Finding the Best Time of Day to Take Your Prenatal Vitamin

Since nausea and morning sickness affects about three quarters of pregnant women, many of us find it difficult to take a daily prenatal vitamin, however, timing can be everything.  Finding a time of day that is best for you (when you are experiencing less nausea) may make all the difference.  Here are a few tips to help you find that perfect time to take those, oh so important, vitamins.

* Take your prenatal vitamins with a full tummy.  Vitamins are easier to stomach when accompanied by food.  A small snack may not cut it, you may need to take them with a meal- experiment and see what works best for you.

*   The iron in prenatal vitamins can be particularly hard to digest, so find a time of day when your stomach feels less sensitive (after brushing teeth or smelling strong soap in the shower may not be good times). You also want to look for a supplement formulated with less iron and coated iron.  Promise Prenatal Stage 1 is specifically designed with less iron and can be used the entire pregnancy if you find your morning sickness doesn't subside at 12-14 weeks.  Stage 1 also contains higher levels of vitamin B6 to help ease the queasiness.  Stage 1, 2 and 3 all use high quality coated iron for easier digestion.  Your doctor may also want to prescribe extra B6 supplements.

*  Bedtime seems to be the time of choice for many women.  They take their vitamins and call it a day.  If this time works best for you, be sure to have a hardy snack before you hit the pillow.  Also, it's important you don't lie flat for 20-30 minutes after swallowing your pill.  The most sensitive area of the stomach is at the top and lying down will sometimes irritate this area causing nausea.  


*  If even the thought of taking a prenatal vitamin makes you sick, try whipping up a yummy milkshake or smoothie, open the capsule and empty the powder into the blender.  There isn't any taste or smell and you will drink down all of the great nutrition you and your baby needs without even noticing.

*  Finding a time you'll remember to take your vitamin each day isn't always easy.  Set an alarm on your phone or have some type of reminder.  Prenatals should be taken daily.

Prenatal Vitamins: Made in the USA

We wanted to share a bit about who we are and why we do what we do! Dedicated to innovation in healthcare, Biotegrity is a Texas based pharmaceutical company focusing on solutions that specifically address the needs of women.  In everything we do, people are the center of our organization. From the women who take our products, to the exceptional group of associates we work with each day, we are a company dedicated to the health and well-being of those we come into contact with. Part of this commitment is providing high quality products. Promise Prenatal Vitamins + DHA, Promise Belly Butter, Replenish Women's Multivitamins and Replenish Omega-3 are all formulated and manufactured in the United States using only FDA approved manufacturing facilities to ensure safety, accuracy and quality. Rest assured, when you use our products, you are getting only the best!  So, thank you to all of the amazing women who allow us to make a difference in their nutritional needs- you are why we do what we do!

Preventing Stretch Marks

 Most of us have heard or even shared stories about women who have developed stretch marks during pregnancy.  We are of course, all willing to take one for the team if we have to, but is there anything we can do to prevent stretch marks from appearing? The jury is still out- but recent research says "yes".  Genetics and good skin care both play a part in the texture, color and elasticity of your skin.  Since we can't change our genetics, it's important we do what we can to take care of the skin we've been given.  Using a daily belly butter or cream may reduce or even prevent marks from appearing.  A few things to look for when choosing a stretch mark cream: be sure the cream is safe for pregnancy.  A fragrance free cream is also important since most women have a sensitivity to smell while pregnant.  Non-greasy, fast drying products are a plus if you use the product in the morning before dressing and look for all natural, hypoallergenic ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin.   

Promise Belly Butter is formulated with a blend of the following ingredients:

Calendula- making the skin more supple by increasing blood supply and contains anti-bacterial properties. 

Aloe Vera Juice- containing 20 amino acids and supports the natural healing of skin.

Shea Butter- naturally rich in vitamins A and E which are essential for good skin balance and moisture. Shea butter also penetrates deep into skin to help restore elasticity.

Vitamin E- contains antioxidant activity which is vital in protecting and rejuvenating skin cells.

Promise Belly Butter's advanced formula combines a unique blend of ingredients to strengthen skin elasticity, stimulate collagen production and support natural skin proteins.  Our promise to the mom-to-be is skin that is soothed, supple and can withstand stretching during pregnancy and postpardum.  It can be used on stomach, legs and breast area.

Happy Mother's Day!

Mom's, you are amazing!  One day a year isn't enough to celebrate all you do.  We hope your day is full of love, relaxation and unforgettable memories.  So, to all of our mom's who make up the Biotegrity team and those who we have the pleasure of serving each day, Happy Mother's Day!!!

Surviving Bed Rest

It's not uncommon for a doctor to prescribe bed rest to help prevent complications in pregnancy.  At first, the thought of putting the business of life on hold doesn't sound so bad.  In fact, it may even be a welcomed break from real life. You get to relax while someone else takes care you — but then bed rest reality sets in. You can't go to work, shop, cook or even have a simple night out.   If you're on complete bed rest, you may not even be able to shower or eat sitting up.  So how does one prepare and cope with laying flat for weeks or even months on end? 

Guest blogger and mom-to-be Melissa Hinnant shares her experiences firsthand and some helpful tips on surviving bed rest.

"After suddenly spending 2 weeks in strict hospital bed rest with my last pregnancy,  I was *slightly* prepared when we received the news that I would be on strict home bed rest starting "now" this pregnancy.  However, what I wasn't prepared for is,  2 months...yes 60 days, 8 weeks and 4 days or 1,440 hrs later I'm still here, horizontal.

Here are some tips that I have found a huge help with surviving bed rest:

1) Get a calendar, one you can hang on your wall next to you and each night cross off a day.  It truly helps to see the time progressing and knowing that baby is still growing in there safe and sound.

