Ask an OB/GYN: Should You Take a Prenatal Vitamin When You're Not Pregnant?

Ask an OB/GYN: Should You Take a Prenatal Vitamin When You're Not Pregnant?

By Jessica Lopez

Prenatal vitamins during pregnancy are an obvious yes, but are you considering popping prenatals when you’re not pregnant? There’s plenty of motivation to do so, whether it’s for healthy hair and nails, fertility benefits or a nutritional boost.

We checked in with Perelel Medical Co-Founder, Dr. Banafsheh Bayati, MD, OB/GYN, FACOG to learn the possible benefits and risks of taking prenatals when you’re not pregnant.

Firstly, is it safe?

According to Dr. Bayati, yes—and even encouraged. “It is a very good idea to plan a pregnancy. However, over half of all pregnancies in the US are unplanned. Thus any woman of reproductive years should consider taking at least a folate supplement regularly, if not a prenatal vitamin.”

There are exceptions to be aware of: “Occasionally, there are reasons why you should not take a prenatal vitamin that contains certain ingredients, like iron for those with an iron storage disease,” says Dr. Bayati.

"This is exactly why it’s important to discuss your plans with your doctor and find the right prenatals for you," she cautions.

Are there benefits to taking a prenatal when not pregnant?

“Prenatals are great for your skin, hair and nails as well as for energy and mood. Supplements, however, should be taken with care to make sure they are clean and smartly designed for your needs. They can be prescribed to help patients who are looking to optimize their health,” Dr. Bayati says.

Will a prenatal help me get pregnant?

“Prenatal vitamins definitely aid in having a healthier pregnancy," says Dr. Bayati. "In regards to infertility, CoQ10 has been shown to help aid both male and female fertility. But finding the right prenatal or supplements is smarter than just taking anything over the counter.”

When should I begin taking prenatals if I’m thinking about trying to conceive in the future?

“It is a very good idea to prepare for your pregnancy at least six to 12 months ahead of conception,” Dr. Bayati suggests.

“It is best to find out if you have any risk factors or important family history to consider before conception. And part of this includes being placed on an optimal prenatal vitamin that is right for you.”

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This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.