Prenatal vitamins are one extremely important part of pregnancy. Without them, we'd see a lot more babies with neural tube defects (like spina bifida) and a lot more mommies with anemia, according to Mayo Clinic. They're especially important during the first trimester, when a baby is growing the fastest… and when moms are often too queasy to take those huge horse pills! If you're pregnant and not able to take your prenatal vitamin because of morning sickness, here are some alternatives that aren't as likely to make nausea and vomiting worse.
Chewable Prenatal Vitamins
These are your best bet. A standard chewable multivitamin like Flintstones is fine as long as it has at least 800 micrograms of folic acid. Chewable vitamins are usually pretty easy to take for moms with bad nausea and vomiting. But, if your sensitive pregnancy palate won't tolerate the taste, there are some alternatives.
Chewable Prenatal Vitamins
These are your best bet. A standard chewable multivitamin like Flintstones is fine as long as it has at least 800 micrograms of folic acid. Chewable vitamins are usually pretty easy to take for moms with bad nausea and vomiting. But, if your sensitive pregnancy palate won't tolerate the taste, there are some alternatives.
Gummy Prenatal Vitamins
If you can't stomach normal chewable prenatal vitamins, gummies might be the next best thing. These are often easier to take for moms with severe morning sickness. The downside is that gummy vitamins usually don't have nearly enough iron for moms-to-be, especially in the second or third trimesters. Try adding iron to your vitamin regimen if you can; if not, make sure you tell your doctor or midwife.
Liquid Prenatal Vitamins
If swallowing is difficult for you, even when you've been trying chewable vitamins, liquid prenatal vitamins are an option. Other liquid multivitamins are also okay as long as they have enough iron and folic acid. These can taste a little yucky because of all the concentrated nutrients in each liquid-gold teaspoon, but they're easier for some moms to swallow.
Fortified Foods and Drinks
As a last resort if you absolutely can't keep down anything else, foods and drinks fortified with lots of vitamins, including the recommended amount of nutrients needed in pregnancy, are okay to try. Make sure you tell your doctor or midwife and keep a log of everything you eat, to ensure that you're getting what the baby needs. As soon as your nausea and vomiting start to subside, you'll want to switch back to vitamins.
While prenatal vitamins are important, it's not the end of the world if you can't handle swallowing big, bitter pills in the first trimester. There are plenty of other options available. Keep in touch with your health care provider about nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, as well as prenatal nutrition. An expert can help you find the balance you need to protect you and the baby.