Can You Take Vitamin C While Pregnant?

Keeping healthy during pregnancy can feel like a full-time job. We’re here to help.

Here we answer the question: Can you take vitamin C while pregnant?

Getting the proper nutrients in your body when you’re pregnant can feel like a delicate dance — you need enough of the important ones but have to be careful of taking too much of anything.

If you’re wondering Can you take vitamin C while pregnant? — and if you can, How much? — we’ll help you learn the steps.

Read on.

In this article: 📝

Is vitamin C safe during pregnancy?

The short answer is yes.

Also called ascorbic acid, vitamin C has several important jobs to do in our bodies.

It plays a role in wound healing, supports your immune system, and prevents scurvy (although that’s likely not something we have to worry about too much these days. Phew!).

All of this is important at any time of your life and definitely beneficial when you’re pregnant.

How much vitamin C should a pregnant woman take a day?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that we get at least 85mg of vitamin C every day, including when we’re pregnant.

If you’re 18 or younger, the recommendation is 80mg a day.

Vitamin C can be found in a variety of food sources, including fruits like citrus, strawberries, papaya, and tomatoes, and vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

But, be sure to wash or cook these veggies first to make certain they’re not contaminated with any soil or manure bacteria, and choose only ripe papaya.

As for supplements, look for vitamin C as an ingredient in your prenatal vitamins.

This is likely all you need.

🔍 Get Clued Up: Can You Eat Papaya When Pregnant?

What happens if you take vitamin C while pregnant?

Your body is going through some massive changes and will need an all-hands-on-deck approach to keep you healthy.

Vitamin C during pregnancy, with its capacity for wound healing and immune-system boosting, is an important player in your nutrient team.

Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron.

This is really important when you’re pregnant.

Because your blood volume increases to support the mighty task of growing a human, so does your need for iron.

Not getting enough can result in a condition called iron deficiency anemia.

It causes symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and headaches, and may lead your skin to turn a pale yellowish color.

While this condition is common, it can come with some risks for you and your baby, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth differences.

There will likely be iron in your prenatal vitamins — as well as the vitamin C to help your body absorb it.

But if you’re at all worried about a deficiency, talk to your doctor.

Can I take vitamin C for a cold while pregnant?

As much as we’ve been led to believe that vitamin C is a good remedy for the common cold, as it turns out, megadosing when you’re sick may not have a significant effect.

While some people may experience a moderate benefit when it comes to how bad their cold is and how long it lasts, it’s not a cure — and taking it in high doses doesn’t appear to make a notable difference.

So your best bet is to incorporate vitamin C into your diet in the form of your prenatal vitamins and the many delicious food sources.

Yes, I will have another strawberry, thank you!

If you have a cold when you’re pregnant, it’s important to get rest and stay hydrated.

If you need meds, talk to your doctor.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually the preferred choice.

And some nasal sprays can help too.

But because all pregnancies are different, it’s important to check in with a healthcare professional to see what’s right for you.

Can I take 1000mg of vitamin C when pregnant?

If you’re looking to take a megadose supplement like Emergen-C, it’s best to check in with your doctor first to see if there’s any reason you shouldn’t.

While it’s likely that you can take 1000mg of vitamin C when pregnant, it’s likely not necessary, even when you’re sick.

And there is an upper limit to how much vitamin C we should have in a day.

How much vitamin C can you take while pregnant?

2000mg is the recommended cap.

That’s because too much vitamin C can lead to digestive issues like diarrhea and nausea.

If you’re already dealing with these symptoms in your pregnancy, this is probably the last thing you need in your life.

Vitamin C while pregnant: the bottom line

Vitamin C is an important addition to your pregnancy diet.

It will give your immune system support and help in healing. Just don’t overdo it, as this may lead to digestive disturbances.

You’ve got this, mama.

And if you need support along the way, check in with your Peanut community.

We’re here for you.