Pre natal vitamins - Do I need them? What do you take?

[VillageFete]

Hi,

This is my 3rd and final baby. I took Zita West pre natals with folate in until 13 weeks, I’m now 17 weeks. There’s a gap between my previous pregnancies and this one, so wondering what the current advice is.

I’ve stopped taking the pre natals, can’t stand them. I do, however, take Choline, A good quality Omega 3 and high dose Vit D.

I’m looking online and it seems most take the prenatals (Pregnacare etc..) Right through? Is this standard advice now?

I’d take a multivit, but can’t find one without folic acid or folate in, and don’t feel comfortable taking folic acid at all, also don’t feel comfortable taking folate right through pregnancy due to the tongue tie link - Went through hell with my last child due to this. Anyway, the Folate’s done its job now, in terms of spina bifida. All has been fine at my 13 week and 16 week ultrasounds.

I’m tired all of the time, but my iron levels were great at my booking in appointment at 8 weeks, but lately I’m exhausted. Can you add an iron supplement as a preventative for anaemia? Something gentle like Spatone?

I’d ask a Midwife but not seen one yet! Except at booking in. I’m seeing my Consultant on Thursday so will ask her, but just wondering what do you take?

i took folic acid till 12weeks then just been taking pregnacare and vit d consultant has never said to take anything else I’m now 33weeks with id twin boys with 3wks left

I'm just taking folic acid and Vitamin D. If your diet is balanced and nutritious you shouldn't need a multi vitamin.

A woman of my own heart!

I would add in a methylated B complex (although that does have folate in - but I think the tongue tie link is with the synthetic folic acid rather than folate - correct me if I'm wrong!).

And you could take iron bisglycinate as well, see how that helps your energy. If you feel good after a while you can stop taking it again until later in pregnancy.

Thank you all, and congratulations on your
pregnancies!

@lavenderdilly I thought that too re- the folate and tongue tie. I took folic acid with my DD, tongue tied, didn’t realise though as it didn’t impact feeding, speech etc… Although it’s impacted her teeth and she’s having a brace fitted in August once she completes Myofunctional Therapy. I only took folate with my son, but high dose and oh my God, I still have nightmares about how horrific a time we had with his tongue tie!

I know it’s anecdotal and possibly just coincidence but I’m terrified now of continuing so I stopped at 13 weeks.

Will take a look at Iron Bisglycinate. Just trying to prevent anaemia if I can, as i’m reading it’s important for baby’s brain development that mum doesn’t become anaemic.

I feel like it’s a minefield!