Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Search results for: "folic acid"

Need more information?

Folate and pregnancy

Folate (folic acid) supplements are important for pregnancy as they can help prevent birth defects, including neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Vitamins and supplements during pregnancy

Folic acid, iodine and vitamin D supplements are recommended during pregnancy. But a healthy diet will provide all the other nutrients that you need.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Neural tube defects

Neural tube defect affects less than one in 1000 pregnancies. There are a number of factors that will increase this risk especially a close family history.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Planning for your pregnancy

If you are thinking about pregnancy, visit your doctor for a preconception consult to provide you with expert advice on planning your pregnancy.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Preconception health for women

Find out what you can do to improve your fertility and increase your chances of falling pregnant and having a healthy baby.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Skin changes during pregnancy - linea nigra

Linea nigra (sometimes called the ‘pregnancy line’) is a dark line of skin down the middle of your abdomen. It often develops during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Anaemia in pregnancy

During pregnancy, some people become anaemic, which means they have too few red blood cells in their body. Diet and supplements can help.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

What is a congenital disorder?

Congenital disorder, also known as congenital disease or birth defects, are conditions present from birth. Find out more about congenital disorders.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Healthy diet during pregnancy

A healthy diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle at any time, but especially vital if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Medicines during pregnancy

Learn more about taking medicines during pregnancy, which includes over-the-counter medicine as well as herbal supplements and vitamins.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.