Please note: This trial has finished recruiting and is not accepting new participants.

Research Centre: South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)
Location: SAHMRI Women and Kids, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 72 King William Road, North Adelaide, SA

Approved Hospital/Clinic: Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Location: 72 King William Road, North Adelaide, SA

Approved Hospital/Clinic: Flinders Medical Centre
Location: Flinders Drive, Bedford Park, SA

Lead Doctor: Dr. Karen Best
Ethics Committee: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Women’s and Children’s Health Network Human Research Ethics Committee
Funding: This research is funded by the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation, Research Project Grant

Background

Folate is essential for the healthy development of a baby in early pregnancy. It is needed for the development of the fetal neural tube which forms the brain and spinal cord. Folic acid is a synthetic, stable form of folate which is added to supplements or foods. It is important to take folic acid supplements in the month leading up to pregnancy and in the first 12 weeks. Folic acid taken during the first few weeks of pregnancy can prevent 7 out of 10 cases of neural tube defects.

There are no proven benefits of continuing to take folic acid after 12 weeks of pregnancy and there are some reports suggesting that women may be taking too much. This study seeks to find out the level of folic acid in the blood of pregnant women at 36 weeks of pregnancy. This study invites pregnant women who are less than 16 weeks pregnant. They must be taking folic acid supplements or multivitamins with folic acid. 

Why Participate? 

• You will get multivitamins throughout your pregnancy at no cost.
• We will reimburse you $25 each time you attend the hospital or clinic for a study visit.
• You may be helping other pregnant mothers in the future.
• You will be helping to advance medical research.

Your Rights

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you may withdraw at any time.
• Your records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by the law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

Who Can Participate?

• Pregnant women carrying one baby who are less than 16 weeks pregnant 
• Must be taking folic acid supplements or multivitamins with folic acid and planning to continue to take them throughout the pregnancy.
• Able to attend 1 study visit at one of our research clinics or receive a home visit.

Please note:

This study is enrolling participants remotely which means having no face to face contact at enrollment.. The study team only will have face to face contact with the participants upon the completion of the study (during the 36th week of gestation).