If you’ve forgotten to take your prenatal vitamin for a day or two—or even a week or two—your anxiety may increase. But should you really be worried? Before you go to TikTok in a panicgynecologists say there are some things you should know.

First of all, yes, your prenatal vitamin (PNV) is a necessary daily intake for both your health and the health of your baby, says Lisa Jackson, MDgynecologist based in New York. “These vitamins provide critical nutrients needed for baby’s development – ​​especially key nutrients like folic acid, iron and calcium, which help with everything from brain development to healthy spine formation.

Of course, between feeling nauseous 24 hours a day or feeling like you’re going to gag on a big pill, it can be hard to stomach taking PNV every day. Then some days you just forget. Here’s what to do if you miss a vitamin, as well as some safe ways to help you remember your daily dose.

If you notice that you are vomiting regularly after taking your prenatal vitamin, you may want to consider switching to a different brand or trying a chewable or liquid form of your prenatal vitamin.

– Anushka Chelliah, MD, gynecologist and maternal-fetal medicine specialist

How prenatal vitamins work

Whether you’re trying to get pregnant or already have a positive pregnancy test, taking a prenatal is key, she says Sonya Brar, MDgynecologist from New York.

“Prenatal vitamins help fill a nutritional gap in your diet and promote healthy fetal development,” says Dr. Bro. As for the time, dr. Brar says to start taking a prenatal vitamin three months before conception if possible and continue through each trimester and even after delivery (you can also switch to a postnatal vitamin after birth). Don’t stress if you didn’t start until you found out you’re pregnant—just start taking them as soon as you know you’re pregnant, she adds.

Prenatal vitamins are formulated to deliver vital nutrients that both you and your baby need during pregnancy, including folic acid, iron, calcium and DHA, says Anushka Chelliah, MDspecialist in gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine in Houston. Here’s how these ingredients work to support you and your baby during the trimester, says Dr. Chelliah:

First trimester

During the first trimester, folic acid helps support the development of your baby’s central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, reducing the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Iron helps increase blood volume throughout the body, helps maintain a healthy placenta, and also helps ensure your baby gets enough oxygen. Iron also helps reduce the risk of anemia, blood disorders, and the fatigue that comes with it.

Second trimester

In the second trimester, iron continues to help increase blood volume as the baby grows, and calcium helps the baby’s bones and teeth develop. DHA can also help in the development of the central nervous system, brain and eyes. (Note: only some PNVs contain DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, so you may need to take it separately.)

Third trimester

During the third trimester, iron continues to support your baby’s growth and your increased blood flow throughout the body. Calcium continues to help build bones, teeth and muscle mass. DHA and choline support the brain and nervous system, and vitamin K helps reduce the risk of blood clots in both mother and baby.

What happens if you forget your prenatal period for a few days?

The truth? No need to freak out. “If you miss a day or two of your prenatal vitamins, don’t worry—it happens to many women! Missing a dose now and then won’t hurt you or your baby in the long run,” says Dr. Jackson. If you forget, just take your next dose at the usual time and try not to stress about it, she adds.

This is why a healthy diet during pregnancy is so vital, adds Dr. Bro. “Eating well is one of the best ways to add vitamins and minerals to your body to support a growing pregnancy; prenatal vitamins are an addition to that,” she says.

Going a week or two without PNV is also not a cause for concern. In the first trimester, women often cannot tolerate any type of prenatal vitamin for weeks, points out dr. Bro. In these cases, she usually recommends a special folic acid supplement, which can be easier on the stomach; Low-risk women need a supplement of 400 micrograms.

This can become a problem if you skip your prenatal period for two weeks or longer, warns Dr. Jackson. “Regular skipping can lead to nutrient deficiencies over time,” she says. “This is of particular concern for mothers who may already have low levels of the nutrient.” Research has shown that folic acid is key to preventing neural tube defects, and iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which can affect both you and your baby.

What happens if you forget to take your prenatal for a month or longer

In this case, it’s important to talk to your gynecologist to see if there’s a better option for you or if there are other things you can do to try and remember to take it, says Dr. Bro.

“Skipping prenatal vitamins for months can have a significant impact,” Dr. Jackson. Over time, nutrient deficiencies become more pronounced, she warns, which can lead to complications such as low birth weight, developmental delays or a higher risk of birth defects.

