Prenatal vs. Over The Counter?

Question

I'm now almost 5 wks late, and I've been having the pregnancy symptoms...a lot. Nausea, fatigue, frequent headaches and urination, weird food cravings, smell sensitivity, bloating, over-production of saliva (yes that is a symptom), I'm way gassier than usual, my boobs feel heavier, and my nipples/areolas are slightly darker.

Over a week ago I was scheduled to see the doctor for a pregnancy test -at the time I was 3 1/2 wks late-, but he refused to order the blood serum test deeming it unnecessary, and he automatically assumed (without running tests) that I have a thyroid problem because this has been the first period that I've missed since my first at the age of 9.

Until I can successfully knock some sense into my PCM's head, I would like to be on the safe side by taking the essential vitamins that are needed during pregnancy. So...are the multivitamin capsules you can buy at your local commissary, the same as the prenatal vitamin capsules prescribed by your doctor?

Please do NOT be judgemental by saying "well you should take a test first".

I DON'T CARE if this is a silly question to you. I've had 1 postitive...but in order to get the care I need, I need to have a pregnancy test done by my PCM...which he is failing to do.

Not all HPT's are accurate, and not every woman produces enough hCG during pregnancy for it to be detectable on a HPT. My nan wasn't detectable until she was 6 months and her doc said it was just gas!!

I just want to know which one is better to be on the safe side until I am positive.

Thank you John B. for your kindess.

Answer 1

Any multivitamin pill is safe to take at the recommended dose.
The important one is FOLIC ACID (folate)400mcg a day. So if you want to keep it simple just take this one .until things are sorted.
Folic is completely safe and in fact is recommended to take when planning a pregnancy.It helps to prevent spinal abnormalities in the baby.
Also do not smoke or drink alcohol

Answer 2

I don't know where you are located but here in the U.S. a woman can also buy prenatal vitamins over the counter in places such as Wal-Mart. I take Prenatal vitamins for a different reason and my doctor confirmed that it was ok for me to take them.

There are still some prenatal vitamin brands that are by prescription only but in about the last 10 years (at least here in the U.S.-again not sure where you are located) the manufacturers have been allowed to have some prenatal vitamins go over the counter.

Answer 3

If you think that you are pregnant then you can begin taking something otc, the most important thing in prenatal vitamins that all pregnant women should be taking is folic acid. You could even just take folic acid tablets, most ob/gyns will say that's fine. :)

Good luck to you and congrats if you are!