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Medication Information Leaflet
This leaflet describes some of the common supplements prescribed by your healthcare professional during your pregnancy.
Folic Acid (usually taken from preconception till the 12th week of pregnancy) | |
| What is this for | To reduce the risk of birth defects, e.g. abnormal development of the spinal cord in the baby during the early stages of pregnancy. |
| How to take | Take one tablet once a day, usually in the morning, with or without food. |
| Side effects | Generally, well tolerated without any significant side effects. |
Prenatal multivitamins (E.g. Obimin / Prenaforte / Ganilia) (usually taken from the 12th week of pregnancy onwards until delivery) | |
| What is this for | Most prenatal vitamins contain a higher content of micronutrients to meet the increased demand during pregnancy. For example, most prenatal vitamins will contain iron, calcium and folic acid to meet the needs of the baby and mother. Iron helps with the formation of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the baby. Calcium will help strengthen the baby’s bone development. Not all multivitamins are safe in pregnancy as they may contain higher than necessary contents e.g. some multivitamins may contain higher doses of Vitamin A that may not be safe in pregnancy. Check with your healthcare professional before buying any multivitamins on your own. |
| How to take | Dose is usually one tablet/capsule after breakfast or lunch. Follow the instructions stated on the medication label / packaging. |
| Side effects | Generally well tolerated in most patients. Some patients may experience ● Dark-coloured stools – due to the iron content. This is harmless. ● Constipation (due to the calcium and iron contents). You can drink more water and take plenty of fruits and vegetables to prevent it. Alertness if taken close to bedtime as it contains Vitamin B. |
| Other considerations | For supplements containing iron, space at least 2 hours apart from coffee, tea, milk, dairy products, and calcium supplements for better absorption. Some preparations may contain fish oil (e.g. Ganilia), hence, additional fish oil supplementation is not required. |
| Fish Oil Supplements (E.g. DHA / Natal Care Plus / Neurogain / Qualibrain/Baby’s First DHA) (usually taken from the 12th week of pregnancy onwards until delivery) | |
| What is this for | Omega-3 fatty acids help with the baby’s brain and eye development. |
| How to take | Take one capsule once a day with or without food. Follow the instructions stated on the medication label / packaging. |
| Side effects | Flatulence (passing gas), belching (burping), and fishy aftertaste. |
Calcium (E.g. Calcit Ultra / Caltrate / Calcium Carbonate) (usually taken from the 12th week of pregnancy onwards until delivery) | |
| What is this for | For maintenance of mother’s bones and development of the baby’s bones. |
| How to take | Take one to two tablets once daily with or after food. Follow the instructions stated on the medication label / packaging. |
| Side effects | Constipation – drink more water and take plenty of fruits and vegetables to prevent it. |
| Other considerations | Space at least 2 hours apart from milk, dairy products, and supplements that contain iron to improve absorption. Some preparations may contain Vitamin D to enhance calcium absorption. |
Iron (E.g. Sangobion / Hemoplex / Maltofer / Floron / Maltofer Drops) (usually taken when your hemoglobin levels are low) | |
| What is this for | For the production of red blood cells to treat anemia (low red blood cell count) and to meet the increased iron needs of both mother and baby. |
| How to take | Take one to two tablets/capsules a day with or after food. Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe a liquid preparation for you if you are unable to swallow tablets. Follow the instructions as stated on the medication label / packaging. |
| Side effects | Side effects Generally well tolerated in most patients. Some patients may experience ● Dark-coloured stools. This is harmless. ● Constipation. You can drink more water and take plenty of fruits and vegetables to prevent it. |
| Other considerations | Most iron supplements may need to be spaced at least 2 hours apart from coffee, tea, milk, dairy products, and calcium or other iron-containing supplements to improve absorption (Exception: iron polymaltose e.g. Maltofer / Floron). |
Vitamin D (only required when determined by your doctor) | |
| What is this for | Helps to increase the absorption of calcium and reduce the risk of high blood pressure in pregnancy (pre-eclampsia) |
| How to take | Follow the instructions as stated on the medication label / packaging. |
| Side effects | Generally, well tolerated without any significant side effects. |
- Take it as soon as you remember, then continue to take it as you normally would.
- If it is too near to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time. There is no need to double or increase the dose.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to these supplements or any of the other ingredients of this medication
- You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
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