Use of folic acid in pregnancy and pre-conception report

Healthwatch Slough wanted to understand why uptake of folic acid supplements for women in the early stages of pregnancy was low in the area, particularly amongst certain ethnic minority groups.  They conducted 51 interviews and spoke to 9 mothers in an online focus group.

Of the women who took folic acid in Slough, 69% began taking it when they found out they were pregnant or after their first midwife appointment. There was a lack of awareness about the benefits of taking it during pre-conception and conception with only 31% beginning then. 

For women who did not take folic acid during pregnancy, the reasons were varied. The common themes were, mis-understanding the benefits or lack of awareness. Very few people  had heard about the offer of free vitamins that contain folic acid for pregnant women. This was the number one thing that women thought would encourage folic acid uptake in their community. 

Women trusted health professionals the most when considering information about healthy pregnancy. However, many felt the message about folic acid could be delivered in community settings as well as healthcare settings.

The women Healthwatch spoke to made a number of recommendations about how to better promote take up of folic acid with communities.

The report contains a detailed response from the provider