Pregnancy Supplements & Medication
FAQs
Your doctor will probably suggest taking a prenatal vitamin every day to make sure you’re getting all the important stuff your body needs. These usually include folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, and DHA.
The typical recommendation is 600 international units (IUs) of vitamin D a day when you’re pregnant (the same as for non-pregnant adults) to support the development of your baby’s bones and teeth. Most likely, any daily prenatal vitamin you’re taking will cover this amount.
Health professionals advise that pregnant women should consume a minimum of 400-600 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily, ideally beginning at least one month prior to conception.
Important vitamins and minerals like folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, DHA, and iodine are your best friends during pregnancy. They not only support your baby’s growth but also keep you feeling great. One easy way to get most, if not all, of these micronutrients is by taking a daily prenatal vitamin.
Prenatal vitamins are multivitamins specifically formulated to meet the increased nutritional needs of pregnant people. They contain higher amounts of certain nutrients like folic acid and iron.
The meds you can take really depend on your own health, how far along you are in your pregnancy, and any other health issues you might have. A lot of common meds, like painkillers, allergy pills, and antacids, are usually safe when you’re pregnant. But it’s very important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any meds during pregnancy, whether they’re prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, or supplements.