Multivitamins and pregnancy: what you need to know

Your weight loss surgery was already a huge step. And now, you might be thinking about the next big step: having a child! But how exactly do your multivitamins fit into this? Can you continue taking them, and do you need anything else?

We’ve compiled frequently asked questions about multivitamins during pregnancy for you.

Can I continue taking my WLS multivitamin during pregnancy?

Yes, the advice is to continue taking your FitForMe WLS multivitamin. Due to the stomach reduction, you get fewer nutrients and absorb less. This increases the risk of deficiencies, which can affect not only you but also the baby in your womb during pregnancy.

Therefore, it's especially important to consistently take your WLS multivitamins to ensure your body gets what it needs.

Which vitamins are important during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, certain vitamins are particularly important, regardless of whether you've had a weight loss surgery. Folic acid is the most important of these. Vitamin D is also commonly recommended. However, with vitamin A, you need to be careful not to take too much.

FitForMe WLS multivitamins meet these guidelines. If you're using a different supplement, you can read more about this below.

Folic acid

Folic acid (vitamin B11) plays an important role in the development of the baby in your womb. Unfortunately, your body cannot produce folic acid on its own, so you need to get enough of it through food, such as vegetables and whole grain products.

The general advice is to start taking a folic acid supplement as soon as you stop taking the pill and try to conceive. The recommended dose is 400 mcg per day.

If you’re using a FitForMe WLS multivitamin, you’re already getting enough folic acid and can continue taking it during pregnancy. If you're using a multivitamin from another brand, it’s important to check with your clinic and doctor if this product meets the recommended dosage.

Calcium

Calcium is an important mineral for your cells, bones, and teeth. The baby in your womb also needs calcium for its development.

Calcium is already important to take in sufficient quantities after a stomach reduction. The recommendation is to take 1500 mg of calcium daily through food and supplements. If you’ve been following this recommendation since your weight loss surgery, you can continue with this amount of calcium during and after your pregnancy.

Are you not getting enough calcium yet? A great calcium supplement is our calcium soft chew, available in the refreshing flavors of lemon and raspberry. Each tablet contains 500 mg of calcium. Your body can only absorb calcium in portions of 500 mg at a time, so don't take all your calcium at once but spread your intake throughout the day.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is crucial for the growth of your baby, including the development of the eyes, organs, and spinal cord.

It's important not to take too much vitamin A during pregnancy, as it can be harmful to you and your baby. Therefore, the advice is to avoid products high in vitamin A, such as liver products like liver sausage spread.

What about vitamin A in my FitForMe WLS multivitamin?

A weight loss surgery means that many vitamins from food are absorbed less effectively. That's why you take your FitForMe WLS multivitamin daily, which contains essential vitamins and minerals in the right doses for you.

However, did you know that vitamin A is actually absorbed better after a gastric bypass? That's why our FitForMe WLS multivitamins contain a low dose of vitamin A, suitable for pregnancy after your stomach reduction.

What about vitamin A in other brand multivitamins?

Are you taking a WLS multivitamin from another brand? Check the vitamin A (retinol) dosage on the packaging carefully. The recommendation is to take 600-800 mcg of vitamin A per day. Some brands may not include any vitamin A in their WLS product. Unfortunately, a vitamin A deficiency also carries risks.

Some products may contain beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which can be converted into vitamin A in your body. However, this conversion is not efficient, which increases the risk of deficiency.

If you have doubts, consult your doctor for suitable options to ensure you get the right amount.

How do I know if my vitamin and mineral levels are adequate during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your need for vitamins and minerals can change. This varies from person to person, so it’s impossible to develop one multivitamin suitable for every pregnant woman throughout her pregnancy.

Therefore, it's important to have your vitamin and mineral levels checked every trimester, or every three months. If it turns out that you need more vitamins and minerals, they can be recommended in addition to your WLS multivitamin.

It's best to have these check-ups with your treating physician, who knows you best and can give you proper advice on what you need.

In conclusion

By continuing to use your WLS multivitamin and having a check-up every trimester, you're already on the right track during your pregnancy after a weight loss surgery.

However, everyone is different. You may need to take other factors into account. Your own doctor knows best. Therefore, if you are pregnant, contact the hospital or clinic where you had your surgery. This way, you’ll always receive the right care.