Anyone NOT taking a prenatal?

Stellarpuppy

I think everyone here should probably take it down a notch.  Things were said that were perhaps not the nicest (bringing up losses and calling each other idiots/stupid)

So let's break this down.  

Do we need prenatal vitamins?  With a really well balanced diet probably not.  Yes millions of women had children without prenatal vitamins but also millions of women had only one or zero children because they had Rh incompatibility.  Doesn't mean I'm not going to get my Rogam shot when the time comes.  PNV are new to human race and so are NICUs and thousands of other things we get/do.  Just because something is new doesn't mean that it can't be beneficial.

Should we take them? (my opinion) definitely!  As an expectant mother we should all be changing our diet to be healthier but having the vitamin to supplement areas that we are deficient in.  In addition, as one poster said, the PNV help replace the lost vitamins for you. 

When should we take them? 

If you are TTC - as soon as you can before conception.  Spina bifida and other neural tube disorders can only be prevented in the first month or so after conception with folic acid.  (Personally that's my #1 reason for prenatals!)

If it's a surprise - asap.  Again we want to make sure that we are giving as much as we can to our LOs and not sacrificing our own bodies to do that.

What if you can't hold it down? Do what you can.  Experiment with different times or the day, eating before/after, try different PNVs or go with a chewable and throw in a DHA/folic acid/whatever supplement you want.   It's worth trying.  

 

In the end we are all going to have differing opinions and at times it's going to get heated, but we don't need to call each other names.  WE ALL are trying to provide the best for our babies.  Some would say that receiving medicine in general is a sin and others are shocked by the thought of not doing anything you possibly could to save your loved one.  If you feel one way or the other doesn't necessarily mean you are RIGHT or WRONG.  Just be prepared for possibly being in the minority.  

 

That said - to the original poster:  you already know of a PNV that worked for you for your previous pregnancy....get it again!  Call them up and explain the situation and they will likely call it in for you. Say whatever you want but it's rather ridiculous to not take the steps to get something that is (very likely to be) very beneficial to you and your LO. 

*prepares for flames of nastiness to fly my way....duck?*

Chocodoxies

Stellarpuppy:

I think everyone here should probably take it down a notch.  Things were said that were perhaps not the nicest (bringing up losses and calling each other idiots/stupid)

*prepares for flames of nastiness to fly my way....duck?*

No flames from me. This is how I felt.  It made me a little sick that she brought up the loss of her LO as a form of a weapon of defense. My babies are not weapons, I miss each one terribly and would do anything to bring them back.

epona3

rosesarepink:

I just find that incredibly selfish. As a good mom, you should be thinking about the well-being of your CHILD, not yourself. I don't see m/s and migraines as a good enough reason to sacrifice your child for. You should be taking prenatals at least 6 months before you conceive. For those that don't, you are idiots.

Oooh, our first sanctimommy on this board!

Good job making moms start to feel like crap six months before they even conceive their children! Because we don't have enough to feel guilty or anxious about already, do we?

How do you feel about moms who don't take PNVs who choose to formula feed their babies, or don't SAH? Love to hear your stance on that!

maccalovah

Seriously- take a prenatal...unless you have awesome eating habits and are getting all of these things through your food intake (doubtful)

JSS1002

Sanctimommy might be my new favorite word.

TTCaANGEL

Bottom line....TAKE A MULTI-VITAMIN!!! Think of your child's health and development. The first 3 months are crucial for your babys growth and health.

No question about it...TAKE IT and deal with it!

 

Kitiara5512

rosesarepink:

Heather661 said "but was just wondering if anyone is choosing not to take them. The question just stemmed from a convo I had with another woman who said she never took prenatal with her kids, just said she ate more greens, milk etc etc."

It doesn't sound like this woman she spoke to has a medical condition does she now? I'm not claiming to be a medical expert and I understand there are always exceptions to everything. I'm just wondering why the hell are you attacking someone like me who is fiercely passionate about protecting her child and giving them the best start possible versus someone who is playing roulette with the health of their unborn baby because they think they know what is best for them? Getting the nutrients from eating more greens, milk etc, etc. Really? Get your priorities straight people!

