Prenatal vitamins are essential to support your little one’s development and to keep you healthy before, during and after your pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a time full of excitement and anticipation, however it’s ok if this new season of life feels a little uncertain or daunting, especially if you’ve heard that in addition to morning sickness, there can be unpleasant side effects of prenatal vitamins, like nausea or bloating.

“Morning sickness and nausea from my prenatals?!”

Well, don’t panic just yet, the good news is it doesn’t have to be that way! With a prenatal supplement that is easy on the stomach, you can avoid the queasy feelings and discomfort.

But first, let’s understand how to get the most out of your prenatals and discover why your prenatal vitamins might make you feel sick:

What causes nausea in pregnancy?

Nausea during pregnancy, often referred to as morning sickness, is primarily caused by hormonal changes in the early stages of pregnancy. The rapid increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels is a significant trigger, as this hormone rises sharply during the first trimester. Elevated estrogen levels also contribute, along with heightened sensitivity of the gastrointestinal tract, making pregnant women more prone to nausea. Other potential causes include fluctuations in blood sugar levels, stress, and genetic factors, especially if there is a family history of nausea during pregnancy. In some cases, nausea can be linked to gastrointestinal conditions or sensitivities to certain smells or foods. Understanding these causes can help in managing symptoms and ensuring a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy.

Can prenatal vitamins make you sick?

The million dollar question: are your prenatal vitamins causing nausea and sickness, or are those just pregnancy symptoms? It’s hard to distinguish between the two – after all, your body is going through many physical and hormonal changes – but prenatal supplements can cause:

Nausea. One of the most frequently reported side effects of prenatal vitamins, nausea can be caused by a couple of different factors. The most common is the additional iron your body is receiving, which can cause digestive strain (we’ll explain why in just a bit). The size of your prenatal vitamin can also trigger nausea as you try to swallow it and even the smell can upset your stomach.

Bloating. Most prenatal supplements include omega-3, a fatty acid that plays an important role in your baby’s brain and retina development. However, if you’re particularly sensitive to omega-3 or fish oil, this ingredient can cause bloating and gassiness.

Constipation. For many women, prenatal vitamins and constipation come hand in hand. Once again, the iron in the supplement can often be the culprit of this discomfort, as it slows down your digestive tract.

3 reasons your prenatal vitamin might make you sick

Before we get to the solution to these side effects of prenatal vitamins, it can help to understand why your supplement is making you feel nauseous. Although it can be tricky to pinpoint the exact reason, a few common causes are:

The iron in your prenatal vitamin makes you nauseous

We’ve mentioned iron a few times already and the truth is, although this nutrient is essential for preventing anemia and supporting your baby’s healthy growth, too much of it can easily irritate your stomach.

Finding a vitamin that provides you with the right amount of iron can go a long way in minimising nausea and constipation.

The folic acid is making you bloat

For many women, folic acid is a pre-natal vitamin must-have. However, this ingredient can cause bloating, nausea and loss of appetite. The good news is that these symptoms are often mild and short-lived.

Your body isn’t able to absorb your prenatal vitamin

It can take a few tries to find the right prenatal supplement for you, and right now you might just be taking one that is too difficult for your body to absorb.

If you suspect this is the case, it can be worth going through your supplement’s ingredients list with your doctor to check that it includes the nutrient forms your body can handle and avoids as many nasties as possible.

Why our Prenatal Plus is different

We’ve gone through the potential side effects of prenatal vitamins, and now on to the solution!

When it comes to prenatal vitamins, not all formulas are created equal. Vitable’s Prenatal Plus is thoughtfully designed to address common side effects of prenatal supplements while delivering optimal nutrition for a healthy pregnancy. Our premium formula contains 22 essential nutrients in their cleanest, most absorbable forms—without unnecessary fillers. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Methylated Folate (5-MTHF): Unlike synthetic folic acid, methylated folate is a naturally occurring form of folate that doesn’t need to be converted by your body. This ensures maximum bioavailability, making it easy for everyone to absorb and utilise, even for those with genetic variations that limit folate conversion. It plays a critical role in supporting healthy neural tube development in your baby.

Gentle Iron: Our chelated iron is combined with amino acids to improve absorption and reduce the risk of stomach discomfort. It provides essential support for increased blood volume during pregnancy, helping to maintain iron levels in the body.

Activated B Vitamins: Activated forms of B vitamins for better absorption.

Choline: An often-overlooked but vital nutrient, choline supports the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system. It is essential for healthy cell membranes and aids in preventing neural tube defects alongside folate.

Plus, our formulation is dairy and gluten-free, so you can take this vitamin even if you struggle with stomach sensitivities.

Tips for dealing with nausea from prenatal vitamins

If you are finding that your current prenatal is causing you to feel unwell, there are a few things you can do to stop nausea from affecting your day-to-day:

Change the vitamin you are taking

Reducing the side effects of prenatal vitamins can be as simple as trying a different one. Packed with more than 22 key nutrients, free from nasties and easy to digest, the Vitable Prenatal Plus ticks all the boxes you’re looking for, so why not give it a go?

Taking your vitamin at a different time of day

If you’ve been taking your prenatals in the morning, they may be exacerbating your morning sickness. Instead, try taking them at the time of the day when you typically feel less nauseous.

Ensure to take your vitamins with food

Taking prenatal vitamins on an empty stomach is a no-no as it can easily make you feel sick. Make sure to always eat beforehand, even if it’s just a quick snack!

Talk to your doctor

If you’ve tried the tips above and nothing seems to be working, it may be time to ask your doctor for recommendations. They’ll be able to give you dietary and lifestyle advice to improve your well-being without giving up on your prenatal vitamins.

Read our Prenatal Vitamin Guide and learn even more about these essential supplements. Ready to try our Prenatal Vitamins? Take advantage of the delivery service now and start receiving your vitamins every month.

*Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Vitamin and/or mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.