Prenatals

[shuga1109]

How important is it to keep taking prenatals at 36 1/2 and TTC?  I am just having the worst side effects with prenatals.  Of course, its not a good idea to stop taking them when trying to conceive, I know this. I definately do not want to stop these vitamins, however, they are causing me to have loose stools every day.  Ive tried expensive brands, cheap brands, as many as 9 different kinds.  I finally found one that works best for me, but am waking up having to run to the bathroom every morning.  If I am having lose stools every day, i am worried that I am losing those vitamins that might prevent birth defects, disabilities, etc.?  My OB stressed to me last week how important it is to keep taking them, but prenatal vitamins side effects are the least of her concerns.  She did say 1 in 200 women over 35 will have a baby with a disability because of the age.  Even a regular multi-vitamin gives me side effects.  Any suggestions?

[AnnieBrooke]

If you can't tolerate prenatals, just be sure you are taking folic acid.  You can do that as separate, tiny pills.  Folic acid will not give you the runs.

You need to be taking folic acid three months prior to conception for the best coverage, so stick with it until you conceive.  

If you can take regular vitamins, take them along with the folic acid.  If you can't tolerate any multi-vitamin, what I'd do is ask the doc which elements in a multiple vitamin matter the most for pregnancy, and take those separately.  I'd guess they are (besides folic acid, which is notably the most important) calcium, the B vitamins, and iron, but let the doctor be your guide.

[happynifer]

definitely worth working on finding one you can tolerate.  folic acid is the biggie, otherwise any multivitamin will do,
so i'd try a kids multi + DHA + folic acid.
or you can talk with a nutritionist to come up with a plan to get everything in your real food

[Birds71]

Hi there!

I know a lot of times when you're already pregnant and trying to gag down a prenatal is not going to happen.  You could try the Flintstones gummies (for kids) and I think you just need to take two of those, rather than 1.  You might want to check with your OB, of course, but I've heard a lot of women finding those to be much easier to take.  You could try the switch and see if it helps with the bathroom issues.  

And thanks for the reminder...I should be taking mine too!  :)