Life stage
Pregnancy and supplements
In pregnancy the NHS recommends a daily 400 microgram folic acid supplement up to 12 weeks and a daily 10 microgram vitamin D supplement throughout. It also advises avoiding supplements with vitamin A (retinol). Beyond these, most needs come from a varied diet. Always follow NHS guidance and check anything new with your midwife, GP or pharmacist.
What changes nutritionally
Pregnancy raises the need for a few specific nutrients. Folic acid is the clearest example: the NHS recommends it before conception and through the first 12 weeks to support the baby’s early development. Vitamin D is recommended throughout. Iron needs rise, and some women are advised to address low iron with their midwife. The watchword is that more is not better; some nutrients, vitamin A in particular, should be limited.
Because this is a high-stakes stage, we keep to what the NHS advises rather than promoting extras. A balanced diet plus the two recommended supplements is the foundation for most pregnancies.
The supplement categories that matter
- Folic acid: NHS-recommended at 400 micrograms daily until 12 weeks; a higher dose only if your GP advises it.
- Vitamin D: NHS-recommended at 10 micrograms daily throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Iron: only if advised, based on your midwife’s assessment; do not self-prescribe high doses.
- Collagen and other cosmetic supplements: check suitability in pregnancy before use, as not all are tested for it.
Where this fits across the life stages
Pregnancy leads into the postnatal period, with its own nutrition priorities. Later stages are covered in our perimenopause, menopause and senior years guides.
Frequently asked questions
Which supplements does the NHS recommend in pregnancy?
The NHS recommends a daily 400 microgram folic acid supplement before conception and until 12 weeks of pregnancy, and a daily 10 microgram vitamin D supplement throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Always follow current NHS guidance and your midwife’s advice.
What should I avoid?
The NHS advises avoiding supplements containing vitamin A (retinol) and high-dose multivitamins not designed for pregnancy, as too much vitamin A can be harmful. Always check a product is suitable for pregnancy and speak to your midwife, GP or pharmacist.
Do I need a special pregnancy multivitamin?
Not necessarily. The core NHS recommendations are folic acid and vitamin D. A pregnancy-specific multivitamin can be a convenient way to get these without the nutrients to avoid, but it is not a substitute for a healthy diet. Check it is pregnancy-appropriate.
Can I take any supplement while pregnant?
No. Some supplements are not suitable in pregnancy. This includes products like creatine and certain herbal supplements unless advised. Always check the label and speak to your midwife, GP or pharmacist before taking anything new.
This is information, not medical advice, and is not a substitute for a registered clinician. In pregnancy, always follow NHS guidance and check any supplement with your midwife, GP or pharmacist first.
Editor, Her Vitals
Oliver leads Her Vitals's editorial coverage of women's life-stage health and supplements. He curates and reviews existing branded products across trying to conceive, pregnancy, postnatal, perimenopause, menopause and the senior years, weighing what the evidence supports against guidance from bodies such as EFSA, the NHS and NICE, and is clear that the content is information rather than medical advice.
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026