40w LaterGuide

When you start preparing for pregnancy, you may wonder whether you need a multivitamin or other supplements in addition to folic acid.

Why is folic acid so important?

Folic acid is a B vitamin that plays an important role in cell growth and division. Very early in pregnancy, the neural tube develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord. Because this happens before many people even know they are pregnant, getting enough folic acid before conception is important.

If you are planning a pregnancy, taking folic acid every day before conception is generally recommended. Recommendations vary slightly by country, but around 400 micrograms per day is widely advised.

If you have previously had a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect, or have certain medical conditions or take medications that increase the risk, you may need a higher dose. Do not increase the dose on your own—talk with a healthcare professional about what is appropriate for you.

Do you also need a multivitamin?

Not everyone needs to take a multivitamin while trying to conceive. If you eat a varied and balanced diet, you may already be getting many of the vitamins and minerals you need.

However, a prenatal or preconception multivitamin may be helpful if your diet is irregular, you avoid certain food groups, follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, or have a higher risk of nutritional deficiencies.

In addition to folic acid, nutrients such as iron, iodine, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 can be important before and during pregnancy. Your needs may differ depending on your diet and health.

More is not always better

Taking several supplements at the same time can lead to duplicate or excessive intake of certain nutrients. In particular, excessive vitamin A in the form of retinol should be avoided during pregnancy, so check supplement labels carefully.

Rather than taking many supplements “just in case,” start with folic acid and consider whether you need anything else based on your diet and health. If you have a medical condition, take regular medication, or are considering high-dose supplements, speak with a healthcare professional or pharmacist.