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Prenatal vitamins with DHA are combination dietary supplements used in females before, during, and sometimes after pregnancy. What makes them stand out compared with the typical prenatal vitamin is that they contain an omega-3 fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This helps support certain nutritional needs of you and your baby. They come in different forms (e.g., softgels, liquid, chewable gummies).
What is Prenatal vitamins with DHA?
What is Prenatal vitamins with DHA used for?
- Dietary supplement
How Prenatal vitamins with DHA works
Prenatal vitamins with DHA are a dietary supplement. They contain multiple vitamins and supplements that help support nutritional needs in females before, during, and after pregnancy. The DHA is an omega-3-fatty acid that helps with your baby's brain and eye development during pregnancy.
Drug facts
Side effects of Prenatal vitamins with DHA
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Dark stool
Please note: These side effects are typically caused by the iron in prenatal vitamins with DHA.
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Pros and cons of Prenatal vitamins with DHA
Pros
- Typically only taken once a day
- Available in a chewable gummy and liquid, which might be helpful for people who have trouble swallowing pills
- Conveniently combines many different ingredients together
- Generally well-tolerated when taken as directed
Cons
- Many products with different ingredients available, which can be confusing
- Some brands are only available with a prescription
- Difficult to customize doses of individual ingredients, since prenatal vitamins are a combination of multiple ingredients
Pharmacist tips for Prenatal vitamins with DHA
- In addition to eating healthy, a prenatal vitamin can help supply all of the nutrition you need to support you and your baby during pregnancy. But everyone has different nutritional needs, so talk with your provider about the best supplement choice for you.
- Most prenatal vitamins with DHA can be taken with or without food. Make sure to read the directions on the package.
- Some prenatal vitamins with DHA come as a package including multivitamin tablets or capsules, and a separate DHA capsule. You can take them together at the same time, or at different times of the day.
- Let your provider know if your prenatal vitamin makes you feel nauseous. Prenatal vitamins with DHA that contain iron can raise your risk for nausea. If you're nauseous, your provider can help recommend ways to help, such as taking your prenatal vitamin with food or changing the formulation.
- Ask your provider if you need to continue taking prenatal vitamins with DHA after you give birth. You might not need to continue this supplement, especially if you're already getting enough nutrients through foods.
- Store prenatal vitamins with DHA at room temperature and away from children. If your child accidentally took prenatal vitamins with DHA, get medical help or call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Common questions about Prenatal vitamins with DHA
Prenatal vitamins with DHA contain several vitamins and minerals to help support the nutritional needs of you and your baby. They contain DHA to support your baby's brain and eye development. Most of them also contain folic acid (vitamin B9), which is crucial in helping to prevent birth defects in your baby's brain and spine. Prenatal vitamins might also include other important ingredients such as other B vitamins, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Not all prenatal vitamins with DHA contain the same ingredients, so it's important to read the label of your product. For example, some include unique ingredients, like probiotics or a stool softener (e.g., Prenaissance which contains docusate sodium) to help with constipation. Ask your provider what specific vitamins and minerals you should look for in your prenatal vitamin.
Some prenatal vitamins with DHA are available over-the-counter, while others are only available with a prescription from your provider. Your provider might recommend a specific product for you, depending on your unique nutritional needs. Both over-the-counter and prescription prenatal vitamins with DHA contain vitamins and other ingredients recommended during pregnancy. Your provider can help you determine the best product that meets your needs.
Most experts agree that pregnant females should try to get 200 mg of DHA per day. Many prenatal vitamins with DHA contain at least this amount, but be sure to check the label and discuss the best amount for you with your provider. If you're not taking a supplement with DHA, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant females eat two servings, or 16-24 oz, of fish per week to get the amount of omega-3 fatty acids they need. Make sure to choose fish that are low in mercury, such as salmon.
Mercury is an element that can be harmful to humans. While some fish do contain higher amounts of mercury, most DHA that we get from fish oil contains a very small amount of mercury, which is extremely unlikely to cause toxicity. But still, you should be careful about choosing your prenatal vitamin with DHA. If you're purchasing a product over-the-counter, look for the USP-verified mark on the bottle. This ensures it has been tested for quality, and doesn't contain harmful contaminants.
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Risks and warnings for Prenatal vitamins with DHA
Prenatal vitamins with DHA can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Iron overdose
Some prenatal vitamins with DHA contain iron, which is also in many over-the-counter products. Taking too much iron can lead to serious side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and tears in your gut. Tell your provider or pharmacist all the medications and supplements you're taking so they can make sure you aren't taking too much iron.
Also, keep this medication out of reach of children. Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of death from poisoning in children. If you think a child accidentally took prenatal vitamins with DHA that contains iron, get medical help or call a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.
Potential to hide anemia due to low vitamin B12
Prenatal vitamins with DHA contain folic acid. Taking folic acid can sometimes hide signs of a condition called pernicious anemia, which is a type of anemia due to low vitamin B12 levels. If you have a history of low vitamin B12 levels, let your healthcare provider know.
Bleeding
- Risk factors: Taking blood-thinning medications | History of bleeding problems
The omega-3 fatty acids in prenatal vitamins with DHA might raise your risk of bleeding. If you take blood thinners, such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), or warfarin (Coumadin), or if you have a history of bleeding problems, let your healthcare provider know. They might recommend more routine monitoring for you. Let your provider know if you have a bleed that's difficult to stop, or if you have dark or tarry stool.
Fish allergy
- Risk factors: Allergy to fish or shellfish products
Prenatal vitamins with DHA contain fatty acids that come from fish oils of many different types of fish and shellfish. It's unknown if you're at a greater risk for an allergic reaction if you have a fish or shellfish allergy. For your safety, discuss your allergies with your pharmacist or healthcare provider. If you experience a rash, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat, get medical help immediately.
Prenatal vitamins with DHA dosage
Capsule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30mg/1.4mg/200mg | 30 capsules | $49.03 | $1.63 |
Typical dosage for Prenatal vitamins with DHA
Different brands of prenatal vitamins with DHA can have different vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients. Some might have different directions. Please read the manufacturer's label of your product for directions that are specific to the brand you're taking.
How much does Prenatal vitamins with DHA cost?
$49.03
Prenatal vitamins with DHA contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Prenatal vitamins with DHA will not be safe for you to take.
- Currently have Wilson's disease
- Currently have hemochromatosis
