Horrible pre-natal vitamins - anything better?

Knottie86418473 · November 2015

Before getting pregnant I started on a pre-natal, but after taking once, I was constipated for three days. And that third day was extremely painful, as was the next when my body finally started working again. I tried taking half, same problem only two days. Thinking it was the iron I got an iron free pre-natal (figured I'd talk to my doctor about an additional iron supplement once pregnant) but had the same thing happen. I tried all sorts of things - taking it at a different time, eating more food with it, taking a half dose. Nothing helped the awful constipation. I just added folic acid to my normal vitamins. When I got pregnant I added in Vitamin D as well.

After my OB visit, my doctor of course told me I needed to be on a pre-natal and after telling her my experience she gave me a few samples of some prescription one that's in a gel cap. Fortunately I don't have the constipation with this one, but the two times I've taken it now I get moderate to severe stomach cramps - all the way from my upper abdominals to the very bottom of my stomach. The pain was so bad last night it woke me up and I'm still cramping. Weirdly, it's especially painful right before a BM (maybe that's the iron?). I'm going to talk to my doctor, but my next appt isn't until Dec 17th. And I'm taking it with food and at night.

Has anyone else had this issue or know of any other prenatal that's easier on the stomach? I can't do 7 more months of severe stomach cramps.

lolonvive · November 2015

I was taking the Centrum prenatal + DHA before I got pregnant, and once we conceived they started to make me nauseous if I took them in the morning, which I was. My doc is of the opinion that the prenatal vitamins are overrated and that with healthy eating and nutrition and a regular multivitamin I should be more than fine. I am sure this is not a widely accepted opinion.

After my MS and nausea after meals subsided I've started taking the vitamin at night when I remember.

But anyway, you can try the Centrum one! It is 2 pills, the vitamin and then a separate DHA gel capsule.

laurendiaz02 · November 2015

I was told to take prenatal vitamins at night if they are contributing to the nausea. Also, the doc said that I could take two children's chewable gummy vitamins in place of a prenatal and that will be more gentle on my stomach.

Knottie86418473 · November 2015

@Ishamah - I'm of the opinion they're overrated as well and we eat very healthily and exercise. Although, I do know I'll probably need extra iron come 2nd and 3rd trimesters.

@laurendiaz02 - I like the idea of the kids chewables - I've used these before w/o problems.

arosemong · November 2015

I take rainbow ones from target! They even say no constipating iron but still has iron! They're not bad!!

totsabounding · November 2015

I alternate (by day) between Target Up and Up prenatal gummy vitamins with DHA (I think they're comparable to VitaFusion brand) and the same brand regular (non chewable) pills that come in a white bottle with pink lettering. The pills have iron, but no DHA, and the gummies have DHA but no iron. I've had no problem with either. Used same routine for my last pregnancy as well.

Roxylove01 · November 2015

I have taken many of different kinds of prenatals due to having low B6 and B12 even before my pregnancy. My Dr. At the time recommended prenatals as a safe and natural way to get the supplements that I needed and also to help prepare my body for pregnancy when the time came. I finally found one that my Gyno had suggested. It is called Nexa Plus with DHA, and the best part about this prenatal is it is a soft capsule that doesn't have a horrible taste once it touches your tounge. It actually smells and taste ( if you even taste it) like chocolate. I am finally after almost 2 years of trying am pregnant and hands down highly recommend this prenatal. (of course with always conversing with ur Dr. Just in case you may need something different) Since becoming pregnant I have not had any problems so far with constipation since this prenatal does have a slight stool softner that works perfectly, and even before being pregnant. Remember eating a very healthy diet of fruits and lots of leafy greens, should also keep from being constipated. I hope this helps anybody that is considering a different prenatal as it has works wonders so far for me. I wish all ladies a happy and healthy pregnancy.

feenstas · November 2015

I take two Flintstone gummy vitamins every day. My OB is okay with it, especially considering they're the only ones that don't make me sick.

Best of luck!

fishwife799 · November 2015

I take a gummy prenatal because I will puke anything else up during the first tri. I have had really good luck with them.

violetmarie61516 · November 2015

Our OB, also who I work for, recommends Flinstone Vitamins for all OB patients. They are the easiest on the tummy and normally don't cause the nasty side effects others do. I hope you feel better soon!

DeePaddy24 · November 2015

I take the Centrum prenatal + DHA at night, with food. As long as I take them with food I haven't felt sick (from them, anyway).

jmohio · November 2015

I was having a tough time swallowing the pills after a while so I switched to the vita fusion gummy. My doctor actually told me that I can do that or take 2 Flintstone with iron.

I tried a few before I could find one that didn't make me horrible ill with constipation and nausea.

Knottie86418473 · November 2015

Thanks all for the suggestions! The samples my Dr. gave me were the gel caps with DHA that are supposed to be easier on sensitive stomachs, but unfortunately they weren't for me. I think I'm going to try the Flintstones vitamins at least until I go see doctor again - I've taken them before without a problem. Not sure why anything "pre-natal" screws my stomach up so badly. I don't think it's the iron because the iron free did too.

mar101483 · November 2015

I switched to gummy prenatals today. My nausea has been so bad, Even the thought of swallowing my vits, made me nauseous. So far, so good

bms46 · November 2015

Same boat here! My MD told me to take a week off of the prenatal vitamins to see if it helps lessen the constipation and nausea. She said there is only data supporting the benefit of prenatal vitamins prior to conception and there are other ways to get vitamins while pregnant (even total cereal or something of the sort)! Lots of different combinations to try since every woman's body is different. She also told me Miralax is safe to use up to 3x day if it gets really bad.

Knottie86418473 · November 2015

I got some Dulcolax (think it's the same thing as Miralax) the other day and started the Flintstones vitamins. So far, so good. Some minor tummy upsets, but nothing like with the prenatals. I like your doctor's opinion. While I like my doctor I felt she was pushing the prescription prenatals a little hard...wondering if they get kickbacks or something from them....

peregrinefalconx · November 2015

I don't have a prob with my vitamin, but I have had huge problems with constipation, which is typical. I take 200mg of Colace x day, which seems helpful. So that could help move it along if you find a vit you like, but still have that problem.

Lilwatz · November 2015

I also do gummy prenatals. I like the CVS brand ones, personally. Good luck!

towerbrat · November 2015

Currently taking New Chapter all organic prenatals and they're so much better than the Nature Made stuff. It's a little pricey but no constipation or weird after taste:)