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prenatle vitamins?

Do prenatle vitamins increase your chance of getting pregnant if you take them before you are pregnant? You know like while you are still trying.
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Avatar universal
Slow Fe Iron Supplements are good and I used them 17 years ago.  The Slo Fe does not cause constipation.  I just saw it at Costco (it's over the counter) probably a bottle of 100 or more was $13.20 in the US.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for the reminder! lol. I always forget to take mine
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Avatar universal
Prenatal vitamins do not increase your chances of conception.  It is recommended that you take them while ttc to create the best environment possible (nutrient-wise) for when you do finally become pg.

As far as OTC vs. Rx vitamins, I used OTC and they worked great for me.  Mine were Meijer brand and had 800 mcg of folic acid.  My friend's Rx vitamins had 1000 mcg of folic acid so I bought a bottle of plain folic acid and added 200 mcg daily to get my 1000 mcg of folic acid.  I took my prenatal tablet plus 1/2 tablet of folic acid, because they were 400 mcg tablets.
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thanks to all, I think I will stick to the OTC. I havent been sick on them, so "why fix it if is aint broke?" Right?:)
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Avatar universal
Actually, you really only have to get 400mcg of folic acid (more is fine) but 400 mcg is the minimum recommendation. My doctor felt that the regular multivitamins that I've taken since my early 20s were perfectly fine and that I didn't need to spend double the money on a prenatal. Instead I continued to take my regular multi with an additional folic acid once I got my bfp.
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Avatar universal
After my first trimester with my kids, I was told to take 2 Flinstones vitamins as opposed to the pre-natals because of the iron.  The additional iron just made me sick.  Your doc may want you to get throught the first trimester.    I've had 3 different ob's tell me it's ok for the Flinstones.  I don't know your medical history though so it may not be ok for you.  You said earlier that the iron was the same in both, her concern doesn't make sense then.  She must just have a preference.

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Avatar universal
I took in the bottle and  asked anbout the folic acid, mine has 800mcg. She didnt mention say anything about it, she only mentioned iron. The iron is 28mg. She said "we like you to have more like 70). That seems very strange to me. I am not too worried after looking more, I eat many things with folic acid in them, so I think I will continue to take OTC. Thanks for the info on the suplement, Ill check into that today at the store!(As for my Dr, I am a little concerned :)I've heard iron can cause constipation, I dont think I want to take 70mg!!!)OUCH!
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Avatar universal
Take the bottle in with you during your next visit along with the sample package.  Ask here why she would not reccomend over the counter pre-natals if it appears to have the exact same ingreadients.  If it is indeed the folic acid that is different, you can get folic acid supplements in the vitamin section of your grocery store or pharmacy.  Sometimes, even if you have insurance, the prenatals are incredibly expensive.

Good luck!
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Avatar universal
How much iron does your brand contain? I also take over the counter ones (also ttc).  The difference is usually in the amount of folic acid, not iron.  OTC brands usually have 0.8 of folic acid and perscription ones usually have 1 mg.  0.8 is enough but some doctors like you to have 1mg.

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Avatar universal
Sorry to jump in but i have a question on PN vitamins. too. I have been taking Target brand for over a year, just got pg, and Dr. said it didnt have enough iron. BUT it has the same amount as the samples she gave me for prescription. I know folic acid is the number one thing you want. Anyone have any info on this. I know I could do a web search, but thought I ask the "experts" :) Also, anyone on here ever had trouble with prescription PN vit? vs over the counter?
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Avatar universal
I would not say they increase posibility of Conseption.  What they would do for you is make sure that you are good a healthy and ready for carring a baby for nine months.  You need to ensure good health not only for the baby but for your self....If you take good care of yourself then that will show when you deliver the baby.  The umbilical cord should be nice and thick. means healthy pregnancy.  the doctors always recomend you start taking vitamans before during and even sometime after pregnancy...Good luck
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