Do I need to take pregnancy multivitamins?

What supplements do I need in pregnancy?

What dose should I take? 

Should I take a pregnancy multivitamin? 

Should I take a multivitamin if I’m on a special diet?

Can I take a multivitamin containing folic acid after 12 weeks?

A varied, balanced diet should provide most of the vitamins and minerals you need when you’re pregnant. You will need certain supplements but you should not need a pregnancy multivitamin.  

What supplements do I need in pregnancy?

The only supplements recommended as a rule  are vitamin D and folic acid. You should take vitamin D throughout your pregnancy. It is recommended to start taking folic acid when trying for a baby or as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Folic acid can help prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, including spina bifida. You should continue taking it for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.  

What dose should I take?

You should take a 10 microgram (or 400 IU) supplement of vitamin D each day. Your body needs vitamin D to keep your heart, bones and teeth healthy. Your developing baby needs it for the same reasons. You may need to take a higher dose of vitamin D in pregnancy if you are at higher risk of having a  deficiency.

Find out more about taking vitamin D in pregnancy.

Most people are advised to take 400 micrograms of folic acid each day though people with certain conditions may need to take more. 

Find out more about taking folic acid in pregnancy.

Should I take a pregnancy multivitamin?

It is fine to take a multivitamin if you want to, but research has shown that it is not necessary. The key thing is taking vitamin D and folic acid and getting a healthy balanced diet. 

Just buying the vitamin D and folic acid that you need will likely cost less than a pregnancy multivitamin. Plus, if you are eligible, you can get both vitamin D and folic acid for free on the Healthy Start scheme.

If you do take a multivitamin, make sure that it’s marked safe for pregnancy and does not contain vitamin A, as too much can harm your baby.  

Should I take a multivitamin if I’m on a special diet?

Plant-based or vegan diets can be healthy during pregnancy, but it is important to make sure you get enough iodine and vitamin B12. You can eat foods that are fortified with iodine and vitamin B12 and it may also be a good idea to take a supplement. Find out more about having a plant-based or vegetarian diet and pregnancy.

If you are anaemic you may need to take an iron supplement. Anaemia is when your blood has a lower-than-normal amount of healthy red blood cells. Your doctor will advise you and prescribe if necessary. 

Find out more about iron in pregnancy.

"We know that having a balanced, varied diet and appropriately sized meal portions will contain almost all of the nutrients and vitamins that our bodies need for a healthy pregnancy. We want mums to know that they do not need to spend a lot of money on unnecessary supplements when these can naturally be found in the fresh food that they buy."  

Tommy's midwife Sophie

Can I take a multivitamin containing folic acid after 12 weeks?

After 12 weeks you don’t need to take folic acid. But you can carry on taking pregnancy multivitamin tablets even if they contain folic acid.