Is there folic acid in Pregnacare? A complete guide to prenatal nutrition

October 23, 2025 •

4 min read

Medical experts universally agree that adequate folic acid intake is vital for a healthy pregnancy, helping to prevent neural tube defects. The good news is that all standard prenatal supplements from the Pregnacare range contain this essential B vitamin, including the recommended 400 micrograms (µg) dose.

Quick Summary

All standard Pregnacare products provide 400µg of folic acid, the level recommended during preconception and the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The article details its importance for fetal development, compares different Pregnacare variants, and discusses the role of folic acid versus L-Methylfolate.

Key Points

Contains Folic Acid: All standard Pregnacare prenatal products provide 400µg of folic acid.
Dosage Adherence: The 400µg dose matches the UK Department of Health's recommendation for women trying to conceive and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Variant Differences: While Original, Conception, and Max variants all contain folic acid, Max also includes L-Methylfolate, a more bioavailable form.
Consult a Professional: Women with higher risk factors may need a higher dose, which should be prescribed and managed by a doctor.
Dietary Complement: Supplements should be used alongside a healthy, balanced diet rich in natural folate sources like leafy greens and fortified cereals.
Beyond Folic Acid: Pregnacare supplements provide a range of other essential vitamins and minerals crucial for both maternal and fetal health.

Yes, Pregnacare includes folic acid

The simple answer is yes, Pregnacare contains folic acid. As one of the UK's leading pregnancy supplement brands, the inclusion of this vital nutrient is central to its formulation across its product range. Folic acid, the synthetic form of vitamin B9, is medically recommended for all women who are planning a baby or are already pregnant to help prevent serious birth defects. Specifically, Pregnacare Original, Conception, and other variants for use during pregnancy all provide 400 micrograms (µg) of folic acid per dose, aligning with guidelines from the UK Department of Health.

The critical role of folic acid in pregnancy

Folic acid plays a vital role in the production of red blood cells and is essential for the proper development of a baby's neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord. Neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida and anencephaly, occur within the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. This is why health organizations recommend taking folic acid supplements daily from before conception until at least the 12th week of pregnancy. By supporting maternal tissue growth and cell division, folic acid also continues to play an important role throughout the entire nine months of pregnancy.

A comparison of Pregnacare formulations

While all standard Pregnacare products for pregnancy contain the recommended 400µg of folic acid, some formulations offer different features tailored to specific needs. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right supplement for your stage of pregnancy or planning.

Pregnacare Original

Folic Acid Content: 400µg of pteroylmonoglutamic acid (standard folic acid).
Other Key Ingredients: Provides a comprehensive blend of 19 vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, Iron, and Zinc.
Best For: Women seeking a straightforward, comprehensive multivitamin throughout all stages of pregnancy. It is also suitable during the preconception period.

Pregnacare Conception

Folic Acid Content: 400µg of pteroylmonoglutamic acid.
Other Key Ingredients: Includes additional nutrients like Inositol, Coenzyme Q10, and N-acetyl Cysteine, which are designed to support a healthy conception.
Best For: Women actively trying for a baby, ideally for at least one month before conception.

Pregnacare Max

Folic Acid Content: 400µg of folate, with the dose split between standard folic acid and L-Methylfolate.
Other Key Ingredients: A dual-pack system that includes tablets with L-Methylfolate, 500mg of calcium, and other essential minerals, plus separate Omega-3 DHA capsules for advanced support.
Best For: Mums-to-be who want the most comprehensive nutritional support, including a readily bioavailable form of folic acid and higher levels of Omega-3 DHA.

Is L-Methylfolate superior to folic acid?

Pregnacare Max contains both standard folic acid and L-Methylfolate. L-Methylfolate is the active, readily available form of folate that can be directly used by the body. Standard folic acid must be converted by the body into L-Methylfolate before it can be utilized. This conversion process can be less efficient in some individuals due to genetic variations. For this reason, L-Methylfolate is often considered a more effective option for some people, though standard folic acid is still highly effective for the majority.


