So I have heard that while you are TTC you should be taking prenatal vitamins, but also I have heard that you should start taking them before you even TTC. DH and I have talked about TTC but we haven't started yet. Because we have the potential to start in the next couple months I am not sure if I should start taking prenatal vitamins or not. With DD I didn't take any until I found out I was pregnant. Just trying to figure out what needs to be done to gear up for TTC. Thanks for the advice.
Re: Taking prenatal?
This is what I do. When we are actively TTC, I'll consider switching to a prenatal. Mostly I just need to do some more research about what is in the prenatals vs. multivitamins and supplements and if they meet my body's needs in combination with my diet.
Just be sure to be aware of your Vit A consumption. Prenatals are low in Vit A because it has a higher toxicity level during pregnancy (if I'm recalling correctly from my nutrition class and reading). While your TTC or even before, you still need Vit A. If you start a prenatal now, I'd just make sure to consume enough Vit A in your diet. I'm not suggesting going overboard, just be aware (ex: if you never eat carrots, maybe start eating them more frequently).
Yes - what everyone has said. I started taking prenatal pills in June, although only went off BCP in October. My doctor said that there was no harm in starting 3-6 months before beginning to try.
From what I know, the brand PregVit makes many people sick because it's split into 2 (a friend just started and she has said she's feeling sick from them). I told my doctor that I didn't want to take that brand because of what I had heard (2 other officemates took that brand and were also sick). I'm taking the over the counter prenatal pills that are sold at the local ShoppersDrugMart. No script needed and a heck of a lot cheaper. It also has the same amount of vitamins as the prescription dosage but in 1 pretty hot pink pill. I taken it every morning right after breakfast.
My super all about me birth story:
Then: Fraternal twins born at 26 weeks in 1983. Me: 640 grams. Brother: 840 grams. Family kept watch in the NICU for 5 months before being allowed to go home. On oxygen for a year and a half after being released.
Now: Me: PhD student and married. Brother: Lawyer and married.
Dad's wedding speech: Thank you to all the family who stood watch and prayed for our children's survival. Well now the little scrawny chicken is married. Who would've thought? (Thanks dad for making me laugh and cry at the same time).
My BFP Chart
I've been taking rainbow lite 'Just Once' one a day vitamins along with two Omega 3 gel caps every night before bed. I also get sick if I take them during the day, but for some reason, before bed works for me.
My doc highly recommended the Omega 3 and Folic acid.
Good luck!