Good nutrition before and during pregnancy supports your baby’s growth and your own health. A balanced diet comes first, but a few nutrients are hard to get from food alone. This guide explains which vitamins matter most, when to start them, and what to avoid.

Folic Acid: Start Before You Get Pregnant

Folic acid (vitamin B9) helps prevent serious birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine, called neural tube defects. These develop in the first weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. For this reason:

  • Women who could become pregnant are advised to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily, ideally starting at least one month before trying to conceive and continuing through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Some women need a higher dose prescribed by a doctor, for example those who have had a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect, or who have diabetes, epilepsy, sickle cell disease or a high body weight. Ask your doctor.

Folic acid on its own is available as NOW Folic Acid 800 mcg with B12, and it is also included in pregnancy multivitamins.

Iron

Your blood volume increases a lot in pregnancy, so iron needs rise. Low iron (anaemia) can cause tiredness and increases risks for mother and baby. Antenatal clinics in Nigeria usually give iron and folic acid tablets and check your blood level (PCV or haemoglobin). If you are already taking clinic iron tablets, tell your pharmacist before adding a multivitamin that also contains iron, so the total stays at a safe level.

Other Important Nutrients

  • Iodine: needed for the baby’s brain development. Use iodised salt, and check that your pregnancy vitamin contains iodine.
  • Vitamin D and calcium: support bone health for you and your baby.
  • Omega-3 (DHA): found in oily fish such as mackerel and sardines. Some pregnancy supplements include it.
  • Vitamin B12: especially important if you eat little or no animal food.

Choosing a Pregnancy Multivitamin

A multivitamin made for pregnancy contains suitable amounts of these nutrients and avoids high doses of those that can be harmful. Options we stock include Vitabiotics Pregnacare Original, Vitabiotics Pregnacare Plus (which adds omega-3) and Doppelherz Vital Pregna. Follow the dose on the pack, and tell your antenatal clinic what you are taking.

What to Avoid

  • High-dose vitamin A (retinol): large amounts can harm the unborn baby. Avoid general multivitamins, fish liver oil supplements and high-dose vitamin A products unless your doctor approves them. Pregnancy vitamins are formulated to avoid this problem.
  • Herbal mixtures and “agbo”: many herbal products have not been tested for safety in pregnancy, and some can harm the baby or cause contractions.
  • Doubling up: taking several supplements together can lead to too much of some vitamins or iron.
  • Alcohol and smoking: there is no known safe amount of alcohol in pregnancy.

For Partners

A father’s health also matters when trying to conceive. Not smoking, limiting alcohol, a healthy weight and a balanced diet all support sperm health. Some men take a supplement such as Vitabiotics Wellman Conception, though it cannot treat a specific fertility problem.

The Bottom Line

Start folic acid before pregnancy if you can, attend antenatal clinic early, take the iron you are prescribed, and choose a multivitamin made for pregnancy. If you are unsure which product suits you, our pharmacist can help you choose and check it against the medicines you already take.

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This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. If you have questions about your health or a product, message our pharmacist on WhatsApp 0916 577 4708 or call 0809 512 7000.