2006-08-30 07:54:11 · 20 answers · asked by Jennifer R 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I am a nutritionist
Honestly, you most likely would have no problems if you do not take a prenatal vitamin. prenatals contain very high doses of iron, the same amount of folic acid as any other vitamin and less of everything else.
folic acid is most important in the first weeks of pregnancy (before you know that you are pregnant, and before you can take a prenatal) but most women get more than enough through food like cereal and bread which are fortified with it. it is also present in the recommended amounts in a regular daily vitamin.
unless you are anemic you don't gain from taking a prenatal vitamin over just eating well.
I would also like to note many people seem to think that prenatals supply calcium. prenatals actually contain little or no calcium because it interferes with the iron absorption. if you choose to take a calcium supplement do not take it at the same time as your prenatal or multi vitamin.
2006-08-30 08:29:50 · answer #1 · answered by tpuahlekcip 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main risk is not getting enough folic acid and getting spina bifida (sp?). If the woman has a very healthy diet, it shouldn't be a problem. In general, they want you to take prenatal vitamins to provide the best overall source of nutrition for the baby.
They also suggest taking prenatal vitamins a few months before you plan on getting pregnant. Once again, it's to prepare the best nutrition and environment for the baby.
2006-08-30 14:59:40 · answer #2 · answered by applesoup 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Probably nothing. Women bore children for millenia before vitamin supplements came along. It is important to have sufficient folic acid in your system at conception and in the early weeks of pregnancy, but many foods (breads, cereals, pasta, orange juice) are fortified with it. If you're eating a balanced diet and making sure to get enough iron in your diet to avoid anemia, then you will do just fine without prenatal vitamins.
2006-08-30 17:07:34 · answer #3 · answered by mockingbird 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am 8 months preggy and only took prenatal vitamins for the first half of my pregnancy. My baby seems to be healthy but i really should have been taking them all along to be safe. But they make me vomity sick, and nautious. But there CAN BE side effects to not taking them. It's all about chance with babies and some things are random or genetic.
2006-08-30 19:46:00 · answer #4 · answered by sapphiredreams_69 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is advised to take them---either by prescription or by over the counter at a drugstore mainly to keep nutrient balance. If a person has good nutrition, eats well balanced meals, and gets folic acid through orange juice or milk, then the baby will probably be alright. read up at www.marchofdimes.org there you can read about the dangers of not getting enough folic acid during pregnancy. Some of the risks include premature birth and low birth weight. Not only are these conditions dangerous for baby, they drive the costs of parenting up substantially because of increased medical needs.
2006-08-30 14:58:56 · answer #5 · answered by jive turkey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree, I think it is more of a recommendation. If you eat healthy you should be fine. Sometimes I think we forget the "old days" when they didn't have vitamins to take and they delievered their babies at home. I think you will be fine. But as a side note, If you can't tolerate the prenatal vit. then try chewable Flintstones. They are tasty and easy to take. That was recommended by my OB/GYN. Good Luck!
2006-08-30 15:03:55 · answer #6 · answered by jamiecarter01 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I never took prenatal vitamins when I carried my son because they made me nauseous. My best friend who has 4 children recommended a diet rich in green vegetables, fruit, and berries, and a multivitamin for women. I followed her advice and my sone was a healthy 9lbs and 10 ozs.
2006-08-30 16:26:20 · answer #7 · answered by Meesh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What happened in the past? Obviously people have had babies for centuries without taking vitamins.
2006-08-30 15:00:23 · answer #8 · answered by pkbuddy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First thing Rocket that was a very stupid and idiotic thing to say.
I have had three very strong and healthy babies and I never took the vitamins. I always forgot them.The doctors just recommend them. Just make sure you eat healthy and take care of yourself
2006-08-30 15:30:32 · answer #9 · answered by janalee19 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't...many other people didn't...they didn't have vitamins in the past. They are more of a recommendation. My son is healthy and happy. We as a society are too dependent on vitamins and medicine. Just eat right and take care of yourself.
2006-08-30 14:58:04 · answer #10 · answered by .vato. 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