Many women routinely take a vitamin/mineral supplement before pregnancy.
Here are some additional facts that you should be aware of when taking vitamin and mineral supplements during pregnancy.
- You may continue taking your pre-pregnancy supplement prior to your first provider visit, as long as it provides no greater than 150% of the recommended daily allowance as indicated on the label
- Some vitamins, especially Vitamin A, can be harmful to your baby’s development if taken in too great a quantity
- Pills or capsules that provide only one vitamin or mineral may supply an amount in excess of what is recommended
- You may need a supplemental source of some vitamins/minerals during pregnancy, depending upon your pregnancy needs and limitations of your daily dietary habits. If so, your provider will recommend an appropriate vitamin/mineral supplement(s) to meet your needs
- Follow the directions provided to you when taking a recommended supplement(s)
- Some foods contain excess vitamins and minerals. Check food labels to make sure you are not getting too many added vitamins in “vitamin supplemented” foods
Talk with your health care provider if you have questions about vitamin/mineral supplementation for your pregnancy and be sure to inform your provider about any vitamins or minerals that you are taking.
More is not necessarily better, and eating sensibly is important to obtain the right balance of other nutrients.
