When to Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins
The best prenatal vitamins come with a slew of benefits for both mothers and their developing pregnancies including healthy fetus development and a lower chance of preterm delivery, but how safe is it to take prenatal vitamins if you’re not pregnant? There have been many unproven claims that the best prenatal vitamins help promote thicker hair growth and stronger nails, perhaps tempting some women who are not pregnant to regularly take them.
So can you take prenatal vitamins if you’re not pregnant? Get the scoop on what exact benefits prenatal vitamins provide and whether or not you should be taking them on a regular basis. And, of course, always remember to consult your doctor before starting any new multivitamin or medication.
What’s Contained in Prenatal Vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins contain a plethora of nutrients for mothers and babies; however, arguably the three most important nutrients are folic acid, iron, and calcium.
Folic acid is important in reducing the risk of neural tube defects in pregnancies. While the average healthy adult should intake around 400 micrograms of folic acid a day, it is highly advised that pregnant women up their intake of folic acid to between 400 and 800 micrograms a day.
Pregnant women are advised to take around 27 milligrams of iron a day, which is nearly 10 milligrams more than is recommended for women ages 19 to 50 who are not pregnant. That number drops even lower for women who are 51 and older, with 8 milligrams being the recommended amount of iron.
Finally, calcium is contained in prenatal vitamins. This nutrient, even in large amounts, is less harmful to non-pregnant women, as all adults require around 1,000 milligrams a day. Most prenatal vitamins don’t contain a daily value’s worth of calcium, meaning that pregnant women must also take in calcium from other sources in their diet.
While pregnant women who consume a healthy diet will be able to meet all of their growing baby’s nutritional needs, most doctors recommend taking prenatal vitamins or multivitamin supplements in case the mother isn’t able to consume a balanced-enough diet.
Can You Take Prenatal Vitamins If You’re Not Pregnant?
While prenatal vitamins are ideal for the proper development of a fetus, they are intended to only be ingested by pregnant women. In fact, taking prenatal vitamins when you are not pregnant may lead to certain health issues, as higher levels of various nutrients can become harmful to the body after prolonged use. Folic acid and iron are two such nutrients.
When too much folic acid is taken, it can actually mask the symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency, making it much more difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat. Similarly, too much iron can wreak havoc on the body, as it can become toxic, leading to constipation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Can You Take Prenatal Vitamins If You’re Trying to Become Pregnant?
Though taking prenatal vitamins is not advised for women who are not pregnant, there is one exception to this recommendation. Some doctors state that women who are trying to become pregnant should begin taking prenatal vitamins a few months before conception.
The reason for this is that in preparation for the pregnancy, prenatal vitamins can help prevent serious birth defects and preterm delivery. Additionally, some mothers have reported that prenatal vitamins have also helped reduce morning sickness.
The Side-Effects of Prenatal Vitamins
Fortunately, for pregnant women, most experience little to no side effects from taking them. The iron in prenatal vitamins can lead to constipation and nausea in some pregnant women, however, the likelihood of this is quite small. Diarrhea, small appetite, and cramps are also symptoms of too much iron. If you begin to experience any of these symptoms, be sure to talk with your doctor.
Consult With Your Doctor About when to take prenatal vitamins
Of course, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should always consult with their doctor before taking prenatal vitamins. Every pregnancy is individual, and depending on your body’s own needs and requirements, your doctor will know best whether or not prenatal vitamins are right for you.
All that being said, if you are not pregnant and do not intend on becoming pregnant in the near future, avoid taking prenatal vitamins and instead find your vitamins in a healthy, balanced diet or non-prenatal vitamin.
Resources— Mayo Clinic, Healthline, MedicineNet
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