So, you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming a mommy? Congratulations! It’s a massive milestone in your life and exciting times await. However, preparing before your unborn child comes into the fold would be best. Of course, babyproofing your home is necessary—installing baby gates and covering outlets—which are always fun tasks.
You’ll also need to prepare your body; the best way to do that is by taking vegan prenatal vitamins. You may have discussed them with your healthcare provider. But if you missed out on some information, we’re here to provide answers to questions you may have.
What Are Vegan Prenatal Vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins are a supplement that helps support a healthy pregnancy by giving your body essential vitamins and nutrients. Some of these include:
- Folic acid
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C
- Iron
Each of these is important for expecting mothers to have because they play an intricate part in your unborn child’s development. For example, iron is necessary because it helps develop blood in your body. It also increases the amount of oxygen that gets to your baby. Without sufficient iron, your baby won’t get enough oxygen, which could impact your pregnancy.
That’s why prenatal vitamin formulas have the recommended dosage for many nutrients you’ll need during pregnancy. But the way to ensure you meet your nutritional goals is by eating a well-balanced diet.
When Do You Start Taking Vegan Prenatal Vitamins?
If you’re already pregnant, you may have already started taking prenatal vitamins. For others that aren’t, most healthcare providers will recommend that you start taking prenatal vitamins when you’re trying to conceive. This helps you get a headstart on the vitamins and nutrients you’ll need during pregnancy.
For example, Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for unborn children because it helps support proper brain development. Unless you’re taking fish oil supplements or consume a lot of fish regularly, you’ll be able to get this nutrient from vegan prenatal vitamins. If you’re not the biggest fan of fish or other seafood, you can also get Omega-3 from nuts and seeds like flaxseed or walnuts.
After your child is born, you should continue taking prenatal vitamins, especially if you plan on breastfeeding or pumping. The more nutrients you feed yourself, the healthier your child will be after birth. Once you’ve stopped breastfeeding, you can discontinue the use of prenatal vitamins.
Should You Choose Over-the-Counter or Prescribed Prenatal Vitamins?
Before taking prenatal vitamins, you’ll need to meet with your healthcare provider to determine your needs. Once you’ve established what’s essential for a better pregnancy, the next step is figuring out the type of prenatal vitamin best suits you. You can get them over the counter at any pharmacy or through a prescription from your doctor. But which is better?
If you opt for over-the-counter supplements, be aware of product labels. You need to know how many vitamins and minerals you’re taking. Generally, you want your prenatal vitamin to include the substances listed above. However, you can also have too much vitamin intake. For example, too much vitamin A can negatively affect your pregnancy.
So if you decide to buy over-the-counter supplements, be sure of what you’re taking. Otherwise, it’s better to go with reputable brands or your doctor’s prescription. You don’t want to risk any issues with your unborn child.
Can You Take Other Supplements With Prenatal Vitamins?
Taking other supplements with prenatal vitamins depends on your health history. If you’ve met with your doctor and they determine you need additional substances to support your pregnancy, they’ll let you know what to take.
You shouldn’t take anything without consulting them first. As mentioned above, having too much of a specific vitamin could impact your pregnancy. But to be safe, continue eating foods that contribute to a balanced diet to ensure you meet nutritional goals such as:
- Eggs
- Beans
- Oats
- Meats
- Pasta
- Potatoes
Do Prenatal Vitamins Have Side Effects?
As beneficial as they can be, prenatal vitamins can come with minor side effects during pregnancy, such as:
- Skin irritation
- Digestive discomfort
- Head tension
- Muscle soreness
- Nausea
Constantly feeling these effects may prompt you to stop taking prenatal vitamins. But don’t! They include everything that will help you have the healthiest pregnancy possible. If you continue experiencing discomfort, talk to your health care provider to figure out solutions to mitigate the side effects without ending your prenatal vitamin intake.
Use Vegan Prenatal Vitamins to Support a Healthy Pregnancy
As you can see, prenatal vitamins are excellent supplements that provide extra support during pregnancy. It gives you the essential vitamins and nutrients you’ll need to keep your body healthy throughout. Furthermore, it gives your baby everything it needs to ensure there are no issues once they’re born. By combining these with a well-balanced diet and occasional exercise, you’ll be a healthy mommy that’s ready for anything.