Ask a Monte Doc Featuring Ellen Landsberger, MD, MS

Q: I'M TRYING TO GET PREGNANT. I TAKE A MULTIVITAMIN EVERY DAY. IS THAT ENOUGH TO PREPARE ME FOR PREGNANCY?
A: Your doctor can prescribe prescription prenatal vitamins that contain the proper dosages of vitamins and minerals you’ll need during your pregnancy. Taking a multivitamin that contains 400 micrograms of folic acid before you become pregnant is one of the most important things you can do for your unborn baby. Folic acid is a B vitamin that dramatically reduces the risk of neural tube defects and some congenital heart diseases. But to be effective, women must take it during the three months before they conceive and during the early months of pregnancy.

Q: SHOULD I TAKE MEGADOSES OF VITAMINS DURING PREGNANCY?
A: I don’t recommend that women take megadoses of vitamins and supplements during pregnancy. In fact, taking high doses of some vitamins actually can be harmful. Too much vitamin A, for example, can cause birth defects including malformations of the head, heart, brain and spinal cord. Talk with your doctor if you don’t have enough calcium in your diet. He or she may recommend that you take a calcium supplement because most prenatal vitamins don’t contain adequate levels of calcium. Your doctor also may advise you to take iron supplements if you are or become anemic during pregnancy.

Q: DO I NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THE FOODS I'M EATING IF I'M TAKING PRENATAL VITAMINS?
A: Prenatal vitamins are supplements only. It’s important for you to eat well during your pregnancy because you and your baby will be healthier if you get most of the nutrients you need from the foods you eat. Your doctor can give you advice if you’re having trouble eating because of morning sickness or you’re having excessive cravings for unusual foods.