Iron in prenatals

jenandtim828

Hi girls, hoping to get some insight. Prior to getting pregnant I took prenatals with DHA and folic acid but no iron. When I got pregnant I switched to a prenatal with iron and did well for a while, but now it makes me sick. I take it with food close to bed time but get up sick throughout the night. So I temporarily switched back to my prenatal without iron. Does the baby need iron? Should I be suffering through it or is my DHA and folic acid ok? Thanks!

LegalLadyBug

You need iron. There are different forms, try an extended release tablet with you prenatal without iron. If you don't have enough iron it's risky to you and baby. Definitely ask your OB about it. I take a prenatal with iron every day but my iron is still dangerously low so I have to have iron infusions.

LadyMacaron

Most pre-natals don't have iron actually. My RE told me to not supplement iron, as it will constipate you even more. He said that most of us get enough iron in our diets, unless we are anemic or have poor diets, and to not worry about it unless we see my iron levels drop. Your best bet is to talk to your doctor about it. 

alicatand

The easiest to stomach prenatals with iron I've found are the Rainbow Lite ones, but no DHA, so you'd need to supplement that. And now I am on an rx vitamin - Prenate Minis. They have iron AND DHA and are easy to swallow and so easy on the stomach, too. 

jenandtim828

Thanks everyone!

albersma

I'm the same way...can't tolerate the iron. I have prescription ones call Neevo DHA. They are a little pricey, but worth not getting sick when I take them.

MrsJ2theZ

If you can't handle the iron, that's ok. Your doctor will address any anemia with you if it becomes an issue. Eat red meat, dark greens, an iron rich diet and you should be ok.

Here's a list of iron rich foods!

https://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/health-and-wellness/iron-rich-foods