When you are expecting, you must ensure you receive all the nutrients required for good fetal development. Among the crucial nutrients for both mother and child are folic acid, vitamin D, calcium, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Eating a balanced meal is an excellent method to receive some of these vitamins, but it may not always be feasible to get the necessary daily dose of all vitamins and minerals through diet alone. As a result, it is common for doctors to recommend extra supplements to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

The essence of taking proper vitamins and supplements can not be overemphasized. However, each vitamin has a recommended daily allowance (RDA), and exceeding these quantities can result in vitamin toxicity or overdose.

Vitamins & supplements overdose during pregnancy

Do you know you might be consuming too many vitamins and supplements? In an attempt to be consistent and accountable in taking prescribed medication, you might fall short and overdo it. 

If you have been prescribed a supplement or vitamin and it's stated that you "take twice or thrice daily," i.e take tablets in the morning, afternoon, or night. You may forget to take it in the afternoon, and you decide to take four tablets instead of two at night to cover up for the one you missed. This might seem fine, but in the true sense, it's an overdose.

Getting the right nutrition is crucial for healthy fetal growth throughout pregnancy, and taking a multivitamin in addition to other vitamins could entice you.

Taking more vitamins than what is advised daily might result in vitamin overdose. This may happen if you take multiple multivitamins or different vitamins in addition to the multivitamin, as stated above in this article. 

Even while all vitamins can be harmful if taken in excess, calcium and iron provide the most toxic dangers. You should take a multivitamin, but it is preferable to consult your doctor before taking any additional vitamins to prevent an overdose.

What happens if I overdose on vitamins and supplements during pregnancy?

Prenatal multivitamins contain vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as certain minerals, which, when taken in excess, can have major side effects or even kill the developing fetus.

The following are symptoms that may occur due to an overdose of vitamins and supplements:

• Hair loss. 
• Dry skin. 
• Rash. 
• Stomach pain. 
• Vomiting. 
• Diarrhea. 
• Constipation. 
• Loss of appetite. 
• Increased thirst or urination. 
• Weight loss. 
• Confusion. 
• Weakness and drowsiness. 
• Joint pain & muscle weakness. 
• Severe headache. 
• Tingly sensations. 
• Irregular heartbeats. 
• Yellowing of your skin; or 
• Unusual bleeding.

How should I take vitamins and supplements during pregnancy?

It is always best to follow the instructions on the label or as suggested by your doctor. When using prenatal vitamins or supplements, never exceed the suggested dosage. Do not self-medicate. Your doctor will direct you on the appropriate dosage to prevent an overdose. 

Minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, are also present in many multivitamins or supplement formulations.

These minerals can have negative side effects, including tooth discoloration, frequent urination, gastrointestinal bleeding, irregular heartbeat, disorientation, and a limp or weakened feeling in the muscles (particularly when taken in high dosages). Any multivitamin supplement you use should have a label that you read to see what ingredients are in it.

An overdose can be detrimental to the health of your baby. It can also lead to congenital defects in your baby. 

What is the appropriate way to ingest prenatal vitamins and supplements?

Some of the appropriate ways to ingest prenatal vitamins and supplements include: 

1. A full glass of water should be consumed together with your prenatal vitamins and supplements.
2.  
3. Completely swallow the standard pill or capsule. Never open, eat, shatter, or crush it.
4.  
5. Before swallowing the chewable pill, you must first chew it.
6.  
7. Any instructions for use that come with the oral powder should be carefully read and followed.
8.  
9. Away from moisture, light, and heat, keep the product in its original container at room temperature.

Too much of a good thing might be damaging to your health. It is entirely possible to take too much or too strong prenatal vitamins, but as much as possible, it should be avoided.

You should also know the vitamins and minerals included in any additional supplements or consumables you take. Some vitamins and minerals might be toxic in excess for you or your unborn child.

Mama, you can drop your questions in the comment section. We are always happy to help you out. Don't forget to like and share. 

Stay PreggySafe!

Join over 200,000 Nigerian preggos in the largest online antenatal class, PreggClass. Not all your antenatal concerns and questions will be answered in the hospital. With only N10,000, you gain 24/7 access to medical professionals, practical classes, live sessions, labour, delivery and motherhood classes. For more information, contact us on WhatsApp.