Need a pregnancy multi vitamin that is safe but doesn't block intestine

[Nobabyyet]

I have had to stop taking pregnacare as the iron in it has made me terribly constipated (so much so i spent an evening in A&E abd how have haemaroids) all the multi vitamins i see have Iron and some have vit A which im not allowed. Anyone had this problem and found a solution or veen recommended anything? I'm only 7 weeks so dont have a midwife yet to ask. Any help would ve greatly appreciated

[Cheekymonkey85]

You don't necessarily need a multivit, you could take individual folic acid & vitamin d. both a much cheaper option too x

[Nobabyyet in reply to Cheekymonkey85]

Thanks.

[Baypony]

I just took folic acid and vitamin D too. No other vitamins. If you want to spend out on some without the ingredients you mention Seven Seas do one, it’s in a light purple packet. Quite expensive though! I’ve managed to get round the constipation so far with 2 bowls of own brand all bran per day. It’s gross but it works. Best of luck for the rest of your pregnancy 👍

[Nobabyyet in reply to Baypony]

Thanks. I hate all bran lol but might be worth a go

[Hidden]

Gosh those giant multi vits are difficult for lots of people to take aren't they! You poor thing. I didn't get on with either pregna are or seven seas myself, dodgy tummy with them.

You could try a liquid iron like Spatone (it's a bit pricey though) tastes fine in water or juic if you think you need iron, otherwise the key ones are folic & vit d. I also take B12 because I don't eat dairy or eat much meat, and a vegan omega 3 . Good luck x

[Wishingfortheday]

I still get constipation with folic acid and vit D tablets, I've been told this is caused by pregnancy hormone levels, which can't be avoided! So I avoid eating too much of the foods that can contribute to constipation (underripe bananas, red meat, eggs, etc), stay well hydrated, and for breakfast eat high-bran cereal like bran flakes with a couple of pitted prunes in a separate bowl. Not a tasty or glamourous breakfast lol, but has helped me be a lot more comfortable.

[Hidden]

Hi,

Constipation is frequent during the pregnancy. The iron is only one of the causes. The main reason for constipation is pregnancy hormone levels, specially progesterone.

In my case, the fact that I stopped drinking coffee and other drinks with caffeine and that I became less active (had to rest a lot due to spotting and bleeding) also complicated things.

The solution I found was to ate 2 prunes + 2 kiwis per day. It really helps my bowel mouvements. Also don't forget to stay hydrated.

Good luck! xx

[QT314]

Hi,

I'm 38 weeks pregnant and I've been taking seven seas throughout my pregnancy. I just checked and I don't think it contains any vitamin a. It does contain iron (probably all of them) but it has added ginger that helps with constipation. It's much cheaper than pregnacare.

Otherwise folic acid and vitamin d like other posters suggested should be fine for now and once you have a mw they can recommend you one.

Good luck with everything

[prayingforamiracle82]

Hi, I’ve just read your previous posts as I’m in a similar(ish) situation and seen that you are pregnant! Congratulations! So I’m just wondering how you’re getting on? So lovely to read a success story 😊

[Nobabyyet in reply to prayingforamiracle82]

Im getting on okay thanks. 21 weeks at this point. Was waiting on my free Nhs go and as it was close had stopped thinking about and maybe given up on idea of getting pregnant naturally and then it happened. It may have been the taking my mind off it (though hate when people say that as it is impossible to just put having a baby out of your mind on purpose and somehow makes it feel like its your fault that its not happening? Also was starting to following rebecca fetts supplement plan for low amh and preparing for ivf. Also had started taking optibac for ladies parts which levels the PH. I had suffered bouts of BV and strep in the past so wanted to make sure the area was a good ph. Anyway i hope you get your baby soon as i know how painful it can be when it doesn't seem to be happening.xxx

[prayingforamiracle82 in reply to Nobabyyet]

Hi, thanks so much for getting back to me! Wonderful news that you conceived naturally, I’m so pleased for you! Yes, it is hard to just put it out of your mind unfortunately. I received the need that my AMH was less than 1 over Christmas and we have an appointment on 5th Feb to discuss our options. I’m feeling very low at the moment about it all. Had more tears this evening - you know what it’s like, just horrible

Your story has made me see a glimmer of hope so thank you. I know your AMH levels were higher than mine but as I’m sure you’ll understand, I’m taking hope anywhere I can find it atm. I haven’t heard of Rebecca Fetts so I will look into her, thank you.

Congratulations again on your wonderful baby news xx

[Nobabyyet]

The it starts with the egg book is worth its weight in gold. I only really focused on the section that suggested the supplements for my situation and it was very informative. Also just so you know i had a second AMH test just a few weeks after the private clinic at the nhs hospital and the result was 5.9 (original test 1.7) so i think they can vary considerably and AMH doesn't rule anything out anyway its just an indicator but all it takes is one good quality egg each time your body is trying to conceive. I wish i hadn't let it scare me so much i rushed into expensive private treatment so soon and didnt just wait for the nhs round. Easy to say in hindsight after the IVF didn't work though i guess. I'm sure your time will come and i wish you luck and help dealing with the journey until it does.x

[prayingforamiracle82 in reply to Nobabyyet]

I’ve purchased that book last night. Hoping to get a chance to read it properly over the weekend

Thank you for the reassurance regarding the AMH test as I have been so down since finding out so it’s really helped to read your story and hear what you have to say.

What prenatal supplements did you take? I am on pregnacare conception but saw that Rebecca Fett says one of its ingredients - L-Arginine is bad for you :/

[Nobabyyet in reply to prayingforamiracle82]

I took proceive max and bought additional things from book to supplement it. Also took optibac tablets for women for balance in the cervix which i think were really good and have continued taking them throughout my pregnancy in case that was what was preventing my getting pregnant (i have no way of knowing but its just a feeling so want to keep the environment optimal throughout my pregnancy to stop anything going wrong....you'd think the worrying would be over when you finally get pregnant but it doesn't stop

[prayingforamiracle82 in reply to Nobabyyet]

Thanks so much for all the info I really appreciate it

I can imagine the worrying doesn’t stop. Actually being pregnant must start a whole new lot of worries! I’m sure all will be fine for you now though. I’m so glad you’ve finally got your baby on the way and am genuinely so happy for you! 😊

Thanks so much for taking the time to help me out. I wish you all the very best with the rest of your pregnancy, the birth and of course your much longed for bundle of joy ❤️ xxx

[Girl_fiend]

I was told that you don't need to take pregnacare till 12 weeks anyway, just the folic acid & vit D. As far as I know, no branded pregnacare vit contains vit A because its not advisable or needed during pregnancy.