Introduction
Getting the right nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for supporting the healthy growth of the fetus. A person could feel pressured to take additional supplements along with a multivitamin. On the other hand, taking more vitamins than what is advised daily can result in a vitamin overdose. This may happen if women take multiple multivitamins or separate vitamin tablets. on top of a multivitamin. Any vitamin can be harmful if consumed in excess, but calcium and iron are the most dangerous vitamins to take in excessive amounts. It is vital to take a multivitamin when pregnant, but to prevent overdose; it is best to see the doctor before taking any additional supplements.
Which Vitamins Should a Woman Take During Pregnancy?
Eating a nutritious, diversified diet will enable one to obtain most of the vitamins and minerals required during pregnancy. Women are advised to avoid taking vitamin A (retinol) and instead take extra vitamin D and folic acid.
Why Is It Necessary to Take Supplements During Pregnancy?
At every stage of life, getting the appropriate nutrition is crucial. Still, during pregnancy, it becomes much more important because the expectant mother needs to feed both herself and the developing child. The need for macronutrient intake increases dramatically during pregnancy. Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids are macronutrients. To achieve their demands, women prefer protein at every meal and snack. A well-thought-out, nutrient-dense diet plan may help some people fulfill this increasing need, but it may be difficult for others.
There are several reasons why women might need to take vitamin and mineral supplements, including:
-
Nutritional Deficiencies: Some individuals may require a supplement if a blood test indicates a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Restoring deficits is essential since low levels of certain nutrients, such as folate, have been related to birth abnormalities.
-
Hyperemesis Gravidarum: An extreme case of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is called hyperemesis gravidarum. Nutrient deficits and weight loss may result from it.
-
Dietary Restrictions: To prevent micronutrient deficiencies, women who adhere to particular diets, such as vegans and those with food intolerances and allergies, may need to take supplements of vitamins and minerals.
-
Smoking: While abstaining from cigarettes is essential for expectant moms, smokers require certain nutrients, such as folate and vitamin C.
-
Multiple Pregnancies: Compared to women having a single child, women carrying many babies have greater nutritional requirements. Often, supplementation is required to ensure the mother's and her children's best nutrition.
-
Genetic Mutations like MTHFR: Mutations in the genes that cause MTHFR, which encodes the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, change folate into a form the body can use. To prevent difficulties, pregnant women carrying this gene mutation might need to take another form of folate.
-
Poor Nutrition: To prevent deficiencies, women who pick low-nutrient diets or undereat may need to take supplements of vitamins and minerals.
Furthermore, prenatal vitamin and folic acid supplements are advised for all expectant mothers by professionals such as those at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). It is recommended to do this to repair nutritional deficits and avoid birth defects such as spina bifida (a spine-related ailment that is typically noticeable from birth).
What Are the Symptoms of Vitamin Overdose During Pregnancy?
The symptoms of a vitamin overdose can also include those of a typical pregnancy. Women who suspect a vitamin overdose should keep an eye out for any changes in pregnancy symptoms that could be attributed to the extra vitamin intake.
A vitamin overdose can cause symptoms such as, but not limited to, the following:
-
Stomach ache.
-
Muscle weakness.
-
Muscle, joint, or bone pain.
-
Yellow-orange hue to the skin.
-
Solar sensitivity.
-
Itchy or rash.
-
Headaches.
-
Fatigue.
-
Mental or mood changes.
-
Rapid or erratic heartbeat.
-
Eye discomfort or sensitivity to light.
-
Cracking lips.
-
Cloudy urine.
-
Frequent urination.
-
Constipation.
-
Diarrhea.
-
Appetite loss.
-
Nausea.
If a person believes she has overdosed on a multivitamin or supplement, she should contact a medical expert immediately. Do not force themselves to vomit unless directed to do so by a healthcare expert.
How Women Can Manage Prenatal Vitamin Side Effects?
The advantages of prenatal vitamins outweigh the disadvantages as long as women take them exactly as prescribed. Consult a doctor about the finest prenatal vitamins for both mother and baby. To minimize or reduce the adverse effects of prenatal vitamins, these steps can be followed:
-
Prenatal vitamins must be taken as directed by a doctor on a regular basis.
-
Prenatal vitamin users, especially pregnant ones, should refrain from taking additional multivitamins, vitamins, supplements, or herbal medicines.
-
A prenatal vitamin should not be taken on an empty stomach. Consume prenatal vitamins either after a meal or with food.
-
To wash down a prenatal vitamin, have a full glass of water.
-
Consume the natural vitamin in its entirety. Prenatal vitamin capsules should not be opened, chewed, chopped, broken, or crushed.
Conclusion
A healthy pregnancy and newborn depend greatly on prenatal vitamins. For this reason, medical professionals advise taking them well in advance of planning a pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins occasionally result in unfavorable but mild side effects. Since some of them are similar to typical pregnancy side effects, they may be more severe for pregnant women.
The mild side effects of prenatal vitamins are typically treatable with over-the-counter medications and dietary adjustments. If a woman has severe side effects from prenatal vitamins, let the doctor know. Overdosing on prenatal vitamins or other supplements can have negative effects on both the developing baby and the mother. A physician must be consulted before beginning any new supplement regimen.