Feature	Pregnacare Original	Pregnacare Conception	Pregnacare Max
Folic Acid Content	400µg	400µg	400µg (split between standard & L-Methylfolate)
Recommended Stage	Throughout all of pregnancy	Before and early conception	All of pregnancy (ultimate support)
Additional Nutrients	Vitamin D, Iron, Zinc, B12, etc.	Inositol, CoQ10, B12, Zinc	Calcium, L-Methylfolate, Omega-3 DHA
Format	Tablet	Tablet	Dual Pack (Tablet + Capsule)
Benefit Focus	Standard comprehensive support	Support for conception	Maximum support (advanced folate, DHA, calcium)

When to take Pregnacare and is extra folic acid needed?

It is recommended to start taking a 400µg folic acid supplement like Pregnacare Conception from at least one month before trying for a baby and continue until the 12th week of pregnancy. After 12 weeks, the standard Pregnacare Original or Plus is suitable, as folic acid remains beneficial for maternal tissue growth.

In most cases, an additional, separate folic acid supplement is not needed when taking a Pregnacare product, as it already contains the recommended 400µg dose. However, a doctor may prescribe a higher dose (typically 5mg) for individuals with specific risk factors, such as a family history of neural tube defects or pre-existing health conditions like diabetes. In this situation, you should follow your doctor's advice and can often continue with a Pregnacare supplement alongside the prescribed higher dose.

Beyond supplements: The importance of diet

While prenatal supplements are important, especially for nutrients like folic acid that are difficult to get from diet alone, they are not a substitute for a healthy and balanced diet. A nutrient-rich diet contributes to overall maternal health and provides your baby with essential nourishment.

Here are some food sources of folate (the natural form of folic acid):

Dark Green Leafy Vegetables: Spinach, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Fortified Foods: Many breakfast cereals and some breads are fortified with folic acid.
Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and beans.
Fruits: Oranges, bananas, and strawberries contain folate.

Conclusion

In summary, all standard Pregnacare prenatal supplements do contain the recommended 400µg of folic acid, addressing the key nutritional requirement for preventing neural tube defects. The different product variants offer varying levels of comprehensive support, with options like Pregnacare Max including the more readily absorbed L-Methylfolate. Choosing the right supplement depends on your stage of pregnancy and specific nutritional goals. It is always wise to consult with your doctor or pharmacist to determine the best option for your individual needs and ensure it complements a healthy, balanced diet. For more detailed information on folic acid and pregnancy, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

All standard Pregnacare prenatal supplements contain 400 micrograms (µg) of folic acid per dose, which is the amount recommended for most women trying to conceive and during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Most Pregnacare products, such as Original and Conception, contain pteroylmonoglutamic acid (standard folic acid). Pregnacare Max, however, uses a combination of standard folic acid and L-Methylfolate, a more easily absorbed form.

Yes, it is perfectly safe to continue taking Pregnacare throughout the entire pregnancy. After the first 12 weeks, folic acid continues to support maternal tissue growth.

For most women, taking an additional folic acid supplement is not necessary, as Pregnacare already provides the recommended 400µg dose. However, if you are at higher risk for neural tube defects, a doctor may prescribe a higher dose, and in that case, you should follow their specific instructions.

Folate is the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9 found in foods like leafy greens and citrus fruits. Folic acid is the synthetic form of this vitamin, used in supplements and fortified foods, and is generally better absorbed by the body.

It is very difficult to get the recommended amount of folic acid from diet alone, especially in early pregnancy. This is why supplementation is strongly advised to ensure the necessary intake is met to prevent neural tube defects.

Neural tube defects are serious birth defects of the brain and spine, including spina bifida and anencephaly. Folic acid is crucial for the proper formation of the neural tube in the first few weeks of pregnancy and significantly reduces the risk of these defects.