Your baby is now officially an embryo and is about the size of a poppy seed.
Please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/4-weeks-pregnant/ for more information.
Preconception supplements and vitamins
Folic Acid
- NICE recommends individuals to take a folic acid supplement of 400mcg if they are trying to conceive and every day until 12 weeks gestation. This aims to reduce the risk of Neural Tube Defects
- If the individual has a BMI of 30 or above, they should be recommended to take a dose of 5mg until 12 weeks gestation and this should be prescribed for them by their GP.
Multivitamins for pregnancy
- All pregnant individuals are advised to take a multivitamin for pregnancy daily throughout their pregnancy.
- It contains vitamins like vitamin D and C, iron and calcium are recommended in pregnancy too.
- It is recommended to stay away from multivitamins with vitamin A.
- These are shop bought and some individuals can get them through Healthy Start Vouchers after 10 weeks gestation.
Vitamin D
- It is recommended individuals take 10 micrograms or 400 IU of vitamin D, this is usually included in the multivitamin for pregnancy which they should take daily. Individuals should not take more than 100 micrograms (4000 IU) of vitamin D per day.
Individuals are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency if:
- They have darker skin
- They have a body mass index of 30 or above
- They don’t go outside much
- They use a high factor sunscreen regularly and have their skin covered.
Encourage individuals to have a diet rich in Vitamin D including:
- Some breakfast cereals
- Oily fish (salmon, sardines)
- Some red meats
- Eggs.
More information on vitamins, supplements and nutrition in pregnancy can be found on the NHS website.
