Women are advised to start taking folic acid supplements 3 months before trying to conceive. These supplements do not need to be combined or taken as part of an expensive antenatal vitamin. Budget-friendly options are just as effective and should be encouraged to keep supplements affordable over time.

Folate is essential for DNA development, cell growth and tissue formation. Taking a folic acid supplement before pregnancy greatly reduces the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. As neural tube defects occur within the first 28 days of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant, it’s important to start folic acid supplementation prior to conception.

• Women need folic acid 3 months before trying to conceive, or as soon as they are trying for a baby, and through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
• Encourage women to look for a supplement that contains at least 400mcg of folic acid.
• Encourage and support women to eat healthy foods containing folate or fortified with folic acid alongside supplementation (e.g. green leafy vegetables, broccoli, oranges, avocado, or fortified breads and cereals).

Some women may require more folic acid supplementation if they:

• have a family history, or relative who has had a baby with a
• neural tube defect
• have epilepsy
• take anti-convulsant medication
• have vitamin B12 deficiency
• have diabetes
• are above a healthy weight.

Encourage women seeking advice around folic acid to consult their GP or a Dietitian to discuss their individual needs and support a healthy pregnancy.

Women need 150 mcg of iodine each day. Iodine is an essential vitamin for brain and bone development. Taking iodine in the preconception period supports women’s iodine stores. They should continue to take this for the duration of their pregnancy and once breastfeeding.

Women are advised to start iodine supplements 3 months before trying for a baby. This supplement does not have to be combined or part of an expensive antenatal vitamin. Budget-friendly options are just as effective and should be encouraged to keep supplements affordable over time.

• Women need 150 mcg of iodine each day. They should continue to take this for the duration of their pregnancy and once breastfeeding.
• Encourage and support women to eat healthy foods containing iodine alongside supplementation (e.g. fortified bread, seafood, dairy foods).
• While salt is not recommended for general health, if they are cooking or using salt, encourage them to choose iodised table salt.

Encourage women with pre-existing thyroid conditions to seek advice from their doctor before taking an iodine supplement.