10 Ways to Ease Nausea or Constipation From Your Prenatal Vitamin

Nausea and constipation are common with prenatal vitamins, and iron content is usually the biggest driver of both. The good news is that timing, format, and a few simple adjustments can make a real difference. Here are 10 ways to find a routine that works better for your body.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition.

1. Change when you take it

Taking your prenatal at night, right before bed, lets any queasiness pass while you're resting instead of during your day. ACOG notes that pregnancy nausea can occur any time of day, so shifting timing is a reasonable first step to try.

2. Take it with food, not on an empty stomach

A heavier snack or meal, rather than an empty stomach, tends to buffer both nausea and stomach irritation from iron. This is one of the simplest changes to test first.

3. Ask about a chelated iron form

Iron bisglycinate chelate is formulated to be gentler on digestion than standard ferrous sulfate.† Our prenatal with methylated folate and gentle iron uses this chelated form for this reason.

4. Consider vitamin B6 specifically

Vitamin B6 supports healthy fetal brain development and helps maintain a steady mood during pregnancy, and it's also the most established over-the-counter option for occasional pregnancy nausea.† ACOG identifies vitamin B6 as a first option to try for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, and a 2026 research review in Frontiers in Nutrition similarly points to vitamin B6 as a supported first-line approach for mild to moderate symptoms.

5. Reach for a targeted nausea lozenge between doses

Active ginger or peppermint oil plus vitamin B6 can help ease occasional upset stomach, morning sickness, indigestion, and feelings of bloat.† Our organic ginger and vitamin B6 nausea lozenges are individually wrapped for discreet, on-the-go use whenever nausea hits between prenatal doses.

6. Increase water intake

Iron-related constipation responds well to consistent hydration throughout the day, not just around when you take your vitamin. Aim for a steady intake rather than large amounts all at once.

7. Add fiber gradually

Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can meaningfully ease constipation from iron supplementation. Introduce fiber gradually rather than all at once to avoid additional stomach discomfort.

8. Move your body, even briefly

A short walk after taking your prenatal can support digestion and help ease constipation. This doesn't need to be strenuous, gentle movement is enough for most women.

9. Try splitting your dose

Some formulas allow splitting a single serving into two smaller doses across the day, which can ease the intensity of nausea from a single large dose. Check with your provider or the product label before changing your dosing pattern.

10. Talk to your provider if symptoms persist

If nausea or constipation is severe, persistent, or affecting your ability to eat and drink normally, this goes beyond typical adjustment and warrants a conversation with your OB-GYN or midwife. A review of research on iron supplementation in pregnancy notes that reporting on digestive side effects varies significantly between women, so what's normal for one person may not be for another.

Total Prenatal uses chelated iron and ScentCert technology specifically to reduce scent-triggered nausea, and it's third-party tested at ISO 17025 accredited labs and made in cGMP-certified facilities.† Nausea Sweets is USDA Organic and available in Sweet Peppermint, Ginger Mango, and Ginger Raspberry. For more on picking a prenatal formula that's easier on digestion from the start, see our guide on ingredients to look for in a prenatal, and if you're just starting out, our piece on when to start taking a prenatal is a good companion read.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is nausea from a prenatal vitamin different from morning sickness?

They can feel similar and sometimes overlap, since both are common in early pregnancy. If you're unsure which is causing your symptoms, your provider can help you sort it out.

Should I stop taking my prenatal if it's making me nauseous?

Skipping your prenatal entirely can create nutrient gaps, so it's generally better to adjust timing, format, or dose than to stop altogether. Talk to your provider before making changes.

Does switching to a gummy prenatal help with nausea?

Some women find gummies gentler, in part because many gummy formulas contain little or no iron. If you switch, ask your provider whether you need a separate iron supplement later in pregnancy.

How long does prenatal-related nausea usually last?

It varies widely by individual and often overlaps with the natural course of first-trimester nausea. Persistent or worsening symptoms are worth discussing with your provider rather than waiting it out indefinitely.

Can I take Nausea Sweets alongside my prenatal every day?

Nausea Sweets are formulated for occasional use when nausea strikes, alongside your daily prenatal.† Check with your provider about frequency if you find you need them daily.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.