NFP/Doctor Question

DFWIndian · June 2011

Sorry Ladies if this has been asked before. Did anyone get the recommendation from their OB to start taking Pre-natal Vitamins? When I went in for my annual she said just in case of an "oopsy"(yes she used this word) I should start taking pre-nanal vitamins. FI and I don't plan on having kids for a couple year or a year at least since I'm thinking of going to school again. I'm on my 5th cycle and tracking has been great. I'm ready to "try it out," but I didn't know if this is something common and if I should go out and buy some before the wedding.

TIA

Calypso1977 · June 2011

my doctor did not recommend these. i cant imagine why you woud unless you were actively trying.

methinks your doctor is just skeptical that NFP really works.

also, there are many, many babies conceived each year whose moms werent on pre-natals. even if you had an "oopsy", its not like the baby will be really ill or have issues if you didnt pop a prenatal, especially if you are a healthy eater in general.

ring_pop · June 2011

Long before we started TTC, my doctor recommended taking a women's daily vitamin with at least 0.4mg of folic acid. She said that if we eventually planned to start TTC, it would be a good idea to build up the stores of folic acid.

Prenatal vitamins contain around 0.8 - 1.0 mg folic acid, among other things. It probably won't hurt you to take them now but I don't think it's absolutely necessary. I only started once I got pregnant.

ETA: The folic acid is for prevention of neural tube defects

caitriona87 · June 2011

It does sound like your doctor just isn't informed about NFP. However, taking a prenatal certainly couldn't hurt since, like ringpop said, it's best to have the stores of folic acid built up prior to conceiving. Some women also notice pleasant side effects like nicer hair & nails from taking prenatals. And then if you do end up discerning that God is calling to TCW/TTC on short notice, it's one less thing to worry about.

DFWIndian · June 2011

I thought it was because she didn't trust NFP. I just wanted to make sure. If we do have a baby at anytime we will be excited, but I'll look into taking something. I will also have to look into seeing if I can find a more NFP friendly doctor.

catarntina · June 2011

You don't need prenatals unless you're actively trying to conceive or you're pregnant. Prenatals typically have a very large amount of Iron in them which can actually not be good if you're aren't TTC/pregnant.

You can take a regular multi-vitamin (like One-A-Day Women's for instance). Before I was TTC, I took a multi-vitamin each day and it really helped mkae my cycles more regular. My periods were shorter by about 2 days, less cramping, CM was easier to detect. But there's absolutely no law that says you have to take a vitamin if you're using NFP.

It's really silly she recommended you take a prenatal incase of an "oopsy."

ETA: I started taking a prenatal 3 months before I got pregnant. I told my doctor at my annual that I wanted to start TTC and she prescribed one for me.

jazzybacc · June 2011

Agreed. What to expect before you're expecting also says you should get folic acid in your system up to a year before you're TTC, but I think all women should take it regularly anyway--granted I'm no doctor. It's not going to hurt you to take prenatal vitamins but not necessary. I take Womens1/day and it's actually pretty comparable to prenatals.

professorscience · June 2011

Prenatals have really high levels of iron (like 400% DV) and other minerals, so I wouldn't think it would be healthy to be taking them long-term without carrying a baby. I agree with PPs, a women's multi vitamin would probably be better.

clearheavens · June 2011

My OB/Gyn had me take pre-natal vitamins one year before we will get married. We're chaste so there will be no oopsie, as I explained to her. But she said it cannot hurt even if I'm TTA as long as I take as directed.

Having said that, if TTA and having to choose between an OTC women's one-a-day or pre-natals, I would choose the one-a-day because there's more calcium. You're more likely to need calcium than the extra folic acid.

Mayo Clinic advises to take vitamins tailored to your age, sex, and needs:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prenatal-vitamins/AN01665

mica178 · June 2011

If you plan to TTA for a few months, then switch to TTC, you can start the prenatal vitamins early. Otherwise, they have a lot of iron that you don't need (unless you get really heavy menses), so you can just pick a woman's multivitamin.

DFWIndian · June 2011

I'm anemic so I already take an Iron supplement. This maybe why she advised it. Since you guys were saying it. My iron levels are low and it may take more for me to get my levels up then a normal person.

Equine Osmosis · June 2011

I'm in the medical field (still in school) and the main reason for taking vitamins before conceiving is because of the folic acid. It is critical for normal cell division and with an embryo going through very rapid cell division much can go wrong if the cells can't divide properly. The most important time for a baby to get adequate amounts is in the very early stages usually before a woman even knows she's pregnant. If a woman is deficient and finds out she's pregnant at 4 weeks (or whenever) damage may already be done. So that's why it's important in case of an "oopsy."

Of course NFP couples are so much more in tune with what's happening so an "oopsy" is not likely, however, it's still good to be up on your supply of folic acid (and all B vits in general).

Anemia from iron deficiency is very common with women so definitely follow her recommendations for the intake you need. If you're not sure how much to take definitely press her for more specific guidelines so you're where you need to be whether or not you're TTC.

Good luck!

Oh, and btw I'm just starting to read TCOYF and I love it so far! Can't wait to get finished so I can share it with my school friends!

Calypso1977 · June 2011

equine, i can understand that, but if its that big a deal for an "oopsy" then why are they only singling out the NFP'ers to prescribe this vitamin? shouldnt tehy be prescribing it to all women of child bearing age?

also, folic acid (as with all vitamins) can be found in food. i think as long as a woman is eating a healthy, balanced diet, a pre-natal isnt necessary in case of an "oopsy". id personally only start taking one if i were intentionally trying to conceive. BUT, i of course am not a doctor.

Davesgrl2011 · June 2011

Ive been taking Pre-Natal vitamins ever since I got engaged. But then, I am anemic. I stopped taking my iron pill and switched to the pre-natal. However, I've been noticing that I am getting major headaches, which is unusual for me. Do you think it is the vitamins?

Jay&Marissa · June 2011

I see a CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife), and she said recommended the same thing. I let it slide, but it did bug me a little. We were married at that point, though.

Ironically, because of NFP, I suspected I was pregnant a good 7 days before my expected period and knew for sure 3 days before. Ironic that we are the ones who are supposed to be prepared for an "oopsie" when I think a good majority of non-NFP couples have no idea they are pregnant for a much longer time.

FWIW, I did take the pre-natals for the heck of it. The gummy ones taste okay, so why not, I guess? Unless I just overdosed on iron for 6 unneeded months!

FYI--Since I know you are in the same area as me, I believe there are at least 2 NFP-only docs in DFW. However, I specifically chose not to go with them because I'm pretty set on having a natural (hospital) birth, felt a CNM would best meet my needs, and wanted continuity of care from normal gyn checkups to prenatal appts. My mother has seen the NFP Doc in Denton and couldn't positively recommend him to me as someone that would be a good fit for my birth plans.

DFWIndian · June 2011

Marrissa I'll fb message you!

NFP/Doctor Question

Re: NFP/Doctor Question

Choose Another Board

Search Boards