Can Prenatal Vitamins Cause Diarrhea

Remind Me What Does My Baby Need

In summary the research overwhelmingly suggests that you should be taking a prenatal vitamin when trying to conceive, as well as during pregnancy and lactation.

Take a look at this inforgraphic for what you would have to eat in order to get the same amount of nutrients as a prenatal vitamin:

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To help you understand mineral rich foods as an alternative to prenatal vitamins, take a look at the following infographic:

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What Causes Diarrhea During Pregnancy

Unlike , which can be caused by pregnancy’s fluctuating hormones, diarrhea tends to be caused by something that originates outside your body and something that’s not necessarily harmful either.

Diarrhea may be the result of all that good-for-you food you’re now eating, the extra water you’re drinking or even the workouts you’ve begun. It can also happen right before going to labor, as your muscles loosen and prepare for childbirth.

Some women find that their prenatal vitamin causes loose stools; changing brands can sometimes make all the difference.

That said, there are things that can cause diarrhea during pregnancy that have nothing to do with hormones or lifestyle changes. Food poisoning, intestinal parasites or a simple stomach flu may be behind a nasty bout of stomach bugs during pregnancy. If you suspect any of these might be the case, call your practitioner ASAP so you can be tested and treated.

Difference Between Traditional Multivitamins And Prenatal Vitamins

While traditional multi-vitamins contain a specific kind of vitamin that is required to solve a particular nutritional deficiency, prenatal vitamins are not the same. Prenatal vitamins contain a combination of all vitamins and minerals. Some of the major ingredients of prenatal vitamins include

Calcium

How To Take Vitafol Ultra

Use Vitafol Ultra exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Never take more than the recommended dose of prenatal multivitamins.

Many multivitamin products also contain minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Minerals can cause side effects such as tooth staining, increased urination, stomach bleeding, uneven heart rate, confusion, and muscle weakness or limp feeling. Read the label of any multivitamin product you take to make sure you are aware of what it contains.

Take your prenatal multivitamin with a full glass of water.

Swallow the regular tablet or capsule whole. Do not break, chew, crush, or open it.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with the oral powder.

Store this product in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Risk Of Vitamin Toxicity

Can Prenatal Vitamins Make Your Poop Green VitaminWalls

Taking large amounts of vitamins C, D or E can cause diarrhea in some people. To avoid this, choose a multivitamin that doesn’t contain more than 100 percent of the recommended daily value of any vitamin, and don’t take individual vitamin supplements of these vitamins along with your multivitamin. Consider the amount of each vitamin found in your multivitamin as well as that found in any fortified foods you eat, as sometimes the amount of a vitamin you get from multiple sources can add up to more than the tolerable upper intake level for that vitamin if you’re not careful.

Is It Normal To Have Green Poop While Pregnant

To be honest, I dont remember having green poop from any of my pregnancies, but that could just be put down to the fog of baby brain. So I was interested in looking into this phenomenon too. It turns out your poop could be green for a surprising number of reasons.

And the quick answer is, yes, generally green stools are very normal when you are pregnant, and apart from being a bit gross, are nothing to be concerned about.

However it may be of concern at times, while you shouldnt panic, you may need a bit more information and possibly a second opinion. Here are a number of explanations for the green:

1. Prenatal Vitamins

It is highly recommended that you take a good quality prenatal vitamin when pregnant to give your body the best start at growing your baby. However, your very healthy multivitamin can give some women green poop, due to the rich iron content in the vitamins.

Your body needs the iron to increase the quantity of blood in your body during pregnancy, but sometimes there is supplementary iron. If the body doesnt absorb the iron, it is eliminated in the poop and looks green.

2. Medications

If you are on medications such as antibiotics, you may have green stools. This condition is again no cause for alarm and should cease when you finish the course of medication. Dont suddenly stop taking medications that a doctor has prescribed to you.

3. Diet

4. Decreased Colon Transit Time

5. Problems with Your Intestines

6. Sign of Early Labor

Vitamins That Cause Diarrhea

Fact Checked

Vitamins are a daily requirement essential for proper function. There are 13 essential vitamins for proper function; four of them are fat-soluble, and nine are water-soluble. While a balanced diet would provide the necessary amounts of these vitamins, many people make up for deficiencies by taking a multivitamin. Before you take a supplement, however, be cautious; too much of certain vitamins and too little of others can create stomach problems like diarrhea.