Should you double up on your prenatal if you forget to take one?

“Doubling up on prenatal vitamins is not necessary and generally not recommended, as taking too much of certain nutrients — like iron — can cause more harm than good,” says Dr. Jackson. (Plus, taking back-to-back prenatals can cause an extra bout of nausea if you’re susceptible to PNV to begin with.)

If you forget to take one, just continue with your regular dose the next day, says Dr. Jackson.

What to do if you’re so sick you can’t take your prenatals

As you may (unfortunately!) know from first-hand experience, one of the reasons some women skip a few days before giving birth is because of morning sickness and severe nausea during pregnancy. Here’s what to do if you fall into this category:

• Take the prenatal with food. A small meal or snack can ease the stomach, so pair your PNV with a snack.

• Split your dose. Most prenatal vitamins are one or two capsules. “If your vitamin regimen includes multiple pills, try taking one in the morning and one in the evening to ease your stomach,” says Dr. Jackson.

• Switch to a vitamin that’s easier on your stomach. Ah, the magic of the B6. “Some prenatals contain extra vitamin B6, which can reduce nausea,” says Dr. Jackson. There are also gummy or chewable options that many women find more tolerable than traditional capsule forms. Look for a vitamin that contains B6 or ask your doctor about a specific B6 supplement (often recommended for morning sickness).

• Take a prenatal vitamin before bed. If you feel so nauseous that you can’t take your prenatal vitamins, try taking them in the evening, right before bed, says Dr. Bro. That way, you’ll most likely sleep when you’re sick without even noticing.

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• Talk to your doctor. Always consult your OBGYN or other trusted health care provider if you are concerned that your prenatal vitamin is affecting your nausea or want to switch brands. In cases of nausea, doctors may recommend trying daytime anti-nausea medications, such as vitamins that contain both B6 and doxylamine, or other prescription drug options, such as doxylamine and pyridoxine a combination (Diclegis) of metoclopramide (Reglan), promethazine (Phenergan), and ondansetron (Zofran), says Dr. Bro.

And what if nothing works and you keep throwing them up? dr. Jackson shares this rule of thumb: If it’s been two hours or more, your body has probably absorbed enough nutrients, but if you’re throwing up within two hours, your body may not have gotten what it needs, and you may want to take another dose later in the day or contact your doctor for personalized advice.

3 things you can do to help remember your prenatal pregnancies

When it comes down to it, PNV nutrients usually only stay in your body for about a day, so taking them consistently can help you maintain proper levels, says Dr. Jackson. If forgetting to take them is a problem, it can help to make them part of your daily routine. Follow these tips to put your prenatal watch on autopilot:

1. Put your prenatals in a super visible location: Place your prenatal vitamin bottle in a highly visible place, such as the sink, next to the coffee pot, or on the counter next to the refrigerator. Setting them up by something that is you I know that you will use that day (like your toothbrush or on your desk next to your computer!), will help them become part of your daily routine.
2. Buy a pill box: Some women may find that incorporating a box of pills into their routine (especially if you’re taking other medications or supplements) is an easier way to ensure you don’t miss your daily prenatal. There are a number of affordable and convenient options available online (like these prenatal vitamin options) and at your local pharmacy or grocery store.

   Many pill boxes have a container for each day of the week so you can pre-portion your PNV and other pregnancy-related supplements your doctor might recommend, such as omega-3 EPA/DHA, calcium, and choline, at the beginning of the week. Having a pill case also makes it easier to travel with your PNV, as you don’t have to lug a full bottle everywhere.

3. Set a daily alarm: It sounds so simple, but setting an alarm is a game changer for many women. “Sometimes a little buzz at the right time is all you need to remember,” says Dr. Jackson.

Last but not least, remember, the best prenatal is the one you’ll take daily, so it’s perfectly fine to switch brands if your prenatal doesn’t agree with your stomach. In particular, if you find yourself vomiting regularly after taking a prenatal vitamin, you may want to consider switching to a different brand or trying a chewable or liquid form of a prenatal vitamin, says Dr. Chelliah. Just talk to your supplier to make sure your new choice contains all the nutrients you need.