Vitamins Before Pregnancy (Folic Acid, Iodine & Vitamin D)

What you will be able to do

• explain why folic acid matters before pregnancy and in the first weeks.
• state the CDC advice on folic acid (400 mcg a day, starting at least 1 month before pregnancy), the iodine advice for pregnancy planning, and the vitamin D recommended amount.
• recognize situations where a different folic acid dose may be needed and know to speak to your doctor.
• read a Supplement Facts label, including mcg, mcg DFE, IU and %DV, and spot high-dose vitamin A and fish liver oil.
• name folate-rich foods and other nutrients to think about on vegetarian and vegan diets.
• build a daily supplement habit and know what to do if you miss a dose.
• find out about help with costs and know who to ask for advice.

1. 1Why the weeks before pregnancy matter

   Understand why timing matters so much for folic acid, and get a clear overview of what US health agencies advise for everyone who could become pregnant.

   • The early weeks: why timing matters
   • The US advice at a glance

   My pre-pregnancy supplement checklist

2. 2Folic acid in detail

   Know exactly how much folic acid to take, when to start, how fortified foods fit in, and what to do if you forget or find out you are pregnant unexpectedly.

   • How much, when to start and how long to keep going
   • Folate in food and fortified grains
   • Unplanned pregnancy, missed tablets and worries

   Daily supplement tracker

3. 3Who may need a different dose of folic acid

   Find out which situations mean you should ask your doctor about a higher dose, and how to prepare for that conversation.

   • Situations where a higher dose may be needed
   • Talking to your doctor and getting a prescription

   Higher-dose folic acid checkerDoctor and pharmacist question sheet

4. 4Vitamin D before and during pregnancy

   Learn what vitamin D does, how much is recommended, who is more likely to be low, and how to stay within safe amounts.

   • Vitamin D: what it does and how much you need
   • Sunlight, food and safe amounts

   Daily supplement trackerPregnancy vitamin label checker

5. 5Choosing a supplement and knowing what to avoid

   Read Supplement Facts labels with confidence, avoid high-dose vitamin A and other risky products, and know which other nutrients, including iodine, may need attention on some diets.

   • Reading a supplement label
   • What to avoid and why
   • Vegan, vegetarian and other diets

   Pregnancy vitamin label checkerMy pre-pregnancy supplement checklist

6. 6Making it a habit and planning your next steps

   Turn your supplements into a daily habit, find out about help with costs, and put together a wider pre-pregnancy plan.

   • Building a daily habit that sticks
   • Help with costs and who can help
   • Your wider pre-pregnancy checklist

   Daily supplement trackerMy pre-pregnancy supplement checklistDoctor and pharmacist question sheet

• CheckerMy pre-pregnancy supplement checklistCheck your supplements and habits against the US advice for people planning a pregnancy, and see what to do next.
• TrackerDaily supplement trackerCheck off your folic acid and prenatal vitamin each day and build a streak, from when you start trying through early pregnancy.
• CheckerHigher-dose folic acid checkerSee whether anything applies to you that means you should ask your doctor about a higher dose of folic acid, or extra planning, before trying to conceive.
• CheckerPregnancy vitamin label checkerCheck a Supplement Facts label step by step to see whether it meets the US advice for planning a pregnancy and avoids ingredients that are not recommended.
• TemplateDoctor and pharmacist question sheetPrepare for a pre-pregnancy conversation with your doctor, OB-GYN or pharmacist about folic acid, iodine, vitamin D and your medicines.