For Women Who Plan To Become Pregnant Soon

Prenatal vitamins create a healthy environment to conceive a baby. Certain prenatal vitamins like 400 mcg of folic acid is advised to women when they are planning to conceive and are encouraged to take it throughout pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins help prevent birth defects in new born and assure a healthy pregnancy to the mother.

Iron In Your Prenatal May Be Making You Sick

The most common reason prenatal vitamins make you sick is that it can cause you to get too much iron. Although iron is in most capsule prenatal vitamins, it is one of the most common ingredients that can make you sick during pregnancy. Women are very different when it comes to how much iron they need during pregnancy and when they need it.

Too much iron, which can easily happen with supplements, can result in side effects such as constipation, nausea, throwing up, or diarrhea.

Too much iron can also escalate and be a contributor to gestational diabetes and other pregnancy complications.

On the other hand, not enough iron can result in anemia, fatigue, or low body temperature.

If your prenatal vitamin is making you sick check and see if it has iron. Then, work with your doctor to see if you even need an iron supplement. This can be seen by taking a simple blood draw.

Many women do not need iron supplements during pregnancy. Other women will take a separate supplement for iron so that they can get the exact amount they need.

Making Prenatals Easier To Stomach

While it’s best to take prenatal vitamins on an empty stomach to increase iron absorption, if you’re having stomach discomfort or nausea, take your vitamin with some food. The National Institutes of Health advises against taking iron with milk, high-fiber foods or caffeinated foods or beverages, because these can decrease iron absorption. You can also break your vitamin in half and take one half at different times during the day to reduce the amount of iron and DHA your body has to deal with in a single dose. Taking your vitamin just before you go to sleep can also help.

Do Vitamins Have Other Benefits

Taking a prenatal vitamin not only helps you prepare for conception and pregnancy, it also helps you receive more than the minimum amount of vitamins and minerals necessary to prevent deficiency diseases.

Many of us do not get the all the required vitamins and minerals we need from our diet. Even when we eat a healthy balanced diet it is hard to get everything we need to prevent disease, let alone achieve optimal health.

Whilst taking a supplement is not a replacement for eating a healthy balanced diet, supplements can provide you with key nutrients that are hard to get from food.

Mark Hyman, MD a practicing physician and a pioneer in functional medicine said 92% of the population in the U.S. are deficient in one or more vitamins, when asked if we need vitamins or not, he said…

Mark goes on to say “In today’s world, everyone needs a basic multivitamin and mineral supplement. The research is overwhelming on this point“.

Morning sickness relief – According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, taking a supplement with vitamin B6 can also help combat morning sickness symptoms.21

Common Causes Of Black Stool During Pregnancy

Black or tarry stools could be due to one or more of the following factors.

Iron supplements: Doctors prescribe iron supplements if they see a deficiency. In some cases, your body cannot absorb, and this unabsorbed iron could give the stool black or tarry appearance .

Foods: Certain foods, such as licorice and blueberries, may turn stools dark. Artificial food colors also can affect the color of the stool . You can identify the cause by maintaining a food journal.

Medication: Medicines other than iron supplements might also cause the stools to turn black. Pepto-Bismol, which is one of the commonly used over-the-counter medications for an upset stomach, may also affect the stool color .

Health issues: Digestive issues such as hemorrhoids, constipation, and anal fissures or tears during pregnancy develop due to the increased pressure over the pelvic region, and this increases the odds of having fresh blood in the stool color.

Bleeding: Bleeding within the digestive system, especially in the upper gastrointestinal tract , could lead to dark-colored stools . The blood mixed with digestive juices can give a dark color to the stool.

Side Effects Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Along with its needed effects, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids:

Incidence not known

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
red or black, tarry stools
red or dark brown urine
sweating
unusual tiredness or weakness

Prenatal Vitamins Vs A Regular Multivitamin

Prenatals are tailored to the right quality and quantity for pregnant women and women trying to conceive. Certain vitamins are fat soluble and are stored for long periods of time. These stores can therefore be ‘overloaded’ with normal multivitamins, and vitamin A for example, can actually be toxic to the baby at high levels. Prenatal supplements also contain specific ingredients to assist with the healthy development of a baby, for example Folic Acid.

