Supplement Your Pregnancy Safely
There are many reasons a pregnant woman may need to take supplements. Nutritional deficiencies, prevention of birth defects, and immunity are all motives for adding vitamins, minerals, or herbal products to the daily routine. However, with a growing baby also exposed to whatever mom decides to take, safety matters. A pharmacist is a great resource for any questions about supplement safety during pregnancy. Here is what to ask.
Which prenatal vitamin is best?
The most important supplement a pregnant woman can take is a prenatal vitamin. However, with so many options to choose from, the decision about which prenatal to purchase can feel overwhelming. A pharmacist can help review the vitamin to ensure there is sufficient folic acid, which is especially important during pregnancy. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. Iron, calcium, vitamin D, choline, and vitamin C are also essential. Look for a prenatal vitamin that contains close to 100% of the daily value for each vitamin or mineral.
What about added herbals?
Some prenatal vitamins contain added herbal ingredients. In other cases, a pregnant person may want to take a separate herbal supplement for a medical concern. Herbals are typically not well studied in pregnancy, so possible effects on the developing baby are unknown. However, a pharmacist can always double-check. This healthcare professional will have access to databases that contain the latest studies and can let the patient know if any potential concerns have been identified.
Can I take more?
Is more really better? Sometimes, a pregnant woman may want to take extra vitamins. Reaching for extra vitamin C when a cold strikes may seem like a good idea, but higher doses of vitamins are usually not well studied in pregnancy, so possible effects on the baby are again unknown. Other times, high doses of vitamins can pose a risk. For example, when extra vitamin A is taken consistently in the first trimester, an increased risk for birth defects is possible. A pharmacist can help guide the individual purchasing the supplement to make sure the right amount is taken.
Addressing contaminants
Since supplements are not subject to the same regulation as prescription medications, there have been instances where the pills are contaminated with something that should not be in there, like lead. A pharmacist can share insight into this important topic and will be able to direct the purchaser to a safer option. Larger, well-known brands that are third-party tested tend to get the thumbs up from healthcare professionals.
Swallow your concerns
With a baby on board, a woman can never be too careful. Taking an extra supplement may seem like a good idea, but checking with a pharmacist first is the safest approach. This health professional can help guide consumers to purchase the best option, free of contaminants, unstudied herbals, and mega doses of vitamins. Supplement safely during pregnancy with the help of a pharmacist.
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