Trying for a baby
You should continue to eat a balanced diet if you are planning a pregnancy.
You may have heard about the benefits of folic acid whilst trying to conceive and during pregnancy. Taking folic acid supplements helps to reduce the risk of serious birth defects affecting the brain and spinal cord (such as spina bifida) in the developing baby.
Many foods contain folic acid, but even with a balanced diet, it is difficult to get enough and folic acid can’t be stored in the body. The recommended dose is 400 mcg daily, but some women may need more. If you have a family history of neural tube defects (birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord), diabetes or epilepsy, talk to your doctor about the best dose for you.
If you do decide to take vitamin supplements make sure they are suitable for a woman trying for a baby. Vitamin A and fish oil supplements can be harmful to a developing baby and should not be included in any supplements you take.