women s health issues
Self Care During Pregnancy
Drugs and dietary supplements
Generally, avoiding Safety of Medications During Pregnancy is best. However, drugs must sometimes be used. A pregnant woman should check with her doctor before taking any drug—including nonprescription (over-the-counter) drugs, such as Pregnancy doubles the amount of iron needed. Most pregnant women need an iron supplement because the average woman does not absorb enough iron from food to meet the requirements of pregnancy. If a woman has anemia or develops anemia during pregnancy, she may need to take a larger dose of iron than other pregnant women. Iron supplements may cause mild stomach upset and constipation. All pregnant women should take a supplement that contains 400 micrograms of Folate Deficiency ( Usually, exercise and sexual intercourse do not jeopardize a pregnancy. When traveling, pregnant women should always wear seat belts. Doctors recommend that pregnant women take a prenatal multivitamin containing iron and folate daily, even if their diet is adequate. 