Prenatal Vitamins: What Expecting Mothers Need to Know
Reviewed by Dr. Amna Noor, Pharm-D — Lead Pharmacist, IMA Pharmacy Plus
Walk into any pharmacy and the supplement shelf can feel overwhelming. For expecting mothers, the science is actually clear about a small number of supplements that genuinely matter — and equally clear that more is not always better.
The essentials, backed by evidence
- Folic acid (400–800 mcg daily): ideally started before conception and through the first trimester; it dramatically reduces the risk of neural tube defects
- Iron: prevents and treats anemia, which is common in pregnancy; dose should follow a blood test and your doctor’s advice
- Calcium and vitamin D: support the baby’s bone development and protect the mother’s own bone strength
- Iodine: important for the baby’s brain development; often covered by iodised salt and a good prenatal formula
What to avoid
High-dose vitamin A (retinol) supplements can harm a developing baby — check labels carefully. Herbal products marketed as “safe because natural” are not automatically safe in pregnancy, and many lack any testing. Always show every supplement, herbal product, and over-the-counter medicine to your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.
Supplements support — they do not replace — food
A prenatal vitamin fills gaps; it does not replace meals. Milk, eggs, daal, green vegetables, and seasonal fruit remain the foundation. If nausea makes tablets hard to keep down, ask us — taking them with the evening meal or switching formulation often solves it.
At IMA Pharmacy Plus, our female pharmacist offers private, unhurried counselling for expecting and new mothers. Your questions are always welcome.
