Approximately 80% of pregnant women experience nausea during the first trimester of their pregnancy, with some experiencing symptoms longer into their term. Reasons for nausea include morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum and prenatal vitamins. Understanding the causes of prenatal vitamin-induced nausea helps address the issue and avoid possible complications.
Why Do Prenatal Vitamins Make You Nauseous?
Pregnancy is tied to significant hormonal changes in a person's body, like the rise in progesterone and estrogen levels. It's also linked to the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or the "pregnancy hormone," which, when higher, may trigger nausea and vomiting. hCG can stimulate the thyroid glands, potentially worsening nausea during pregnancy.
Can a prenatal vitamin make you sick? Taking prenatal vitamins is believed to worsen nausea because of the common ingredients used in these supplements, such as iron, iodine and choline.
- Iron: Iron can be difficult to absorb and accumulate in the digestive tract, impacting the balance of the gut microbiome. If you're meeting the recommended daily iron levels (27 mg a day), taking iron-rich prenatals may lead to nausea.
- Iodine: The World Health Organization recommends 150 mcg of iodine in prenatal vitamins. If your prenatal vitamin has more than the recommended amount, you may consider switching to one with less iodine.
- Choline: Choline supports the baby's healthy brain development. However, the sulfuric smell can trigger nausea and vomiting, especially if you have a high sensitivity to certain scents and odors.
11 Proven Strategies to Ease Prenatal Vitamin Nausea
Prenatal vitamins offer many significant benefits for you and for the growth and development of the child. Now that you know prenatal vitamins can trigger nausea, here are 11 ways to mitigate it:
1. Take Vitamins With Food or at Bedtime
Taking prenatal vitamins with a light snack like crackers or a smoothie can reduce nausea and improve nutrient absorption. Taking them at bedtime also helps you avoid feeling sick throughout the day.
2. Ease Into It
Start with a low dosage to help your digestive system get used to the vitamins. Gradually increase as your body develops tolerance until you reach the recommended dose.
3. Split Your Dose Throughout the Day
If your vitamins consist of multiple capsules, try spreading them out over two or three meals to help you keep them down.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
Increase your water intake to prevent dehydration, as it can make nausea worse. Drink eight to 12 cups of water a day to stay hydrated and maintain proper blood volume.
5. Supplement With Vitamin B6
Trials show vitamin B6 supplements may decrease nausea in pregnant women. Choose prenatal vitamins with an adequate amount of vitamin B6, especially if you've been on hormonal birth control.
6. Choose Low-Iron or Iron-Free Formulations
If you're already meeting your daily iron needs through diet, you can opt for low-iron or iron-free prenatal vitamins to avoid extra supplementation and side effects, like nausea and constipation.
7. Avoid Triggers
To prevent symptoms, avoid strong smells and other environmental triggers, such as cooking odors, perfume or cigarette smoke. Try aromatherapy to help alleviate prenatal nausea.
8. Air Them Out
Remove your prenatal vitamins from the packaging to air them out and reduce the typical smell before intake.
9. Use Ginger
Ginger helps promote gastric emptying and contains compounds that can relieve symptoms of morning sickness. Ginger can also be an alternative to or used with vitamin B6.
10. Consider Acupressure and Acupuncture
Acupressure and acupuncture target pressure points that may be effective in alleviating nausea caused by your vitamins. Plus, they are considered safe for pregnant people.
11. Consult Your Healthcare Provider
Prenatal nausea is very common, and talking to your doctor can help. They may suggest lifestyle and dietary changes or prescribe pregnancy-safe medications to address symptoms. Consider consulting a healthcare professional at the onset of the problem for faster support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prenatal Nausea
Do prenatals help with nausea? What happens if you stop taking them? We answer some of the most commonly asked questions about prenatal nausea below.
- How long does prenatal nausea last? Prenatal vitamin-induced nausea typically subsides within a few hours after supplement intake. However, it can be prolonged by the pregnancy itself, especially during the first trimester.
- What is the best Way to take prenatal vitamins without getting sick? There are several ways to take prenatal vitamins without feeling nauseous. You can take them with food or at bedtime, or try splitting the dose throughout the day. The best method is the one that suits your lifestyle.
- Can I stop taking prenatal vitamins if they make me sick? Skipping prenatal vitamins due to nausea is not recommended without consulting your healthcare provider first. Ask your doctor if they can prescribe a more tolerable option or suggest ways to minimize discomfort.
- Are there prenatal vitamins that could be easier on the stomach? Some prenatal vitamins are formulated to be gentler on the stomach, such as those with lower iron content.
Tired of nausea? Try Ovaterra's doctor-formulated Advanced Prenatal, designed for maximum absorption and minimal discomfort.
Find the Right Nausea-Free Prenatal for You
Ovaterra offers clinical-grade prenatal vitamins. Developed by experts with tolerability and quality in mind, every batch of our prenatal vitamins undergoes a triple-step quality assurance process. Explore our Advanced Prenatal supplements to find the right fit for your needs.
