Q: Is it safe to take the following supplements during pregnancy - folic acid, spirulina and Omega 3 + 6. I decided to switch over to Multivitamin for Pregnant Mums ( Blackmores ) Is this the right time to switch?

A: Folic acid should be taken in pregnancy especially during the first 12 weeks, as it has been shown to reduce the risk of spinal cord defects.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies low intake of Omega-3 fatty acids from fish as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe). However, such supplements are not as strictly regulated as medicines. There are concerns about the strength, purity or safety of different products.

Many herbal and over the counter supplements such as spirulina have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven, especially in pregnancy.

Please see your regular doctor for more specific advice.

Q: Is it safe to travel during the 5th - 6th months of the pregnancy ? What should I be aware of?

A: Generally, air travel is allowed for pregnant women (with an uneventful antenatal follow up) who need to travel from the 12th week of pregnancy up till 32-34 weeks. Pregnant women who wish to travel are advised to see their doctor before they leave, as some airlines may ask for a 'fit for travel' certificate from the doctor.

Travel may sometimes aggravate the common symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness etc. Pregnant women are also more prone to clots forming in the leg veins and any prolonged stationary position can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis. It is important to avoid dehydration, alcohol or caffeine or prolonged sitting, especially during long flights.

Moving about regularly and wearing compression stockings can help reduce this risk. Please seek advice from your regular doctor before travelling.

Got a question on your reproductive health? Email it to us at Just Woman and we will get it answered by Dr Fong Yoke Fai, a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the National University Hospital.