Do you have to take prenatal vitamins the whole 9 months

When you're pregnant, you'll get most of the vitamins and minerals you need by eating a healthy, varied diet – but you also need to take folic acid and vitamin D supplements.

Find out why, how much to take and where to get them, as well as what vitamins to avoid.

Folic acid

It's best to start taking folic acid as soon as you start trying for a baby, or as soon as you find out you're pregnant.

Folic acid is very important for your pregnancy, as it can prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, including spina bifida.

Certain foods contain the natural form of folic acid (folate), such as:

• broccoli
• spinach
• other green leafy vegetables
• granary bread
• beans and pulses

While it's good to include these foods in your diet, you'll still need to take your folic acid supplements.

How much folic acid do I need?

You'll need 400 micrograms (mcg) every day until the end of your first trimester (12 weeks).