Managing a Medication and Vitamin Routine in Pregnancy
By MagdaLast updated
Overview
Pregnancy changes a medication routine in several ways at once. Supplements such as folic acid come with a start and end point, vitamin D advice depends on the season, and regular medicines may need a conversation with your doctor before anything changes. Most pregnant women take some kind of medicine, so this isn't unusual. This page explains what makes a pregnancy routine hard to keep, using CDC and NHS guidance, and how to set up reminders, start and end dates and notes in Pillzy. Your midwife, doctor or pharmacist decides what you should take.
What makes this routine hard
Medicine use is common. The CDC says about 9 in 10 women report taking some type of medicine during pregnancy. [1]
Changes need a conversation first. The CDC advises talking to your healthcare providers before starting or stopping any medicine, and notes that stopping a medicine may sometimes be more harmful than taking it. [1]
Some supplements are time-limited. The NHS advises taking folic acid from when you're trying to get pregnant through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. [2]
Some advice is seasonal. The NHS recommends a daily vitamin D supplement between early October and late March, and all year for some people. [2]
Labels need checking. The NHS says not to take cod liver oil or supplements containing vitamin A (retinol) when you're pregnant. [2]
Set up reminders and tracking in Pillzy
Add each vitamin and medicine in Pillzy with the instructions from your midwife, doctor or pharmacist.
Set a start date and an end date for time-limited supplements, so the reminder stops when you've been told it can.
Choose reminder times you can manage, and if mornings are hard, ask your midwife or pharmacist whether a later time works before moving the reminder.
Mark each dose as taken, and use the calendar planner to see the week ahead.
Use notes to record any medicine changes your care team makes, with the date, and bring them to appointments.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start taking folic acid?
The NHS advises starting folic acid when you're trying to get pregnant, or as soon as you find out you are, and taking it for the first 12 weeks. Your GP or midwife can tell you if you need a different amount.
Can I keep taking my regular medicine when I find out I'm pregnant?
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping anything. The CDC notes that in some cases stopping a medicine during pregnancy may be more harmful than taking it.
Do I need to take vitamin D while pregnant?
The NHS recommends a daily vitamin D supplement between early October and late March, and all year for some people, such as those who spend a lot of time indoors. Ask your midwife what applies to you.