Worried about prenatal vitamins

[Octobermama]

I think this fits with the "paranoid freak" thread a little but I decided to start a new thread! I am worried I haven't been getting enough vitamins, specifically foilc acid. I was pretty good about taking my vitamins a couple of months ago in preparation for possibly conceiving. Then I just kept forgetting in the month or so immediately before conceiving. I probably took them 2-3 times a week. After finding out I was pregnant I have been doing better about remembering (although I still have forgotten!) Then, I just read on the bottle that I am suppose to take TWO pills daily to get a full, 100% dose. So basically, even the days I have remembered, I have only been getting half of what baby needs! I nearly always remembered with my other 2 pregnancies so now I am worried our baby will suffer from spina bifida or something else! Help!

[Thalia]

Don't forget that you get folic acid/folate from food sources, too. My breakfast cereal has 400 mcg in one serving alone! It's hard not to worry, but remember that none of our mothers or grandmothers were urged to take folic acid, and most of us turned out just fine!

[meggles]

I think the "recommended" dose is higher than we actually need because, as Thalia pointed out, we likely get plenty of folic acid through our food. I wouldn't stress about it. Try to remember to take them now, if you can. I put all of my vitamins for the day (6 divided prenatals, 2 fish oil capsules, and an active folic acid vitamin) in a little cup or baggie so that I can remember to take them all by the time evening rolls around.

A little mantra might serve you well (I know it's definitely been helping me to be more relaxed and less paranoid). I've been repeating "My baby is healthy and happy and growing perfectly" to myself whenever I start to worry. Focus on all of the good things you are doing for your baby!

[earthie_mama]

Originally Posted by meggles

A little mantra might serve you well (I know it's definitely been helping me to be more relaxed and less paranoid). I've been repeating "My baby is healthy and happy and growing perfectly" to myself whenever I start to worry. Focus on all of the good things you are doing for your baby!

Good thiking Meggles!!! I'll definately be adopting this.

[swtpesq]

As my doctor said when I expressed a similar concern, the very fact that you're worried about such things suggests that you're probably eating better and taking better care of yourself than a majority of moms-to-be and you probably have nothing to worry about!

[Octobermama]

Thanks everyone! I feel better. I am going to call my new midwife and ask if she recommends a certain kind then put them into one of those weekly pill things that old people use to help me remember!