Vitamins or not?

[nicolejoy]

I always heard/read that you should start taking prenatal vitamins if you're trying to conceive so I took Materna even before I was pregnant. I took it all through pregnancy, breastfeeding and now into my 2nd pregnancy. I've been taking it continually for something like 3 years now!!

I don't think it REALLY matters though as long as you're getting the folic acid - that's the main important thing. Actually some foods (usually breads and cereals) are supplemented with folic acid as well - so depending on your diet, it's probably possible to just get it from your diet. Although I think with folic acid, it's better to have too much than not enough, so I'd take the supplements regardless of what my diet was!!

 

[Gataloca]

I have been taking prenatal vit since TTC. Usually I don't care about the brand. I am taking actually one that is from CVS (a big pot with 300 pills). Also tried the prenatal from other US pharmacies, like Rite Aid, and also from Centrum. Usually I ask friends or relatives that are traveling from US to HK to get me some. It is much cheaper buying those on the US than here in HK.

 

[bigbook]

It is much cheaper buying those on the US than here in HK.

yes! It is amazing to me how much cheaper they are over there.

We buy online from Vitamin Shoppe. :smile:

 

[babyat23]

When I went for my 12 weeks scan my DR asked me if I was taking prenatal vitamins. I told her I started doing so even earlier on and she approved. 1000 mcg is not too much folic acid, as your body won't be able to absorb everything.

I got this from the Materna website:

When should a woman start taking a prenatal multivitamin?
A woman should start taking a prenatal multivitamin at least 12 weeks prior to conception - when she is trying to conceive or planning a pregnancy.

I mean it is not necessary to use the brand Materna...there are alot of good brands out there...but you should buy them online alot cheaper.

I get my supply from WebVitamins.com - Natural Products. Healthy Savings. even incl the shipping it's still cheaper than the shops here.

 

[kip1]

I have Folic Acid, which I think is 1000mg but is this enough or should it be a multi vitamin? I am only in the 'planning to conceive in the next few months' stage so I guess I don't need to worry too much but can't hurt to be prepared!

 

[starbucks2]

My obstetrician prescribed me Materna

 

[hobbes]

My OB prescribed Materna and 400mg Folic Acid. I've been taking both for a while actually since an earlier miscarriage.

 

[babyat23]

kip1, are you taking a regular multi vitamin w/ that folic acid? If you're, that will be fine too. I think the experts suggest women trying to conceive to take a prenatal is because all the vitamins and minerals in it are in the correct dosage for a pregnant woman.

 

[kip1]

No, i'm not taking a regular multi vitamin as well, just 400mg folic acid. Thanks for the advice, so many things to think about and it's only just the start!