Background

Prenatal vitamins are intended for use during pregnancy and in those who are trying to become pregnant. During pregnancy, the body needs higher amounts of certain nutrients to support the growing fetus and to help prevent birth defects.

Prenatal vitamins are used to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine (neural tube birth defects) and to prevent softening of bones in children, often due to vitamin D deficiency (rickets). They are also used for many other conditions related to childbirth and child health, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Prenatal vitamins are POSSIBLY SAFE when used appropriately. Prenatal vitamins contain many different minerals, vitamins, and other ingredients. The amount of these ingredients is not expected to cause serious side effects in people who are not pregnant or are trying to become pregnant. But the safety of prenatal vitamins has not been well studied outside of pregnancy. Males should not take prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins contain too much iron for males. Talk with your health care provider before taking a prenatal vitamin.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Prenatal vitamins are LIKELY SAFE when used appropriately during pregnancy. Talk with your health care provider about what type of prenatal vitamin is appropriate for you.

Breast-feeding: Prenatal vitamins are POSSIBLY SAFE when used appropriately while breast-feeding. Talk with your health care provider before taking a prenatal vitamin.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

Prenatal vitamins are typically taken once daily. The ingredients vary greatly between different types of vitamins. It is important to ensure the prenatal vitamin supplement you take is right for you. For help choosing a prenatal vitamin, be sure to seek guidance from your physician or other healthcare professional.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

This supplement contains many different ingredients that can interact with medicines.

Before using this supplement, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

Prenatal vitamins contain vitamins and minerals that are needed to support a healthy pregnancy. Some of these vitamins and minerals include folic acid, iron, and vitamin D. Not getting enough of these vitamins can lead to problems in the developing baby. Prenatal vitamins that contain folic acid help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine in the baby. Prenatal vitamins containing vitamin D help prevent rickets in the baby. Prenatal vitamins containing iron seem to help prevent anemia during pregnancy.