To take or not to take

Women are advised to take folic acid supplements if trying to get pregnant and throughout the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, as this reduces the risk of defects in the baby’s spinal cord.

However, not all experts agree about other supplements.

Professor Cecily Begley, Chair of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin says: “There should be no need for pregnant women to take supplements if their diet is good with five or more fruit and veg a day, enough protein and carbohydrates and sufficient calcium. All the studies done in this area show no real difference in outcomes.”