📋 Source: RANZCOG supplementation recommendations. NHMRC Nutrient Reference Values. Your doctor or healthcare provider knows your history and circumstances — always follow their personalised advice over general information.
Which supplements are recommended during pregnancy in Australia? Based on RANZCOG and NHMRC guidelines.
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Always discuss supplements with your GP or midwife. Individual needs vary based on your health, diet, blood test results, and risk factors. This guide covers general recommendations — your healthcare provider may recommend different doses.
Folic acidRecommended for all
When: At least 1 month before conception and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. How much: 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) daily for most women. High-risk women (previous neural tube defect, taking anti-epileptic medication, diabetes, BMI >30) need 5 mg daily — prescription required. Why: Reduces the risk of neural tube defects (spina bifida) by up to 70%. Food sources: Green leafy vegetables, legumes, fortified bread and cereals. Cost: Available over the counter from pharmacies. Generic brands from ~$5–$10 for a 3-month supply.
IodineRecommended for all
When: Throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. How much: 150 micrograms daily. Why: Essential for baby's brain and nervous system development. Australian soils are iodine-deficient, so dietary intake alone is often insufficient. Note: Women with pre-existing thyroid conditions should discuss iodine supplementation with their GP before taking it. Food sources: Iodised salt, seafood, dairy, bread (Australian bread is made with iodised salt by law).
IronIf needed — based on blood tests
When: If your iron levels (ferritin) are low on blood tests. Iron requirements increase significantly during pregnancy. How much: Depends on your levels. Typical therapeutic dose for deficiency: 80–100 mg elemental iron daily. Routine low-dose supplementation may be recommended even without deficiency. Why: Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy is associated with preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal fatigue. Tips: Take with vitamin C (orange juice) to improve absorption. Take separately from tea, coffee, and calcium. Side effects (constipation, nausea) are common — talk to your GP about alternate formulations. See our:Iron Intake Calculator for dietary iron needs.
Vitamin DIf needed — at-risk groups
When: If you have risk factors for deficiency: dark skin, limited sun exposure, wearing covering clothing, living in southern states during winter. How much: 400–1000 IU daily for most. Higher doses (up to 4000 IU) if blood tests show deficiency — guided by your GP. Why: Important for calcium absorption, baby's bone development, and maternal bone health. See our:Vitamin D Calculator
CalciumIf dietary intake is low
When: If you don't eat enough dairy or calcium-rich foods. Recommended for women at risk of pre-eclampsia. How much: The NRV for pregnancy is 1000 mg/day (1300 mg for teenagers). If dietary intake is less than 600 mg, supplementation is recommended. 1500 mg/day calcium may be recommended for pre-eclampsia prevention in at-risk women. Food sources: Dairy products, fortified soy milk, sardines with bones, tofu, almonds, leafy greens. See our:Calcium Intake Calculator
Omega-3 (DHA)Optional — consider if low fish intake
When: Throughout pregnancy, especially if you don't eat fish regularly. How much: At least 200 mg DHA daily. Why: DHA supports baby's brain and eye development. Food sources: Oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) 2–3 serves per week. Avoid high-mercury fish (shark/flake, swordfish, marlin).
⚠️ Supplements to AVOID in pregnancy
Vitamin A (retinol): High doses are teratogenic (can cause birth defects). Avoid supplements containing retinol or retinyl palmitate. Beta-carotene (plant-based vitamin A) is safe. Avoid liver and liver products (very high in retinol).
Herbal supplements: Many have not been studied in pregnancy. Avoid unless specifically recommended by your healthcare provider. Particular caution with: St John's wort, ginkgo, ginseng, dong quai, blue cohosh.
High-dose vitamin E: Above 400 IU is not recommended.
When in doubt, ask your GP or pharmacist before taking any supplement.
Pregnancy multivitamins typically contain folic acid, iodine, iron, and other nutrients in one tablet. They're convenient but can be expensive ($20–$50+ per month for brand-name products).
The essential supplements that all pregnant women need — folic acid (400 mcg) and iodine (150 mcg) — are available very cheaply as individual generic supplements. For most women with a healthy diet, this is sufficient alongside any specific supplements your GP recommends based on your blood tests.
There is no evidence that expensive pregnancy multivitamins improve outcomes compared to taking folic acid + iodine + any individually needed supplements.
Things you can check or ask your GP about
Information only — your GP confirms what applies to you.