Materna or Folic Acid

[kcengage]

A female friend took materna in the past while she was pregnant etc., and she became constipated.  She is wanting to have another child and she was told by her family doctor, it's ok just to take folic acid.  What are you opinion on this recommendation?  Thank you!

[cmoretti]

The most important thing is the folic acid. There are MANY prenatals on the market and some are easier to take than others. I have had no problem with the GNC prenatals. Do keep in mind that pregnancy causes constipation. The only thing in prenatals that may make that more intense is Iron. You can always try a prenatal without iron but if you do that and still have a problem with constipation you can know that it is the pregnancy that is causing it and not the vitamins. My doctor says that most of his patients have the best luck with flintstones chewables with an added folic acid supplement.

[louieforlaughs]

hey,
i'm using materna and have had no problems with it. i take it at night before i crawl into bed. i haven't had cramps or constipation. she should also keep in mind that constipation can be from being pregnant as everything is moving slower now. keep up water intake and eat fibrous foods.
i like the materna because i know i am getting all the vitamins i need. especially when i had morning sickness and didn't eat much meat. there is nothing wrong with the folic acid and extra vitamins team but i like having it in one complete pill. i would say give it another chance, every pregnancy is different and she might not get so bunged up this time. (also cheaper to do one pill instead of two)
good luck!

[Sasha80]

Really, all she needs is the folic acid and then she can start the prenatal vitamins when she finds out she is pregnant.