Uh, yeah, some people actually eat a healthy diet with their complete daily needs in folic acid and other vitamins. Most people do not or are not that conscious of their dietary needs and therefore rely on PNVs but the pills are just a substitute for naturally occuring vitamins that can be easily found in foods. I just refuse to eat spinach any more than I have to and therefore, even when not pg, I take PNVs.

I also suffer horrible migraines, and would not do anything, including take PNVs, that trigger them. The stress I go through is much worse for the baby than being low on some vitamins.

nyki06

With my last pregnancy I was incredibly sick. I was average weight and lost 20 lbs from week 5-12 because of sickness. I was told to try flinstones and if I couldn't keep them down to just abandon prenatals completely until I was able to take them without immediately throwing up, which wasn't until 27 weeks. It wasn't ideal and it wasn't what I had planned but to the doctor it was equivalent to making myself throw up and I needed all of the food I could keep in my system. I'm 6 weeks now and although I've been hoping for the best m/s has hit again full force. Up until this point I was taking my prenatals but over the last few days the thought alone makes me almost throw up. 

PandasMama0626

Both my first OB I had with baby #1 and my new OB I have with this one have said that prenatals are great if you can stomach them. Take them if you can, but as long as your eating right, you can skip them for a bit if your M/S is acting up. They are like extra insurance that you are getting the nutrition you need. I got mine with an RX as well since my insurance paid for them (one less thing to pay out of pocket right?). I started taking mine until about week 6 and have since been less than regular with them as right now they are a little tough to stomach. Eat your veggies and fruits, keep your diet clean as much as you can until you can take your vits regularly. This was my dr.s advice to me...and I have a completely healthy and perfect 2 year old baby girl to show for it.

hatroopes

Most doctors recommend that all women of child-bearing age take prenatals. I've been taking mine for about 2-3 years now at the recommendation of my doctor even though I was nowhere near ready to TTC at the time. 

Most of us don't get our required daily serving of  essential nutrients, so it makes sense to supplement with PNV. I started out taking them in the morning but they made me nauseous, so I switched to taking them after dinner or right before I went to bed and have had no issues since. Find one that works for you and start asap.

Charlotte02

MakeMyHeartPink:

sugarland726:

mabenner1:

Why do you need a prescription prenatal?  Ones from Rite Aid or Walmart are just as good, unless you have a specific issue. And why would anyone NOT take a prenatal. They are the best way to avoid spina bifida and other  birth defects that can occur.

Yeah, there really isn't a great reason to not be taking a prenatal. Absolutely there are a ton over the counter that are good to take. You don't *need* a prescription.

Actually, many women don't take them and they have pretty good reasons. They cause incredible sickness and migraines for a lot of women. Obviously taking them is the best way to go but some women just can't do it.  

 

Had no idea on the migraines, I am getting 4-5 of them a day. I have to wear sunglasses 24/7 even with indoor lights. Maybe I should try switching up my prenatals.

LW2410

At the very least, get some folic acid. It's 400 mg per tiny white pill (you need two a day). At this point, it's probably too late, as the neural tube has already formed, but it can't hurt. I take one folic acid (400mg) + one flintstones chewable (another 400 mg). It's a lot easier to stomach than those giant pre-natal pills that also give me wicked constipation due to high iron.

doremi29

The arguments are silly.  Is it a good idea to take a prenatal/multivitamin while pregnant and (bonus points) before if you're ttc?  Of course.

I'm in the "I've tried lots of kinds, tried taking them at various times of day, and 90% of the time I will throw up" camp.  My OB's suggestion last time around- "Do your best".  She was more concerned with me staying hydrated, keeping food down, and then if I can stomach one, taking a vitamin. 

Tbh, I haven't gotten a prenatal down in 3 days.  I've had *some* luck with gummies but the last three days have been horrible.  If I sat around worrying about what could potentially come from missing my prenatals, I'd drive myself nuts.  Bottom line, I'm doing my best, I'm not selfish, and obviously I pray everything will be fine.