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‘RCM welcomes Government initiative to provide free vitamins to all pregnant women in Scotland’

By RCM on 30 March 2017 RCM Scotland Scottish Government Supplements

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) have warmly welcomed plans to give free vitamins to all pregnant women in Scotland.

From this Saturday April 1st all pregnant women will now receive vitamins throughout their pregnancy.

The initiative will provide universal access to vitamins for all pregnant women irrespective of their financial and social circumstances.

Healthy Start vitamins will continue to be available to eligible women and children up to the age of four for families on certain means-tested DWP benefits.

Commenting, Mary Ross-Davie RCM’s Director for Scotland says; “The RCM welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to investing in all pregnant women.

The long term health benefits of vitamin supplementation throughout pregnancy are widely known to last a lifetime and clinical evidence suggests taking vitamins during pregnancy improves health outcomes for both mother and baby.

“Also, the benefits of eating a well balanced nutritious diet during  pregnancy cannot be underestimated  We would encourage women who are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant to have a healthy, varied diet including fresh fruit and vegetables, alongside taking folic acid supplements.

Midwives come into contact with women from the earliest stages of their pregnancy and are involved with and throughout antenatal care and birth. This makes them the key healthcare professionals to talk to women about vitamin supplementation, healthy eating and exercise.”

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To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456 or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.

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Notes to editors

The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.

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