Eating a healthy, varied diet in pregnancy will help you get most of the vitamins and minerals you need.
But when you're pregnant, or there's a chance you might get pregnant, you should take a folic acid supplement.
It's recommended that you take:
400 micrograms of folic acid every day – from before you're pregnant until you're 12 weeks pregnant
This is to reduce the risk of problems in the baby's development in the early weeks of pregnancy.
The Department of Health and Social Care also advises you to consider taking a vitamin D supplement.
Do not take vitamin A supplements or any supplements containing vitamin A (retinol), as too much vitamin A could harm your baby. Always check the label.
Under the national Healthy Start scheme, pregnant women and people, women with a child under 12 months old and children aged up to four years who are entitled to Healthy Start vouchers, are also entitled to free Healthy Start vitamins which contain the correct vitamins at the correct doses. You can check your eligibility for the Healthy Start Scheme here.
If you live in Blackburn with Darwen, a local scheme provides free Healthy Start vitamins to all children under 5 years of age, all pregnant women and all women for one year after giving birth, regardless of whether you qualify for Healthy Start vouchers.
For further information go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/vitamins-minerals-supplements-pregnant/.