Pregnancy vitamins and supplements
UK advice is to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily from before conception until 12 weeks, and 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily throughout pregnancy.
Short answer UK advice is to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily from before conception until 12 weeks, and 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily throughout pregnancy. Do not take vitamin A supplements or cod liver oil.
The two that are advised
| Supplement | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Folic acid | 400 micrograms a day | Before conception to week 12 |
| Vitamin D | 10 micrograms a day | Throughout, and while breastfeeding |
Some women are advised to take a higher dose of folic acid, 5mg, on prescription. Ask your GP or midwife.
What to avoid
Vitamin A as retinol, including cod liver oil and high-dose multivitamins not made for pregnancy: too much can harm the baby.
Iron, omega-3 and others
Take iron only if a blood test shows you need it. Omega-3 from two portions of fish a week is advised, with limits on some species. Choose a pregnancy-specific multivitamin if you want one.
Why there is no product link
We do not link to general supplements on this page. Ask your midwife or pharmacist which product suits you, and whether you qualify for free Healthy Start vitamins.
Related pages
- Vitamin DUK guidance is that everyone should consider a daily supplement of 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D during autumn and winter.
- Iron supplementsWomen aged 19 to 49 need 14.8mg of iron a day and other adults 8.7mg.
- Omega-3 supplementsUK advice is to eat two portions of fish a week, one of them oily.
Keep exploring
Questions people ask
What vitamins should I take when pregnant?
Folic acid until week 12 and vitamin D throughout.
Can I take collagen when pregnant?
Ask your midwife first; it has not been well studied in pregnancy.
Sources
- NHS: Vitamins, supplements and nutrition in pregnancy (opens in a new tab)
- NHS: Vitamin D (opens in a new tab)
Checked 9 October 2026.