Health

Looking after your health

The best start a pregnant woman can give her baby is to eat a well-balanced diet, which includes the recommended amount of food from each of the five main food groups. If your diet follows this guide, vitamin and mineral supplements should not be necessary.

Folate, or folic acid, is the exception. When you are pregnant, your folic acid needs double because your growing baby is creating thousands of new body cells, especially during the first 6 to 12 weeks of pregnancy, and your pregnant body is producing more red blood cells to support the pregnancy.

If you are trying for a baby or have fallen pregnant, nutritionists recommend you take a folate supplement, however always consult your doctor or midwife before taking a vitamin or mineral supplement when pregnant or breastfeeding, or call The Ministry of Health Maternity Line 0800 MUM 2 BE (686 223)

High dosages of certain vitamins, such as Vitamin A, (especially during the first trimester of pregnancy) can cause birth defects. They may also pose health concerns for breastfed newborn babies. It is important you check with your doctor, midwife or call The Ministry of Health Maternity Line 0800 MUM 2 BE (686 223) before taking any vitamin or mineral supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding.