Vitamins before or during pregnancy (fertility, medicine, safety, natural)

[Sleddog905]

I was speaking with my OB the other day and she mentioned that before I go off of the pill (if I do), then I should start taking vitamins a month before. But she also said that they should not have any herbs in them. Naturally, the vitamins I take (from Whole Foods) do have some herbs. I know the FDA hasn't approved these herbs during pregnancy, but has anyone taken vitamins with herbs while pregnant? Any different advice from your doctors?

I always kinda laugh when they refer to herbs as "alternative" medicine, when they've been around thousands of years longer than modern medicine. Just because the FDA hasn't approved it certainly doesn't mean it will cause us harm. Just thought I'd see what other women thought about this.

Thanks!

[NCN]

I think you should listen to your doctor.

[*Danielle*]

I think maybe because they(herbs) are not regulated that the medical field is probably unsure if there will be any effects on a developing fetus...So best to her knowledge, it is probably safer to not take any herbs for the safety of a developing babe......

[crazyme4878]

Some doctors are better educated in the field of herbs than others. If you are concerned, I would ask around for a more holistic doctor that is reliable and get a second opinion. Although, I wouldn't personally on this issue--it doesn't seem worth the trouble.

Anyhow, my doctor was more holistic and suggested a herbal tea blend which helps strenthen the uteurus. Something with raspberry leaves and alfalfa and something else I think...the blend has been used for eons. But there are definitely some herbs that could abort a pregnancy, and probably other things.

What you really want is natal vitamins, anyhow.

[Sleddog905]

Since I've brought up this topic, is there a particular brand that is recommended more than others? I do prefer to take whole food supplements, but most of them are more likely to contain herbs. I have been taking New Chapter Organics and they do sell a pre-natal vitamin, but again, there are some herbs in that variety too.

I'm not really specifically looking to take any herbs before or during pregnancy, it's just that most of the brands that I'm familiar with contain them.

Thanks again!

[Sampaguita]

I took herbs while trying to get pregnant but with the combined supervision of my reproductive endocrinologist and my acupuncturist who specializes in infertility. I did not take any herbs while pregnant - just pre-natals & folic acid for the entire pregnancy. Some of that stuff is just plain ol' expensive!

If you do want to take herbs, you need to consult someone who is familiar with reproductive medicine (whether eastern or western) because there are some herbs that are not conducive to achieving pregnancy and/or promote uterine contractions. I do know that the raspberry tea leaves are often used in conjunction with infertility treatments and acupuncture.

[max's mama]

Originally Posted by Sleddog905

Since I've brought up this topic, is there a particular brand that is recommended more than others? I do prefer to take whole food supplements, but most of them are more likely to contain herbs. I have been taking New Chapter Organics and they do sell a pre-natal vitamin, but again, there are some herbs in that variety too.

I'm not really specifically looking to take any herbs before or during pregnancy, it's just that most of the brands that I'm familiar with contain them.

Thanks again!

I had researched a lot of prenatals prior to pregnancy and the best ones on the market (that I found) are New Chapter Perfect Prenatals. So you go for it! The herbs in those prenatals are safe for pregnant women, they are very mild.

[Sleddog905]

Max's mama,

Can I ask where you found information about New Chapter Perfect Prenatals? I've been doing some research on the net, but haven't seen much so far. Women seem to like them, but I read one article that said they didn't absorb as well as they were supposed to (from 2004).

Did your doctor know you were taking these vitamins?

[max's mama]

Originally Posted by Sleddog905

Max's mama,

Can I ask where you found information about New Chapter Perfect Prenatals? I've been doing some research on the net, but haven't seen much so far. Women seem to like them, but I read one article that said they didn't absorb as well as they were supposed to (from 2004).

Did your doctor know you were taking these vitamins?

To be honest, it was my personal observation. I definitely think that they would absorb much better then synthetic vitamins, since they are food-based. Additionally, they didn't make me sick. I just researched other prenatals on the market and made a conclusion that those were the best ones. My husband is in alternative medicine, so I know a thing or two about that stuff. My naturopathic doctor also said that they are good in comparison to the rest of the stuff on the market. So, yes, it's my personal opinion that New Chapter Prenatals are the best ones. Also Rainbow Light seem to have a good reputation as well.
I didn't tell my doctor what I take, because really, what does mainstream OBGYN know about nutrition and supplementation? Nothing.

Oh, and you know what else I highly recommend during pregnancy: good quality (not cheap stuff), moleculary distilled cod liver oil and virgin coconut oil.

[doulamama]

I think you should listen to your doctor personally. But my doctor put me on prenatal vitamins! I guess they have all you need, and can take them without being pregnant! Are you trying to become pregnant?