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Vitamins and folic acid supplementsIf you are trying for a baby or are pregnant, you should take folic acid supplements up to the 12th week, as this has been shown to help reduce the risk of a baby being born with neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Folic acid appears naturally in foods including leafy green vegetables, orange juice, dried apricots and some breads and cereals. However, in addition to eating a diet high in folic acid, the Department of Health also recommends a 0.4mg (sometimes described as 400 mcg or micrograms) daily supplement. You can buy these from your local chemist. If you are epileptic and take drugs to control your epilepsy, consult your doctor before taking folic acid. In an ideal world women should start taking folic acid supplements before conception, otherwise start as soon as you know you’re pregnant. If you are eating a sensible, well balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables you and your developing baby should be getting all the vitamins and minerals you both need. But if you've been suffering from morning sickness or simply been off your food, a supplement may help. It's best to take advice from your GP or midwife, but if you do decide to buy vitamin supplements, only take those specially designed for pregnant women, as other types may contain vitamin A, which isn't recommended as a supplement for pregnant women. |
