OTC prenatal vitamins vs. prescribed

I am a little over 10 weeks along and I went for my first doctors visit a few weeks ago. While I was there she(the doc) asked if I was taking any prenatal vitamins and I told her I had bought some prenatal vitamins from the health food store and was taking those. She didn't say not to take otc prenatal vitamins nor did she prescribe me any. I am now concerned about this because a friend of mine who just had a baby told me that her doctor said not to take OTC prenatal vitamins. Has anyone heard that otc prenatals are not strong enough, or that you should always be prescribed prenatal vitamins by a doctor?

[low22]

Very good question.  I have wondered the same thing because I pay way more for prescription than I would if I just got them at Wal-mart.  A friend of mine did tell me that presciption vitamins have more folic acid in them.

[JJety]

I took OTC prenatals.  I compared the ingredients with my friends' prenatals and they were identical, except for folic acid.  Mine had 800 mcg and hers had 1000 mcg.  So, I bought a bottle of folic acid and supplemented my OTC prenatals with an additional 200 mcg of folic acid.  

If the ingredients are the same, then it doesn't matter where you get them.

Hope this helps!

[1twinmom]

I took otc prenatals with my first set of twins and now with this set. My twins were born very healthy and they were preemies. My Dr. told me the only difference between otc and prescribed is the amount of folic acid. The otc have more than the minimum recommended amount. I think it's up to you and what you feel comfortable with.

[NbeanieN]

That helps a lot. Sometimes I think doctors just tell you not to do certain things just to be on the safe side because of liability.

[Trentonsmom]

My Dr. Perscribed prenatals for me when my DH and I decided to start trying again. Because of my insurance, it only costs me $10 a year (3 months at a time @ $2.50 a pop). With my first pregnancy, though, the prenatals made me so sick my OB had me take Flinstone's chewables with an additional Folic Acid Vitamin (400mg). My son is perfectly healthy.

[low22]

Wow!  I am so jealous.  I have been paying $30/month.  They also upset my stomach if I take them at lunch so I try to take them in the evening.  Once we get pregnant again (I'm in tww) I think I will use that Flinstone idea if necessary.  I loved those as a child!

[Trentonsmom]

My Husband works for UPS and has great insurance. I would still suggest confirming with your Dr. before taking the flinstone's. Every Dr. and patient is different and he may be able to suggest something else. I can barely handle taking the prenatals at night. I wake up in the middle of the night feeling sick and sometimes it lasts into the morning.

[AndiJ78]

With the exception of my first, I have taken OTC prenatals and have always taken a supplemental folic acid. With my first I was given and rx for nata-vites, a chewable prenatal and they were AWFUL!!

Generally speaking, prenatals either way are good. As long as they are prenatals and not regular multi-vitamins.

Andi

[first time mama]

One a day women's has too much calcium in it which decreases how much folic acid your body absorbs that is why prenatals lack in calcium and you have to make it up in your food intake.

[lib and jrs mom]

i took otc prenatals when i was preg with my previous 2 children and they were both full term, healthy babies.  this time i have been having constipation with the otc prenatals so my dr. prescribed me some that have colace added into the formula.  other than that she said they are the same.

[Fajee]

The only thing I have ever come across that concerned me with regard to OTC prenatal vitamins is that some of the cheaper brands contain too much Vitamin A (which apparently can be harmful).  For those of you who have the "What to Expect When..." book, there is a great outline of the vitamins and minerals, and the amounts of each, that your prenatal should contain.  I was using a Canadian Drug Store brand that had way too much Vitamin A according to the book, so I returned them and bought the Materna.  I am sure I was being overcautious, but like many of you, I have been through enough that I don't take any chances.  :)

[Harley-girl]

I use OTC as that is what my doctor recommended. I take Walgreens geneirc and get a bottle of 240 for $17.00.

[Crritter]

I take prescription prenatals but they run through my insurance so it's less than $2 a month.  The OTC are just as good, just less folic acid, but still enough for your pregnancy.  My Dr. gave me the choice of Rx or OTC.  Also, if you buy Walgreens vitamins, watych for the sales.  Lots of times they have the buy 1 get 1 free sale, it's awesome!

[greenpixie]

My midwife put me on Rx prenatals b/c she said she was more familiar with what is in them.  She also mentioned that often OTC has too much Vitamin A, which can cause birth defects.  I was taking OTC when TTC, but I only pay $0.37 per month for Rx so obviously I'm going to stick with that!

[nikita2477]

My doc recently told me the new recommendation, in addition to prenatals, is Omega 3's. She said the Nordic Naturals were good and you can get them at Sprouts. As long as they are pharmaceutical (sp?) grade they are ok. Also, I asked the pharmacist about the diff between OTC and RX and he also said more folic acid in RX. I'd say OTC are fine, just be sure to eat leafy greens and fortified cereals and stuff. The Promise internet prenatal brand has stages of prenatals by trimester. Stage 1 has no vitamin A and a type of iron that is supposedly easier on the tummy. They will automatically send you your shippment when it's time for the next stage.

WWW.promisestages.com if anyone is interested.

[Tia Lucila]

My prenatal vitamins made me very nauseaus.  I asked a doctor (in a social setting, not my doctor) about this.  She said the most important thing about taking vitamins in anticipation of having a healthy child is to get at least 100% Folic Acid and to avoid Venadium.  Venadium has been known to cause birth defects.  I'm currently TTC and I've noticed that One a Day Women's fits that criteria.

[toyml99]

MY DOC PRESCRIBED BUT I HAD BROUGHT WHAT I HAD BEEN TAKING OTC FROM WALMART SHE THEM COMPARED INGREDIENTS AND SAID THE OTC WERE JUST AS GOOD.

[jgirl34]

I can't take any prenatal..My Dr. told me to take 2 flinstone vitamins instead! Hope this helps :)