What are Prenatals?

Prenatal vitamins are supplements for women planning to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. They provide extra vitamins and minerals needed during these important stages of life [1, 2].

These vitamins are meant to complement a healthy diet, not replace it. They help fill any nutritional gaps during pregnancy, as it can be hard for expectant mothers to get all the nutrients they need from food alone [3].

Prenatal vitamins usually contain a mix of important nutrients for the baby’s development and the mother’s health. These often include folic acid or folate, vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, and vitamin B12, iron, calcium, copper, zinc, and magnesium [2].

Benefits of Prenatals

Prenatal vitamins are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that support both the mother’s health and the baby’s growth [2].

One of the main benefits of prenatal vitamins is that they help fill in any nutritional gaps. Not everyone can eat a wide variety of fresh food every day, and it can be even harder during pregnancy when you may experience nausea or food aversions [2].

These vitamins include folic acid, which is important for the baby’s spinal cord and nervous system development. They also contain vitamin A, which is vital for healthy eyes. A lack of this vitamin is a leading cause of blindness in babies around the world [2].

Prenatal vitamins also provide iron, which is especially important during pregnancy, as your iron needs increase from 18 milligrams to 27 milligrams [4].

In addition to this, prenatal vitamins may include other helpful nutrients like DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that supports your baby’s brain and eye development. They may also contain iodine, which helps regulate the thyroid and supports your baby’s nervous system development [4].

Some studies also suggest that taking prenatal vitamins may increase your chances of getting pregnant. Many of the nutrients in these vitamins help regulate body systems crucial for pregnancy [4].

Side effects

Prenatal vitamins are important for the mother and baby's health during pregnancy, but they can sometimes cause side effects.

Common side effects: A common side effect is an allergic reaction, which may include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat [1, 2, 5]. Digestive issues are also frequent, such as burping, changes in taste, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, constipation, upset stomach, and back pain [1, 2, 5, 6].

Sometimes, people may experience chest pain or irregular heartbeats [5, 6]. Other side effects of prenatal vitamins can include numbness, tingling, burning pain, swelling, rash, itching, changes in glucose levels, increased white blood cell counts, black or tarry stools, vision problems, headaches, and drowsiness [1].

Severe side effects: Prenatal vitamins can sometimes cause side effects like stomach cramps, bloating, gas, constipation, or dark-coloured stools. Other issues may include hives, stomach bleeding, teeth staining, muscle weakness, sore gums, irritation, or an irregular heartbeat. You might also experience increased urination, confusion, more saliva, muscle and joint pain, dizziness, a strange taste, dry eyes, blurred vision, or unusual tiredness [6].

In some cases, prenatal vitamins can lead to problems like little or no urination, swelling, rapid weight gain, high calcium levels, nausea, vomiting, or increased thirst. You may also feel tired and experience bone pain, muscle weakness, or confusion [2].

These side effects are not all-inclusive, and others may occur. Always consult your doctor for guidance if you experience any side effects.

Do prenatals expire?

If you're unsure about the safety or effectiveness of your prenatal vitamins, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can provide guidance based on the specific product and your health needs.