isn't a typical cause or symptom of miscarriage

. While some women do experience diarrhea around the time of a pregnancy loss, having an episode of diarrhea does not mean that miscarriage is about to happen. 7 Many women get diarrhea while they're pregnant and continue to have a healthy pregnancy.

Can diarrhea cause miscarriage?

Dealing With Diarrhea


Although it doesn't cause miscarriage

, diarrhea can affect a pregnancy. An occasional loose stool can be normal, but if you have any of the following, call your doctor: Diarrhea for more than 3 days. Fever of 100.4 F or higher.

Is diarrhea during pregnancy bad?

When to call your doctor. Remember, while

a mild case of diarrhea isn't anything to really worry about during pregnancy

, there are a few times you should get in touch with your practitioner right away, including if you: Have more than three stools a day. Have diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours, despite dietary changes.

Are gummy Prenatals OK?


Gummy prenatal vitamins can provide many, but not all, of the extra vitamins and minerals needed during pregnancy

. While most gummy prenatal vitamins contain the recommended amounts of folic acid and iodine required for pregnancy, there is none that have added iron.

Are gummy Prenatals better than pills?

Prenatal gummy vitamins are a great option for women who are struggling to take regular prenatal pills. While gummies are a great invention,

they are not created equal to the pills

. The gummies don't have iron in them and they have a lower level of some of the recommended vitamins then the regular pills.

Can I switch Prenatals during pregnancy?

Is it Safe to Switch Prenatal Vitamins During Pregnancy? “

It's completely okay and often recommended

,” says Jessica Monroe, PhD, RD, LD, and founder of Fresh Nutrition and Wellness. “Women may want to switch to a higher quality prenatal when they learn theirs is lacking in certain nutrients.

Should I take prenatal in the morning or at night?

Prenatal vitamins: Take these with water and a meal for optimal absorption.

It's best to take them with breakfast or lunch

, which lowers the chance of an upset stomach and acid reflux.

Can I take Prenatals on an empty stomach?

In general,

prenatal vitamins should be taken on an empty stomach with water

. If you experience nausea while taking your prenatal vitamins, take your vitamin at bedtime and with a light snack. If you experience extreme nausea, immediately consult your primary health care provider.

Do you really need prenatal vitamins?

In fact,

it's generally a good idea for women of reproductive age to regularly take a prenatal vitamin

. The baby's neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord, develops during the first month of pregnancy — perhaps before you even know that you're pregnant.

Is 12 weeks too late for first prenatal visit?

First trimester

You have a chance to meet your doctor and ask any questions. 10-12 Weeks:

This is your first official OB visit

. At this visit, your height and weight will be taken, your urine will be tested for infection, you will have a pelvic exam and a Pap smear if your Pap test is not up to date.

What vitamins should be avoided during pregnancy?

If you're pregnant, you should avoid

supplements and multivitamins containing vitamin A (retinol)

– as too much of it can harm your baby's development. You should also avoid liver and liver products (including fish liver oil), as they are high in vitamin A.

Is it too late to take Prenatals at 5 weeks?

King adds that

it's never too late to start taking prenatal vitamins

, either. “While it's certainly best to start taking them as soon as possible, the baby is developing and growing during the entire pregnancy,” she says.

What vitamins should I be taking at 8 weeks pregnant?

Essential vitamins and minerals in pregnancy

When you're pregnant, you need more of some nutrients, including protein, folate, iodine, iron and some vitamins.

Vitamin B12 and vitamin D

are also particularly important since they support the development of the baby's nervous system (B12) and skeleton (D).

Do prenatal vitamins make you gain weight?

Do you have to take prenatal vitamins the whole 9 months?

Now that you're pregnant, do you have to take prenatal vitamins the whole nine months? Because your baby continues to grow and develop throughout the entire nine months in utero,

it's important to continue to take a prenatal multivitamin during your entire pregnancy

.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.