2) ASK for help!  Do not try to do things on your own.  Try to find someone to cook/bring meals or set up a meal rotation, help with groceries, laundry, cleaning, etc.  Friends and family are generally willing to help, but they need to know what you need help with.  Do not be afraid to ask.

3) Schedule your days.  I have found it very helpful to have a routine that breaks up your day and helps it to go by faster. For example, 8am-11:30am wake up, get ready, eat breakfast, read, send emails and browse the internet.  12pm-3pm eat lunch, lay outside (if your doctor allows) and do some crafting. 3pm-5pm (this often feels the longest stretch) more internet, crafting again and see some visitors.  6pm-10pm - eat dinner, watch television or a movie, shower, read and go to bed.

4)  Take up a hobby.  Some examples are crafting, scrapbooking, knitting or crocheting.  I've learned to crochet - I've made baby girl a blanket, and now I'm making little teeny bows and headbands.  I've also made an online recipe book by entering all of my recipes at www.tastebook.com.  Photobooks are another great idea as they make the time pass quickly too.  As soon as I can sit up I'll be working on a quilt for my little one.

5)  Be mindful of what you are eating.  Remember, your body is not moving so your metabolism and digestion are very slow.  Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and make sure to have some "healthy" snacks throughout the day.  Drink a lot of water!  I drink about 80-90oz a day (which is more than I ever have in my life), but it's very beneficial during pregnancy.

Bed rest, especially a lengthy one, is not easy.  A HUGE revelation that came to me (one that will make or break your bed rest) is, it's all about how you set your perspective.  You can mope, stress and dredge your way through it or you can choose to make the most of it.  The Italians have a popular phrase "La Dolcezza di Fare Niente", which means "the sweetness of doing nothing".  They have really grasped this concept, and it's time us Americans do too!  Remember, this bed rest season will not last forever, and the next time you have a chance to rest like this will probably be in 21 years from now."

Follow Melissa's story on Rick and Melissa Plus 1.

Changes in Skin

It's not uncommon for expecting moms to have changes in their skin.  Of course every woman's experience is different, but here is some information to help you prepare for, and even prevent, some of the changes from occurring.   

One of the most common skin changes occurs on the face.  The "Mask of Pregnancy", also referred to as melasma, causes dark splotchy spots to appear on the forehead, upper lip and cheeks.  Women with darker complexions seem to be more prone to this condition than women with lighter skin.  You may also notice that areas with dark pigmentation, such as freckles and moles, may become even darker. Hormonal changes during pregnancy stimulate a temporary increase in your body's production of melanin, the natural substance that gives color to hair, skin, and eyes. So what's a girl to do to prevent the "mask of pregnancy"?  When you are planning to be outside, be sure to always wear a good sunscreen that is at least SPF 15, or wear your favorite hat or ball cap to protect your face from the sun.  A good concealer can also be your new BFF if the spots really bother you. 

You may have also noticed a dark line on your pretty baby bump.  This is called linea nigra and may have always been there, but not as noticeable because it was a lighter color. During pregnancy this line darkens. It usually appears around the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy and will begin to fade after delivery. Stretch marks may also appear on a mom's growing belly, but using a stretch mark cream high in vitamin E can help strengthen the skins elasticity and even prevent them from appearing.

The "pregnancy glow" is a welcomed change to a woman's skin.  The glow is often from the knowledge and anticipation of the life growing inside, as well as eating right and taking a daily prenatal vitamin.  It can also be linked to an increase in blood volume. Women typically see an increase of 40-50% in blood volume during pregnancy, which can give a mom-to-be a nice healthy look.

After delivery your skin may take a few months to return to it's "pre-pregnancy" state.  It's crucial to continue protecting yourself from the sun during this time.  If your skin is still blotchy after a few months and it's bothering you, talk to your practitioner or a dermatologist about treatment options.

Caffeine and Pregnancy

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What better way to get going in the morning than with a delicious cup of Joe!  However, if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you may need to find a new drink that doesn't contain the glorious stimulant we all know and love - caffeine!


Caffeine crosses the placenta to your baby.  While we can usually handle the effects of this stimulant, our little one on board can't.  Your baby's metabolism is still maturing and cannot fully process the caffeine.  Even small amounts of caffeine can cause changes in your baby's sleep pattern and normal movement patterns in the later stages of pregnancy.  It also increases your heart rate and blood pressure, both of which are not recommended during pregnancy.  Many women find it hard to sleep during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, so adding a stimulant may make getting much-needed sleep even harder.

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We know that caffeine is not recommended during preconception and pregnancy, but decaffeinated coffees and teas should be avoided as well.  These beverages contain compounds called phenols that can make it hard for your body to absorb iron.  Many pregnant women are already low in iron and this can add to your deficiency.  If you do drink coffee or tea, it's best to have between meals and not with your prenatal vitamin.

The jury is still out on the amount of caffeine that is acceptable.  Some say 150 mg per day, others say 300 mg per day.  The best choice is to cut back on your intake as much as possible.  
Common sources of caffeine include:
* Starbucks House Blend Coffee (16 oz) 259 mg
* Dr. Pepper (12 oz) 37 mg
* Diet Coke (12 oz) 47 mg
* Coca-Cola (12 oz) 35 mg
* Green tea (6 oz) 40 mg
* Black tea (6 oz) 45 mg
* Decaffeinated brewed coffee (8oz) 8-13mg (depending on brand)
Your doctor and/or midwife will offer additional advice on foods to avoid when trying to get pregnant or during pregnancy.


Decaffeinated drinks (hot chocolate, cider, etc.) are a great option especially during these cold winter months.  Ask your local brew house for some decaf ideas too, you may be surprised at the wonderful yummy drinks that are available!