Prenatal Vitamins

[IngridAllen]

Hi , Iam new here, I would like to inquire as to when do I start taking a combination of both folic and iron suppliments during pregnancy.(At how many weeks of gestation)?

[Baby24]

I think you should be on folic, even when trying and not pregnant yet they recommend taking it. I'm not sure about iron.. I was taking folic till around 12 weeks then went onto prenatal tablets

[roxannacar]

Ideally you should start your vitamins prior to conception when you decide you want a child really. Folic acid is suggested till week 12 and vitamin d through out pregnancy and beyond if breast feeding. No harm in continuing folic acid beyond 12 weeks as part of multi vitamin

[ChrisWest1983 in reply to roxannacar]

Agree I was taking folic acid before conception and until I got that fat positive ➕ and then started pregnacare which has 400 mcg of folic acid + Vitamin D (400 IU) and the rest. As I plan to breastfeed I suppose I'll just stick to these vitamins for a while. (never had such strong nails in my life and my gums were bleeding prior conception and now they are fine!)

[krpyatt1]

Folic Acid is ideally 3 months prior to conception, and until 12 weeks gestation. Vitamin D from positive test and all the way through. All the other Vitamins you should be able to get through your diet and don't need to waste money on all these pregnancy vitamin supplements. If you feel tired beyond what is expected in pregnancy, ask your midwife or GP to test your B12 and Iron levels.

[Kwillemsen86]

Folic acid immediately if not before you become pregnant,only take iron if prescribed by your gp as it is not automatically needed just because you are pregnant. Also ask the gp about vitamin d

[roxannacar in reply to Kwillemsen86]

Vitamin d is actually suggested through out if you read the maternity booklet. Heh midwife pointed this out when I said oh I'm meant to be taking vit d too?! I'd rather get it through bit of sunshine if possible tho!

[Tinyperson]

You should take pregnacare pre pregnancy vitamins when trying to get pregnant and when you get pregnant take pregnacare 'all through pregnancy vitamins xxx they are the best they have everything u need and are midwife recommend x

[roxannacar in reply to Tinyperson]

No offence sounds a bit like an advert... I normally get boots brand or whatever is on offer ... as they have the same things inside!

[IngridAllen]

Thank You very much for the pieces of advice. I actually did not know that Vit D suppliments are important in pregnancy. I have been using only folic and Iron . I have been using Fefol that has both folic and Iron. I guess I will switch to Pregnacare but please note that Pregnacare makes me bulge.

[roxannacar in reply to IngridAllen]

Try different brands of pregncare doesn't work for you. Vit d is important in bone development and just general being and unfortunately living in the UK means lack is sunlight and vit d.