When planning to expand your family, healthcare advice is essential to ensure a happy, healthy pregnancy and beyond.
One of the most important factors to consider is how your diet, lifestyle and medication use can affect your unborn baby and what is deemed safe while breastfeeding.
Thembeka Gule, a pharmacist at South Africa’s first national courier pharmacy, Medipost Pharmacy, emphasises the importance of navigating this transformative period with care to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and successful breastfeeding.
Increased nutritional needs during pregnancy
“Pregnancy calls for an increased intake of essential nutrients that may be challenging to fulfil through diet alone. This necessitates starting with prenatal supplements as soon as the mother is aware that she is expecting,” says Gule.
She points out that folic acid, iron, B vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids, calcium and vitamin C are vital for a healthy pregnancy and can be taken as a single pregnancy supplement or in several different tablets, which can be continued while breastfeeding.
“The expectant mother should do their best to eat a balanced and varied diet that includes whole grains, vegetables, fruits and fibre, with an increased lean protein and calcium intake,” adds Gule.
Supplements for a healthy pregnancy and baby
- Folic acid and B vitamins for the development of a healthy spinal cord and brain and to help[ protect against the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
- Proteins and calcium to support foetal growth and bone development.
- Iron to increase blood supply to the foetus to increase the oxygen available to the growing baby.
- Omega 3 fatty acids for brain development. They may also help reduce the risk of prenatal depression.
Managing common pregnancy niggles
Here’s how to alleviate and treat common pregnancy symptoms safely and ensure you have a happy and healthy pregnancy.
Heartburn
- Avoid spicy and fatty foods.
- Eat smaller portions.
- Avoid lying down after meals.
- Eat slowly and sit upright.
Nausea
- Eat a light meal in the morning.
- Snack on protein-rich foods.
- Sip lemonade or ginger ale.
- Avoid nausea-triggering foods.
Constipation
- Eat high-fibre foods.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Exercise regularly.
Also read our articles on dealing with pregnancy ailments and breastfeeding post-partum.
Medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding
“Not all over-the-counter medication (OTC) is safe to use during pregnancy. There are some that expectant mothers should avoid. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], such as aspirin and ibuprofen, particularly during the third trimester,” Gule advises.
“The long-term use of codeine can cause withdrawal symptoms after the baby is born, while pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can increase blood pressure and must be avoided unless the benefits outweigh the dangers and only on the advice of your obstetrician.
“There are safer alternative options for managing pain, such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, antacids for heartburn, fibre supplements for constipation, and decongestant chest rubs for congestion. Consult your healthcare provider or a pharmacist before taking any OTC medications, herbal supplements or home remedies to ensure a healthy pregnancy and newborn,” Gule advises.
Prescription medication and chronic conditions need to be managed carefully and only on the advice of your healthcare provider and must be taken strictly as prescribed.
“Some medications can pass into breast milk and affect a breastfed baby, so it is essential to disclose to your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding. They can advise on the best course of action to minimise risks,” notes Gule.
Herbal and natural supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding
“In general, the use of herbal and natural supplements is not advisable during pregnancy due to potential risks. Most natural preparations lack extensive safety data and can pose dangers to the unborn baby,” warns Gule.
Some medications interact with each other, which can reduce their efficacy or even cause adverse drug effects. “Iron-containing supplements, for example, should not be taken simultaneously with antacids or calcium-containing supplements because the antacids and calcium will reduce or impair iron absorption and lead to iron deficiency – even though the mother is taking supplements,” she explains.
Ensuring both mother and baby’s health during pregnancy and breastfeeding requires careful attention to nutrition, lifestyle and medication use. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers require personalised advice and support from their healthcare team, including pharmacists.
“By following recommended guidelines, avoiding harmful substances and taking necessary supplements, mothers can ensure they have a happy, healthy pregnancy and provide the best possible start for their babies,” Gule concludes.