Below is an example of some of the differences in nutrients you may find in a women’s multivitamin compared with a prenatal vitamin:

Vitamin or Mineral

38% more

Misconceptions About Prenatal Vitamins

Many women claim that prenatal vitamins affect hair and nail growth. Some claim that taking prenatal vitamins makes hair grow thicker or faster, and that nails could grow faster or stronger too.

But according to the Mayo Clinic, these claims havent been proven. Taking prenatal vitamins for better hair or nails likely wont bring the desired results. They could also have adverse side effects.

My Top Prenatal Recommendation: Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal

This prenatal vitamin was formulated b Dr. Ben Lynch who has dedicated his life to preventing illness in unborn children. These vitamins have no synthetics, they have two forms of easily absorbed folate. They do not have iron you may have to supplement that separately if needed. My favorite version of this prenatal vitamin is the chocolate protein prenatal shake.

Check It Out

Youre Taking Vitamins On An Empty Stomach

Vitamins that are more acidic in nature like vitamin C or folate may cause nausea if theyre consumed on an empty stomach, Poppers told HuffPost.

There are some buffering effects when vitamins are taken with a snack or a small amount of food, he said, adding that some nutrients are even better absorbed when theyre taken with some grub. However, some supplements may be better off consumed on their own.

Fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamins A, D, E and K, unlike some others, may be better absorbed when not taken with food, Poppers said.

Other Side Effects Of Prenatal Vitamins

There is no way to tell if prenatal vitamins can make you gain weight, but they can cause other minor side effects for some women, such as:

Nausea and vomiting.
Loss of appetite.
Bright yellow or green coloration in urine.

However, most of these side effects are symptoms common with pregnancy, so it can be difficult to determine if it is truly the prenatal vitamin causing them. Talk with your healthcare provider about any side effects you may have from taking prenatal vitamins .

How To Use Prenatal

Take this by , usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Follow all directions on the product package, or take as directed by your doctor. If you are taking the powder form of this medication, mix in water as directed before swallowing. If you are taking the delayed-release form of this medication, do not crush or chew. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. If you are taking the chewable form of this medication, chew thoroughly and then swallow.

This medication is best taken on an empty 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Take with a full glass of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. If upset occurs, you may take this medication with food. Avoid taking antacids, dairy products, tea, or coffee within 2 hours before or after this medication because they will decrease its effectiveness. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication. Consult your doctor or for details for your particular brand.

Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Is It Normal To Have Black Stool During Pregnancy

How Is The Cause Behind Dark Stool Diagnosed?

It is normal to pass black stools during pregnancy. Although it may seem unpleasant, it is a common change, and there is nothing to worry about it. The change in stool color may happen due to pigments present in foods, dietary supplements, or the digestive changes in pregnancy .

In this MomJunction post, we tell you about the causes of black stool during pregnancy and ways to prevent it.

When Should You Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins How Long Should You Take Them

Gastroenteritis In Pregnancy, Diarrhea In Early Pregnancy ...

Doctors, midwives, and other health care professionals recommend that women begin taking prenatal vitamins before they become pregnant. The brain and spinal cord of the embryo begin to develop within 3 to 4 weeks of pregnancy, when you may not even know that you are pregnant. The CDC recommends that all women of childbearing age consume folic acid daily to prevent and . These serious birth defects affect the babys developing brain and spinal cord. Your doctor or midwife may recommend that you continue to take prenatal vitamins after you have your baby, especially if you are . If you are planning to conceive, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss any pregnancy planning concerns.

Vitamins That Can Cause Constipation

05-02-2019

It is quite a well-known fact that lots of people across the globe now consume various kinds of vitamins and supplements. Some of the most common items which are consumed include calcium supplements, multivitamin-mineral products, fish oil supplements, omega-3 supplements and all nowadays people had started . It is believed that the intake of these vitamins and supplements helps in ensuring the overall health of individuals. The deficiencies which cannot be met with normal foods are compensated with the consumption of supplements and vitamins.

However, many people might not know there are side effects of many supplements and vitamins as well. There are many vitamins that can cause constipation. Apart from this, other kinds of serious and severe side effects can be caused by intake of different kinds of supplements and vitamins. Therefore, before starting any kind of vitamin or supplements, it is recommended to seek medical advice. All kinds of items are not suitable for all body types.

