Prenatal vitamins: what should you ask before your first visit?

The word prenatal on a bottle does not tell you everything it contains. Ingredients and amounts vary among products. ^[1] Bring the bottle or a clear label to a clinician or pharmacist and ask how it fits your needs.

Start with folic acid

CDC recommends 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day for people who could become pregnant. It helps reduce the risk of certain serious birth defects of the brain and spine and matters before and early in pregnancy. ^[2]

That is a general recommendation, not a complete vitamin plan for every person. Ask whether your health history changes what you should take. If you were not taking folic acid before a positive test, focus on getting advice about what to do now rather than guessing what it means for your pregnancy.

Check the label with someone who can explain it

Useful questions include:

• What is one serving of this product?
• Does it contain folic acid, and how is the amount listed?
• Am I getting the same ingredients from another supplement?
• Does my diet or a health condition change what I need?
• What should I do if I cannot tolerate this product or keep it down?

Write down the answers and the product name so you can bring them to your prenatal provider. Do not assume that two products with similar packaging contain the same nutrients.

More is not automatically better

Taking several supplements can add up to more of a nutrient than you need. Supplements also do not replace a varied diet. ^[3] Review what you already take before adding another product, including vitamins, herbal products and nonprescription medicines.

Ask a healthcare professional before starting or stopping medicines. ^[4] Do not change a prescribed treatment or combine high-dose products because of an online checklist.

Keep prenatal care on your plan

A supplement does not replace appointments with a prenatal provider. ^[5] Ask that provider about your nutrition, test results and any symptoms or difficulties with eating.

Care Net is a pro-life nonprofit in Vero Beach. We value every life and offer support for continuing a pregnancy, parenting and adoption. We do not perform or refer for abortions. You can ask us about pregnancy support, while questions about your individual supplement plan belong with your clinician or pharmacist.