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. |
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last updated on May 2022
This article was last reviewed on Tuesday, November 29, 2022