Are these Ok while pregnant?

[callieollie]

I'm taking a prenatal vitamin plus a separate B complex (I took it with prometrium since I have low progesterone).  I periodically take Vitamin D (mainly in the winter when I get no sun) and echinacea, especially if I feel like I'm getting sick or if I'm exposed to someone sick.  My ds is sick now and I really don't want to get sick, especially since I'm just 5 weeks pregnant and very nervous about miscarrying again and because I don't want to be sick over Christmas!  But I wasn't sure if it was Ok to take vitamin D (it would be 400ius, which is in addition to what's in my multi vitamin so it would be 1200ius total) or echinacea. Anyone know if those are OK to take?  Thanks!

[Oregonicmama]

Yes they are ok to take.  I am sick right now and have been drinking 2 cups of echinacea tea daily.  My midwife also suggested taking a double dose of vit. D everyday until I feel better.  Normally I take 400 IU, now I'm taking 800 IU (in addition to the 400 IU in my prenatal).  I had never heard about taking vit D for colds , etc. before, but my midwife says it works great. 

[annie2186]

There was a study done recently where the pregnant ladies took 4,000IU of vitamin D3 daily and had lower cases of premature labor, pre-eclampsia, etc.

I think someone even posted it on here - let me see if I can bump it.

But yes - vitamin D3 is AMAZING! My kids are usually sick all winter (as in runny noses and coughs) but so far nothing this year! 

[lillymonster]

I was told by a midwife to take something like 6,000 to 10,000 iu of vit d while pregnant. I don't take that much, maybe more like 2-4,000 iu daily.  I have been using Vit D for colds, telling my DH to take a lot and giving a lot to my daughter when she has the sniffles. I swear it knocked DH cold out in 1/2 a day, which is what it does with my daughter. *knock on wood* I haven't been sick this pregnancy at all and I am 37 weeks.  I am a believer now in the wonders of vit D. Yes, it is okay to take!

[DanielleT]

My daily vit routine is my prenatal, 2000 vit C, 5000 vit D (will lower come spring) and i just started taking a cal/mag combo just one a day right now but plan to up it...PLUS what ever i get from the food i eat....I don't know about the echinacea though, not something i take...if i do get sick i tend to lean towards just lemon honey tea but i haven't been sick once since i upped my vit D and C and i have school age children and run a dayhome where i am constantly wiping snoty noses...

[Oregonicmama]

Wow!  I had no idea I needed to take that much vitamin D!  The ones I have are only 400 IU.  I will be going to buy some bigger pills tomorrow and hopefully nip this flu-type thing in the bud.

[trekkingirl]

I would talk to your  HCP before adding more vit D. I know certain levels are unsafe during pregnancy. Not sure how much but your HCP would know.

[jwoodbri]

Honestly not all HCP would know about vitamin d levels. My OBGYN sure doesn't. Not a clue. I take usually at least 2-4,000iu daily (not counting whatever is in my multi) and much more than that when sick probably 10-12,000. I have my blood levels checked and they came by 52. The nurse said the normal range is from 30-100 so I consider that to still be on the low end. I keep meaning to raise my dose but I honestly I keep forgetting to take my vitamins!

[I Need Coffee]

My doctor actually prescribed me to take 4,000IU  Vitamin D daily. It is very safe, and helpful.

They actually think being Vitamin D deficient, may be a link to autism.

[Oregonicmama]

So glad I found this thread.  After taking 7000 IU of vit D last night and 10000 IU today I am finally starting to feel better.  We even got tangerine flavored vit D "dots" for the kids.  the last thing I need at Christmas is 3 sick kiddos. 

[HawaiianBlesing]

There is a great study somewhere (I think NVIC) about the benefits of vit D.  If taken October thru March (if not pregnant) it significantly reduces the likelihood of getting the flu.

It also has amazing results in children with asthma.  It was shown to decrease the incidence of asthma related illness in children. 

I currently take around 4000 iu but probably should be getting more. 

I know they recommend the D3 variety and not the one supplemented with vit A due to the risk of birth defects.