What Are The Differences Between Organic Natural And Regular Prenatal Supplements

Natural supplements have their micronutrients extracted and isolated directly from natural sources, such as fruits, plants, vegetables etc.
Organic supplements provide the required micronutrients through direct, whole ingredients. What does that mean? For example, instead of having pure folate or Vitamin B, it may contain spirulina, kale, fruits, broccoli or other organic substances that contain this micronutrient. This is often supplied in a capsule format rather than a tablet.
Standard prenatal supplements may have synthetic, or artificially created or sourced vitamins and minerals.

This choice is something you should discuss with your doctor.

Can You Have Diarrhea Instead Of Morning Sickness

Stomach and digestive issues are common during pregnancy. You may hear plenty about morning sickness and constipation, but less about diarrhea. Although it may not get as much attention, diarrhea is another gastrointestinal issue that pregnant women can face. Some women consider diarrhea an early sign of pregnancy.

READ: What is a jellied garnish?

When Should I Take Prenatal Vitamins

Always talk with your doctor before starting to take prenatal vitamins. If youre trying to conceive or are pregnant, your doctor will likely recommend that you take them.

While you can buy prenatal vitamins over the counter, doctors can prescribe them too. Women who are carrying multiples, pregnant teenagers, and pregnant women with a history of substance abuse have a higher risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Prenatal vitamins are particularly important for these women.

Doctors often recommend that women who are breastfeeding also continue taking prenatal vitamins after delivery. Prenatal vitamins can serve as a further supplement to lactating women who need plenty of nutrients to make breast milk.

Even if you arent trying to get pregnant, you still might want to take a folic acid supplement. Thats because half of the pregnancies in the United States arent planned. Because the brain and spinal cord are already forming at the early stages of pregnancy, folic acid is vital. Women of childbearing age could also eat more folate-rich foods as an alternative to taking a supplement.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Also key? Staying hydrated which is important throughout your pregnancy, but especially when diarrhea strikes. The recommended amount varies based on your body type and size, and how active you are, but aim for eight to 10 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

Ask your doctor about sipping a sports drink with electrolytes, which can replenish lost fluids plus key minerals like sodium, chloride and potassium.

What Are Some Other Side Effects Of This Drug

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Constipation.
Upset stomach or throwing up.
Change in color of stool to green.
Diarrhea.
Belly pain.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Prenatal Vitamins

Side effects from prenatals are generally due to excessive amounts of certain vitamins, or irritation to the gastrointestinal tract.

Iron is a mineral that can specifically cause some gastrointestinal irritation. It can result in constipation, diarrhea and dark stools.
Nausea and vomiting can sometimes be a side effect of prenatal vitamins. This may be exacerbated by morning sickness in the first trimester of pregnancy. There are many underlying reasons for nausea, one of which may be that there is excess of a vitamin or mineral.
Stomach cramps.

These side effects are generally mild and you should consult your doctor if these become irritating or if you have any concerns at all.

Side Effects Of Prenatal Vitamins: What They Are & How To

Constipation during pregnancy is a common problem and nearly half of all pregnant women get constipated at some point. Constipation occurs when there is abdominal pain or discomfort, difficult and infrequent bowel movements, and the passage of hard stools Vitamin Code Raw Prenatal is a comprehensive whole food multi-nutrient formula specifically formulated to meet the unique needs of women during pre-conception, pregnancy, and lactation. Vitamin Code Raw Prenatal contains over 20 powdered organically grown fruits and vegetables with supporting antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrient cofactors

Folic Acid Could Be Making You Sick And Cause Miscarriage

Another outdated recommendation is that all women should be supplementing with folic acid during pregnancy. Most prenatal vitamins contain folic acid . This is an especially common reason when its gummy vitamins making you sick as those never have iron.

The truth is folic acid is not used for anything in the body. Once you consume folic acid, your body turns it into another nutrient called folate. This new nutrient, folate, is then used in the structure of every single cell in your babys body and your own body. Yep, folate is pretty important.

But, there is a BIG problem with this. And that problem is that 40% of people cannot change folic acid into folate at the cellular level. For these people, folic acid builds up and becomes a toxin.

Too much folic acid can increase your risk for miscarriage, and breast cancer. Not only that, folic acid can build up in your liver and then you are at risk for other problems such as cholestasis.

Too much folic acid can also increase the risks of your baby developing asthma and some researchers are linking too much folic acid to increased risks of autism developing as well.

To learn more about why this is, check out Dr. Ben Lynchs book .

If your prenatal vitamin has folic acid and its making you feel sick in any way, you should replace it with one that has folate as soon as possible.