13 weeks pregnant, do I get free vitamins, lotions etc?

[Shasha123]

I am 13 weeks pregnant and my husband suggested me to have floride, vitamin D and calcium. Also I want to buy some body lotion for future bumps.
I have received Maternity Exemption Certificate, which is a small ID card from NHS. Do you think I can get free vitamins, lotion, etc using this card? Or is it just for prescription?

[MirandaWest]

That card is just for prescriptions. Depending on what it is, you may be able to get one or more of them prescribed.

[Allstoppedup]

As far as I'm aware it's for prescription only but if you are in receipt of certain benefits you can get help with basic pharmaceutical products through your pharmacy. I'm not sure if it would stretch to prenatal vitamins and would be very surprised if it included 'stretch mark' lotion.
You can pick it up quite cheap online but I'm kind of in the mindset that if you are going to get them, you will get them and lotions are a bit of a con!

(This coming from someone who religiously creamed my bump- had not a single stretch mark until a week after DS was born and my newly deflated tummy broke out!

[WishUponAStar88]

You can get your folic acid vits free. You would only be able to get lotions etc if the Dr has prescribed them for you.

[PeterParkerSays]

You should be able to get folic acid prescribed - my midwife asked me if I was taking it, prescription pad in hand, but I was already taking it. I doubt you'd get lotions etc. prescribed if you don't have a skin condition which requires treatment, eczema etc.

[seaoflove]

Nope. The maternity exemption card is for free prescriptions only.

I think you're being a wee bit naive if you think the NHS is going to fund vitamin supplements and lotions for you.

[dementedpixie]

don't know why you would need fluoride but vitamin d is certainly recommended.

If you qualify you could get healthy start vitamins

www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/vitamins-minerals-supplements-pregnant.aspx#close

[Gileswithachainsaw]

vitamins and lotions are up to you to buy unless you have Conditions that require you to take them. eczema or anaemia for example.

[dementedpixie]

kind of past the stage for folic acid now tbh

[LittleHornbill]

If you qualify for the healthy start assistance, you can get vouchers for supplements, milk and healthy food. The info is towards the bottom of the page I've linked.

www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/vitamins-minerals-supplements-pregnant.aspx

[applecore0317]

the exemption certificate also covers dental visits but other than that and prescriptions thats it

[KatoPotato]

Midwife said the exemtion cert is more useful in the 12 months post birth, for dental etc, proves your eligibilty when you no longer have a bump!

[sleepybee]

I'm in Scotland at midwife first booking appointment I got a tub of 90 vitamins with folic acid vit D etc plus toothbrushes toothpaste & a voucher to go collect a free Bounty pack from Boots which contained samples of products etc tbh I'd not used any of it

[NickyEds]

Everyone in our area gets the Healthy Start vitamins from the mw at booking in appointment so have a word with them about it. MEC is just for prescriptions so won't cover cocoa butter and such!

[JennyBlueWren]

That's interesting Sleepybee I'm also Scotland and not got any of that but maybe it depends on where you are. We give out toothbrushes and paste to children at the nursery I work in as it's an area of deprivation and they're trying to improve teeth there.

[Fleurchamp]

I am pretty sure my midwife said I could take my exemption card to the chemist and get free vit. d

[britnay]

In some areas of the country it is possible to get certain medicines (e.g. Calpol) for free from pharmacies if you are on benefits. Generally these are more deprived areas.

[expatinscotland]

Free lotion, just for having a bump? Good grief. Some people really take the biscuit with expecting the state to provide them with everything.

[northernlurker]

The purpose of the card should have been explained to you. As others have said this is to enable you to get free prescriptions and dental care whilst pregnant and 12 months post natal. that's because the State recognises the impact on your health pregnancy can have and is trying to support you in maintaining your health and that of the baby. It's not for frivolities and body lotion and bespoke vitamins come under that heading.

[seaoflove]

You have to qualify for Healthy Start somehow though. You need some sort of coupon from a MW/HV, don't you?

[NickyEds]

We're not on a low income either and got the healthy start vitamins as part of the booking in appointment. They were actually given at the appointment no coupons or anything. Everyone gets them here.

[monkeyfacegrace]

It's not free though is it. The NHS is under strain as it is without paying for bloody things like this.

Buy your own and stop scrounging.

[PippiLicious]

Yy Northern Lurker. Just what I was about to post, almost word for word. ??

[Figster]

Erm how about you buy your own?