Health Tips

SUPPLEMENTS FOR PREGNANCY

Every mother wants the best for their newborn and would ensure their newborn is healthy and even as intelligent as Einstein. All pregnant women will have a few thoughts in mind like, “Is it a must to consume pregnancy supplements?” as they are worried and unassertive. Therefore, we are here to break down and shed some light on the importance of pregnancy supplements. 

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Benefits of Pregnancy Supplements ^1,3,4,5,6,7

• Source of nutrients replacement due to allergies, nausea, severe vomiting experienced with certain food or when following a restricted diet

• Optimal support and development of fetal growth and maternal health to prevent fetal defects, premature birth and low birth weight

• Improve health functions in mother and fetus bodies’ systems

Essential Supplements for Pregnant Women ^1,3,4,5,6

Pregnant women need to select and purchase the right supplements regulated by MOH by identifying two attributes. Firstly is the MAL registration number, starting with “MAL” followed by 8 numbers and ending with N. Secondly is the MOH Hologram sticker on the packaging representing the safety feature. Health practitioners will advise pregnant women to consume supplements in safe amounts accordingly. ^1,6 

I understand that there is a lot of information to take in but do not be overwhelmed as you can always seek advice from your nearest doctor or pharmacist. You can also consult with our pharmacist for free on these supplements and oral contraceptives too. 

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Here are some which are commonly recommended: 

1. Folic acid ^1,3,4,5

Folic acid, a type of Vitamin B, is the most pivotal supplement, especially during the first trimester. It prevents defects of the fetus' brain and spine, neural tube defects (NTD). Taking folic acid may also lead to a reduced risk of baby’s heart and mouth defects.

Take 400mcg of folic acid daily from one month before conception until the first trimester. However, it is advised for women who are capable of conceiving to consume folic acid even if they are not planning to as more than 40% of Malaysian postpartum mothers’ pregnancies are unplanned.⁹ There are circumstances where larger amounts of folic acid are advised for pregnant women who: 

• Had a baby with NTD in past pregnancies 

• Have diabetes

• Take antiepileptic or HIV antiviral medications 

2. Iron^1,3,4,5,7,8

Another important supplement is iron, a mineral required to have twice the regular amount in mothers’ bodies to make haemoglobin. It is a protein in red blood cells (RBC) transporting oxygen from lungs to other body parts, even to make babies’ blood. Iron stored in mothers’ liver may have been used up by them and the babies through mothers’ placenta resulting in: 

• Anaemia (a condition with low amounts of RBC): most significant as up to 95% of anaemia cases in Malaysian pregnant women are iron-deficiency anaemia. ¹⁰

• Premature birth (Before 37 weeks of pregnancy)

• Low birth weight (Baby weighing less than 2.67 kg) 

• Infections 

• Fatigue

Many pregnant women try to avoid taking iron as they often feel nausea to the smell of iron leading to a higher possibility of iron-deficiency anaemia to be presented. Thus, take 27 mg of iron daily during pregnancy. 

3. Calcium ^1,3,5,12

Calcium is suggested as an alternative for mothers who are lactose intolerant.¹²  It is essential for the formation of babies’ teeth and bones, especially during the third trimester. The recommended daily calcium intake is 1300mg (14 - 18 years old mothers) or 1000mg (19 - 50 years old). 

If pregnant mothers are experiencing a low percentage of calcium, it can accelerate to negative effects like: 

• Tooth decay 

• Leg cramping 

• Risk of preeclampsia which may lead to mothers’ or unborn babies’ death 

• Osteoporosis (a condition where bones become weak and brittle) 

• Risk of gestational hypertension and preterm labour 

4. Essential Fatty Acids ^1,3,5

Development and growth of babies’ brain, nerves and eyes are achieved through essential fatty acids such as omega-3 fatty acids (Ex: DHA, docosahexaenoic acid). Generally, DHA mainly comes from fish but do not ingest excessively as they comprise high levels of mercury. Omega-3 should be taken at 300mg daily with the doctors’ supervision for mothers who do not consume fish often.

5. Vitamin D ^1,3,4,5.7

Did you know that pregnant women who have moderate, severe COVID 19 suffer from low levels of Vitamin D? ¹¹ Consequently, Vitamin D is important during the first 3 months of pregnancy, particularly during this pandemic to: 

• Have a strong immune system to protect against infections 

• Absorb and regulate calcium and phosphorus which grow and maintain babies’ strong bones, muscle and teeth 

The recommended intake for vitamin D is 5 mcg every day. If pregnant women experience Vitamin D deficiency, it results in a high risk of: 

• C-section 

• Preeclampsia 

• Premature birth 

• Gestational Diabetes 

Even though there are numerous beneficial pregnancy supplements, there are some which are not regulated and cause negative outcomes to occur. Thus, it is always best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist on supplements that are required and safe even through our accessible pharmacists’ consultation on the DOC2US platform. Taking a balanced, healthy diet remains ideal for obtaining optimal amounts of nutrients to ensure nutritional needs for both are met. Therefore, eating meals that consist of all nutrient types maintains a healthy maternal and fetal wellbeing.

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Now we have reached the end of the article. Hopefully, this article gives you more insight and knowledge on the correct information about oral contraceptive pills. Do you still have any questions regarding OCPs? Consult our online pharmacists for free HERE! You can also get a FREE OXWHITE premium cloth mask and FREE OCPs DELIVERY!

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REFERENCES

1. http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/vitamins-health-supplements-pregnant-mothers/ 

2. https://medic.upm.edu.my/upload/dokumen/2020120208334111_MJMHS_0713.pdf 

3. https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/vitamins-and-other-nutrients-during-pregnancy.aspx 

4. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vitamins-supplements-and-nutrition/ 

5. https://specialty.mims.com/nutrition%20in%20pregnancy/treatment 

6. https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/heal/2020/02/568721/safe-use-supplements 

7. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/supplements-during-pregnancy#safe-supplements 

8. https://www.columbiaasia.com/malaysia/health-articles/pregnancy-dos-and-donts 

9. https://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/gjhs/article/view/73810#:~:text=RESULTS%3A%20A%20total%20of%205727,CI%3A%2038.6%2C%2047.4). 

10. http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/anaemia-in-pregnancy/ 

11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34390830/#:~:text=In%20terms%20of%20taking%20vitamin,pregnant%20women%20with%20COVID%2D19. 

12. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/pregnancy-and-lactose-intolerance/faq-20119824 

Written by

Ms. Hean Shi Wen