You may still be undecided about your unexpected pregnancy options of parenting, adoption, and abortion, but your health still matters. It may seem like a lot to process. However, even if you’re considering abortion, it’s recommended you receive the proper level of vitamins and minerals your body needs. Some women do this by taking prenatal vitamins while they’re pregnant. As you think about the choices that lay ahead of you, try to remember that your overall well-being is still a priority. If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy should you still take prenatal vitamins?
Even if you’re still undecided about your unexpected pregnancy options, it’s important to keep yourself healthy. Avenue Women’s Center provides free unexpected pregnancy support and consultations. We also can equip you with reliable information. Our limited medical services can assist you in taking the next steps in your unexpected pregnancy.
Contact us today for a free appointment to learn more about your pregnancy and the options available to you!
What Are Prenatal Vitamins?
Prenatal vitamins typically have different benefits compared to other vitamins. They contain higher levels of folic acid and iron than what may be inside your standard adult multivitamins. While they’re usually available over-the-counter, your healthcare provider may recommend a specific brand of prenatal vitamins for you to take. It may be beneficial to take ones that contain vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, iodine, and copper.
This is because, during pregnancy, your daily intake requirements for certain nutrients usually increases. Prenatal vitamins are generally not meant to be a substitute for good nutritional practices. They may complement a healthy diet. But you may still need to work with a healthcare provider to assess whether nor not your vitamin and mineral needs are being met.
When Should I Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins?
It’s generally a good idea for women of reproductive age to regularly take prenatal vitamins. If you haven’t started taking them yet, you may want to consult your healthcare provider. Some women may take prenatal vitamins throughout the entirety of their pregnancy. But your doctor may also recommend continuing to take them afterward.
Since prenatal vitamins come in different brands that tend to vary in terms of their nutritional focus, it’s probably best that you discuss what supplements you should take with your doctor first.
Do Prenatal Vitamins Have Any Side Effects?
There may be queasiness after taking prenatal vitamins, and some women have reported that prenatal vitamins contributed to constipation. To prevent this, you may want to make sure you’re drinking enough fluids, including enough fiber in your diet, and regularly engaging in physician-approved exercise. If these methods do not work, you may want to ask your healthcare provider about potentially taking a stool softener, or if there are any other supplements available.
Thinking About Your Pregnancy Options
Facing an unexpected pregnancy can seem scary and overwhelming, but you do not have to process these feelings alone. It’s true that researching your options is important. But your health is also a crucial factor when it comes to being pregnant. There may be a lot of confusion. And you may wonder why you feel the need to care for your pregnancy if you do not have plans to continue it.
Experiencing conflicting emotions about the choices you have before you is normal. You’re not the only one to go back and forth when it comes to making a major decision like this one. You do not have to keep these feelings to yourself. The pressure of your situation can make it seem as if the walls are closing in on days where you feel stressed. But there are plenty of helpful resources that can assist you.
Are you still uncertain when it comes to your choices of abortion, adoption, and parenting, but are looking for ways to stay healthy while you decide? Avenue Women’s Center can guide you through the process of gathering information about your options. Meet with one of our caring pregnancy consultants who will listen to your unique situation and talk through any concerns you may have. Your health and well-being are important to us. By offering limited medical services and resources, we’re here to support you in any way we can.
Schedule a free appointment today to begin talking with us about your options!
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References:
- American Pregnancy Association. Prenatal Vitamins. Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/prenatal-vitamins/
- Mayo Clinic. (2018, April). Pregnancy Week By Week. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-vitamins/art-20046945
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.