Should You Take Supplements During Pregnancy? Midwife's Advice On What Vitamins Women Should Have

Midwife Explains 2 Supplements You Should Definitely Take During Pregnancy

Keeping a balanced diet during pregnancy is important, but have you been advised what supplements you should take?

Midwife Jenny Haddon explained how supplements can enhance your diet, as well as advising what you should definitely not be having.

Folic acid

"This is important during pregnancy because it helps prevent some birth defects such as spina bifida," said Haddon.

She advised taking 400 micrograms each day during the time you conceive up until you're 12 weeks pregnant.

"After 13 weeks, you can stop taking this but if it's part of a multi-vitamin that you're continuing taking, it won't cause any harm," she added.

Vitamin D

Haddon said vitamin D is needed to maintain healthy bones as well as making sure your baby has enough of it in their body in the first few months of their life.

She recommends taking 10 micograms each day throughout your pregnancy, and as long as you continue to breastfeed.

"If you want to get either of these from a multi-vitamin tablet, it's important they don't contain vitamin A or retinol," Haddon added.

"Vitamin A can cause harm to a baby, if you're in doubt check the bottle or speak to your midwife."

Watch the video above to hear all of Haddon's advice.

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