Supplementing A Healthy Pregnancy

During pregnancy, many women turn to supplements for a variety of reasons. Whether the intent is to boost immunity, correct a deficiency, prevent birth defects, or provide the baby with the nutrients needed to grow and develop, a daily supplement can play an important role. However, with so many options to choose from, pregnant women are often left confused. Here are 4 questions worth asking a pharmacist before purchasing a supplement during pregnancy.

1. Which prenatal vitamin is best?

During pregnancy, a daily prenatal vitamin is recommended, but with so many brands available, knowing which option to select can feel overwhelming. First, a pharmacist may advise looking at the folic acid content. This essential B vitamin helps prevent birth defects when sufficient amounts are consumed before and during early pregnancy. For all other vitamins contained, the pharmacist will likely recommend sticking with close to 100% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for optimal supplementation. Going above the RDA during pregnancy is not usually advised, as taking extra doses of vitamins and minerals is not well studied. Lastly, the pharmacist can help review any added herbs or other ingredients.

2. Are additional vitamins needed?

Most women will be surprised to learn that a prenatal vitamin and a healthy diet are all that is needed for a healthy pregnancy. However, there are certain situations where additional vitamins may be recommended. For example, a supplement may be necessary if a blood test indicates a vitamin deficiency. Some women with special diets, such as vegans, may also need additional vitamins, such as vitamin B12, to ensure a healthy pregnancy. A pharmacist can help find the right amount and proper form of the vitamin to optimize supplementation.

3. Any interactions to worry about?

As drug experts, pharmacists are the go-to source for understanding when drug-drug and drug-supplement interactions can occur. St John’s wort is a great example of a supplement that can negatively interact with various other prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Before starting any new supplements, ask a pharmacist to perform a medication review. During this time, any potential interactions of concern can be identified.

4. Can this supplement cause birth defects?

During pregnancy, most things the mom takes can easily cross the placenta and reach the developing baby. This means that any supplements should be checked for safety before being used in pregnancy to avoid the risk of birth defects or pregnancy complications. In many cases, there is not great data, so the effects on the baby are unknown. However, if potential concerns have been identified, the pharmacist can highlight the risk and discuss an alternative pregnancy-safe supplement with the patient. Vitamin A, for example, is known to cause birth defects when high doses are taken early in pregnancy.

Supplement safely

Most women want to do what is best for the baby during pregnancy. However, when considering supplements, remember that more is not always better. A pharmacist can help advise which supplements are needed and which should be avoided during pregnancy.