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When should I take prenatal vitamins?
Q:What is the best time of day to take my prenatal vitamins? I’ve tried taking them in the morning when I first wake up so that I don’t forget to take them, but then my stomach is upset and I feel nauseated. I’m not sure if I have to take them with food or not. What do you suggest?
— Submitted by Lindsay in Burlington, VT
Dr. Craig Bissinger
Obstetrics & Gynecology
A:Dear Lindsay,
Most prenatal vitamins come with a recommendation to take them on an empty stomach. Unfortunately, many of my patients experience nausea when they take their vitamins this way. I suggest taking them with meals or right before bedtime.
Lindsay, why don’t you ask your doctor if you can try a different vitamin? Most obstetricians have a closet filled with vitamin samples. You may be surprised how differently each vitamin reacts with your stomach—do your own taste test and pick the best one.
Most prenatal vitamins come with a recommendation to take them on an empty stomach. Unfortunately, many of my patients experience nausea when they take their vitamins this way. I suggest taking them with meals or right before bedtime.
Lindsay, why don’t you ask your doctor if you can try a different vitamin? Most obstetricians have a closet filled with vitamin samples. You may be surprised how differently each vitamin reacts with your stomach—do your own taste test and pick the best one.
