Vitamins and supplements for pregnancy

What happens in the first few years of a child’s life can shape their whole life.

Eating a varied diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables will make sure you get most of the vitamins and minerals you need, but when you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, there are some recommended supplements for you to take. These include 400 micrograms of Folic Acid which can help prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects (a problem with a baby’s brain, spine, or spinal cord), and vitamin D to help you and your baby have strong bones and teeth.

Your GP, midwives or pregnancy specialist team will recommend the supplements best for you.

See more information about vitamins, supplements and nutrition in pregnancy from the NHS.

Find out more about:

You may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk and vitamins through the National Healthy Start Scheme. The Healthy Start Scheme helps you to buy food and milk.

Apply for the Healthy Start Scheme. Contact the Healthy Child Service or midwives if support is needed to complete the application.

Healthy Start vitamins are available to eligible women and children via providers located across York. Please see the NHS find healthy start vitamins locator.