Vitamins Before and During Pregnancy
Folic acid helps the body to make new cells. Folic acid is important because it can help to prevent birth defects of a baby’s brain and spine, such as spina bifida. Take a folic acid tablet every day for 4 weeks (1 month) before you might become pregnant through to 12 weeks after becoming pregnant. It is less expensive to have this prescribed.
Iodine helps the body to grow and develop, especially the brain. Because babies get iodine from their mothers, pregnant and breastfeeding women need more iodine. As well as choosing foods high in iodine, take one iodine-only tablet every day when pregnant and breastfeeding. It is less expensive to have this prescribed.
Vitamin D is needed for strong bones and joints as well as healthy muscle and nerve activity. If you don’t have enough vitamin D during pregnancy, your baby may be born with low vitamin D levels. If you have darker skin, spend most of your time inside, have liver or kidney disease or are taking certain medicines, you are at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. If you are worried that you don’t get enough vitamin D, or you have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, talk to your midwife, GP or nurse practitioner.