30 tablets Pregnacare is the most popular and trusted prenatal supplement to safeguard the diet of those who are planning for pregnancy or are already pregnant, right through to the end of breast-feeding. A scientifically developed formulation of 19 important vitamins and minerals, Pregnacare contains vitamin B12, and also includes folic acid at exactly the level recommended for the development of the unborn baby. Other essential vitamins and minerals shown to help maintain a healthy pregnancy are also included. Pregnacare has been carefully developed by experts so that all ingredient levels are within safe levels for pregnancy and are moderate rather than excessive Recommended level of 400mcg folic acid The Department of Health recommends women planning a baby should take a supplement containing 400mcg of folic acid from the start of trying to conceive until the 12th week of pregnancy. This is the exact amount of folic acid contained in Pregnacare, but folic acid is also important after the first twelve weeks. As well as helping to maintain normal healthy development of the neural tube and nervous system, folic acid is required for foetal growth and is vital for cell division from a single cell to a fully developed baby. More than folic acid alone - with B12 and key minerals Many studies show the importance of ensuring the correct intake of various vitamins and minerals throughout the entire pregnancy and as part of an aftercare plan. Pregnacare provides a range of nutrients for overall support, all at sensible, carefully balanced levels. Some pregnancy multivitamins lack all the important basic minerals such as essential zinc and iron, however with Pregnacare you can be sure of the minerals you need to safeguard the diet, all at sensible, moderate levels. Pregnacare avoids high dose iron which is not recommended Unlike many prenatal iron supplements, Pregnacare has been specifically formulated with an ideal, moderate level of iron. High levels of iron are not recommended unless there is a particular requirement as identified by your healthcare professional. Before conception Pregnacare is recommended before conception to build up the stores of nutrients such as iron in women who are trying for a baby. Good nutrition is important to help prepare a woman's body for the additional demands placed on it during pregnancy. Certain nutrients, like folic acid, vitamin B12 and zinc, are also of particular importance from the very first moment of conception, for neural tube development and cell division. For all of pregnancy Good nutritional intake is vital throughout pregnancy, not just the first 12 weeks. Iron, B vitamins and folic acid are particularly important for blood formation later in pregnancy, when a mother must produce extra red blood cells for the baby's new blood supply. Pregnacare can be started at any point during pregnancy. Ideal if breast-feeding Optimum nutrition is valuable during breast-feeding, to assist the production of nutritious breast milk and to help replace a mother's reserves of vitamins and minerals, which may be reduced. Zinc is important for milk production and vitamin K is important to help the baby maintain healthy levels of blood clotting proteins. Antioxidant vitamins in breast milk, such as vitamin E, may also be important for the baby's immune system.