Pregnancy Drug Dangers (cont.)
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 Are vitamins safe for me while I am pregnant?
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Regular multivitamins and prenatal vitamins are safe to take during pregnancy and can be helpful. Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should take a daily multivitamin or prenatal vitamin that contains at least 400 micrograms (µg) of folic acid. It is best to start taking these vitamins before you become pregnant or if you could become pregnant. Folic acid reduces the chance of a baby having a neural tube defect, like spina bifida, where the spine or brain does not form the right way. See our information on Folic Acid. Iron can help prevent a low blood count (anemia). It's important to take the vitamin dose prescribed by your doctor. Too many vitamins can harm your baby. For example, very high levels of vitamin A have been linked with severe birth defects. Vaccines and Pregnancy Vaccines protect your body against dangerous diseases. Some vaccines are not safe to receive during pregnancy. For some vaccines, the decision to give a vaccine during pregnancy depends on a pregnant woman's own situation. Her doctor may consider these questions before giving a vaccine:
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that Hepatitis B vaccination should be considered when women are at risk for developing Hepatitis B during pregnancy, and inactivated influenza vaccine should be considered for women who are pregnant during flu season. On the other hand, a pregnant woman who is not immune to rubella (German measles) is not given a rubella vaccine until after pregnancy. Talk with your doctor to make sure you are fully protected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides vaccine guidelines for pregnant women. Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Pregnancy and Drugs - Prescriptions
Question: If you had a pre-existing health condition, did you stop or continue to take medication during your pregnancy?
Pregnancy and Drugs - Vitamins
Question: What vitamins did you take during pregnancy, and did you discuss taking them with your doctor first?
Pregnancy and Drugs - Herbs
Question: What herbal remedies or natural products did you take during your pregnancy, and did you talk to your doctor?
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