Prenatal Vitamin Side Effects

Prenatal vitamins play an important role in a healthy pregnancy. A prenatal vitamin is a multivitamin that gives the mother-to-be a complete vitamin supplement including extra folic acid, calcium and iron that are crucial to the baby's development. Prenatal vitamins can be difficult to take in early pregnancy due to morning sickness. Even after morning sickness subsides, there can be some side effects associated with prenatal vitamins.

Headache

Headaches can be a common side effect of taking prenatal vitamins. Ask your doctor about medications that may be safe for your to take to relieve a headache.

Nausea

Some women become nauseated or have a sour stomach after taking prenatal vitamins. This side effect sometimes passes once you are into the second trimester of pregnancy.

Altered Taste

One of the unpleasant, yet harmless side effects of prenatal vitamins can be an aftertaste. You may have a bad taste in your mouth or find that foods do not taste quite like they should.

Reaction to Iron

If your prenatal vitamin contains iron, you may experience the unpleasant side effect of constipation. Drink extra water to help combat this side effect.

Allergic Reaction

If you develop hives, notice swelling in your facial area (including your throat) or have trouble breathing, seek medical care as soon as possible. These side effects could mean that you are allergic to one of the ingredients in your prenatal vitamins.