Isn’t it ironic how a pregnant body rejects something it really needs? The moment your body needs extra nutritional support, it decides it doesn’t want anything to do with food or supplements. Getting all the essential nutrients and vitamins for a healthy pregnancy is a top priority, but for many mothers, the first trimester comes with a tough challenge: morning sickness. The thing that is meant to support the health of a mother during this time can trigger or worsen nausea.
Prenatal vitamins have a high iron content, but they also provide folic acid, choline,and DHA that the baby needs for neural and physical development. If any of your loved ones are pregnant, let them know these tips on how to make the consumption of these tablets a little easier.
Timing is Everything
Taking tablets on an empty stomach has always been talked against. Pregnancy hormones peak in the mornings, which results in a sensitive stomach. Taking prenatals first thing in the morning increases the chances of vomiting because of the metallic aftertaste.
With a Snack
Instead of taking your prenatals before or immediately after your meal, try taking them in between. This sandwiches the vitamins between the food,
The Bedtime Dose
Take your prenatal vitamins before going to bed so you can sleep through the peak digestion period, often bypassing the nausea entirely.
Seek Out Gentle Formulations
Not all iron is created equal. Standard ferrous sulphate can be harsh, so look for prenatal vitamins that utilize ferrous bisglycinate (often labelled as ‘gentle iron’). This chelated form is absorbed more efficiently in the gut, significantly reducing the risk of nausea and constipation.
Use Chasers That Work
Instead of plain water, try consuming your vitamins with different flavoured beverages. Plain water can often feel heavy on an upset stomach.
Iced Cold Smoothies
The coldness numbs your tongue, and its thickness helps the tablet go down more easily.
Ginger or Peppermint Tea
Both of these are natural antiemetics that soothe the stomach during and after consuming anything.
The Power of Vitamin B6
Clinical studies have shown that Vitamin B6 can significantly reduce the severity of morning sickness; therefore, some premium prenatal lines include a higher dose of B6 specifically for this reason. If yours doesn’t, talk to your doctor about adding a separate B6 supplement to your morning routine to pave the way for your full prenatal later in the day.
Conclusion
While a little pill dread is normal, you shouldn’t be in constant distress. If you’re experiencing Hyperemesis Gravidarum (severe and persistent vomiting) and cannot keep your vitamins or water down, you should consult your healthcare provider immediately. They may suggest a temporary switch to a folic-acid-only supplement until your second trimester, when nausea typically subsides.
Ready to find a formula that fits your lifestyle? Browse Dame Health’s prenatal and baby nutrition collection for options designed to support you and your baby without the struggle.
