You may have heard that pregnant women need to take prenatal vitamins every day, but what about after giving birth? Interestingly enough, there are two answers to that question. And the answer depends on whether you will be breastfeeding or not. However, there is a little more to it all than just that, and we will answer all your questions right here!
How Long Should I Take Prenatal Vitamins After Giving Birth?
Women who don’t breastfeed should continue to take their prenatal vitamins for at least six months postpartum to ensure that their nutrient stores are replenished. And for women who do breastfeed, you should take a prenatal vitamin for as long as you breastfeed your child.
Postnatal vs. Prenatal Vitamins: What’s the Difference?
If you were to compare labels, you would see that many postnatal and prenatal vitamins have the same core vitamins and minerals. The main difference is that prenatal supplements contain more folic acid to support the developing fetus.
Some postnatal vitamins may also contain Vitamin B12, which helps newborns’ nerve network and brain development. Some postnatal vitamins may also contain Vitamin B12, which helps the nerve network and brain development in newborns.
Should I Take Prenatal Vitamins During Pregnancy?
It is vital to supplement with the essential vitamins and minerals you and your baby need while you are expecting. In addition, you must take prenatal vitamins while pregnant because they contain folic acid (Vitamin B9). This B vitamin helps prevent neural tube defects in your baby.
Women of childbearing age should get 400 mcg/day of folic acid from dietary supplements, fortified foods or a varied diet. However, the National Institute of Health says that pregnant women should increase their recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 400 micrograms (mcg) of folate to 600 mcg.
And since this level of intake is likely a challenge for many pregnant women to achieve through diet itself, it is recommended they take a prenatal vitamin to ensure they get enough folic acid and other nutrients.
Should I Stop Taking Prenatal Vitamins Once I’ve Had My Baby?
Now that you have given birth, it is still important to take your prenatal vitamins as they contain nutrients like iron and calcium, which are essential for both you and your baby.
What Do I Need to Know About Prenatal Vitamins and Breastfeeding?
Since breastfeeding can deplete a woman’s nutrient stores, it is important to continue taking prenatal vitamins after you have given birth and for at least six months while you are still exclusively (or mostly) nursing your baby. An over-the-counter supplement like One A Day Mother’s Blends Prenatal Multivitamin Gummies can help keep your nutrient levels up while breastfeeding.
Is it a Good Idea to Take Prenatal and Postnatal Supplements at the Same Time?
You may have heard that some women opt to take both prenatal and postnatal vitamins, but this is actually not recommended by most medical professionals because it doesn’t provide an increased level of nutrients. Also, too many of certain vitamins can be harmful, so it is best to consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.
What Postnatal Vitamins Should I be Taking after Giving Birth?
Postnatal vitamins are different from prenatal ones. They contain nutrients like iron and calcium that your body needs to recover after childbirth while breastfeeding, but they don’t have folic acid or DHA, which you need when you’re pregnant. Here are some of the essential vitamins that are in postnatal vitamins that you need:
- Iron: Iron is a crucial nutrient for women who are nursing as the demand on your body to make more red blood cells is higher. You might be deficient in iron if you feel tired, have headaches or have trouble concentrating.
- Vitamin C: The C vitamin helps with iron absorption, so try drinking orange juice when taking it.
- Calcium: Not only does calcium help your bones and teeth, but it also helps with blood clotting.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D ensures that you have enough calcium in your body for bone growth and strength, so make sure to get a postnatal vitamin with this in it!
Let Healing Hands Chiropractic Help You During Pregnancy and After
We hope this article has answered all your questions about prenatal and postnatal vitamins! We can also help with any unpleasant physical symptoms you may have during or after pregnancy. And as always, if you have any additional concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Healing Hands Chiropractic at 615-203-3505 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What follows are questions we commonly are asked at Healing Hands Chiropractic.
What happens if I don’t get the nutrients needed during pregnancy and post-pregnancy?
Pregnancy takes a toll on your body, so it is important to get many nutrients from the food you eat. Eating well ensures that you are getting all the vitamins and minerals needed for both yourself and your baby! If you don’t have enough nutrients in your body, this can lead to complications during pregnancy or after giving birth because there aren’t enough resources for you and your baby.
When should I stop taking postnatal vitamins?
Whether it’s pregnancy-related vitamins or women’s multivitamins, Dr. Dee at Healing Hands Chiropractic recommends eating right and taking postnatal vitamins all your life.
How long should I stay on prenatal vitamin supplements?
Prenatal vitamins should be taken throughout the entire duration of a pregnancy.
I’m breastfeeding. Should I continue taking my prenatal supplements?
For women who breastfeed, the recommendation is to take a prenatal vitamin for as long as you breastfeed your child. Women who don’t breastfeed should continue to take their prenatal vitamins for at least six months postpartum to ensure that their nutrient stores are replenished.
What will happen if I don’t take prenatal or postnatal vitamins after giving birth?
If you don’t take postnatal vitamins after pregnancy, you may experience some side effects such as fatigue and anemia. In addition, not taking prenatal vitamins can also lead to deficiencies in key nutrients which are crucial for both you and your baby’s health. Prenatal vitamins help to fill any gaps in your diet, so it is important to continue taking them even after you have given birth.
How important is my diet if I’m taking supplements?
The different brands of prenatal and postnatal vitamins offer various elements in their blends, but it can be challenging to find one that checks all the boxes on your nutrition checklist. Therefore, it’s essential to eat a balanced diet while taking your daily vitamins.
Where do I get the best prenatal and postnatal vitamins?
You can buy prenatal and postnatal vitamin supplements at grocery stores, pharmacies and online. If you are a nursing mom looking for postnatal vitamins, look for vitamin D, calcium, folic acid and iron on the label.
Some postnatal vitamins also contain herbal supplements such as fenugreek and moringa and fenugreek, which some studies show support milk production.
