Folic Acid and Maternal Health Study

In Australia, pregnant people are increasingly exposed to high doses of folic acid via supplements and fortified foods. Evidence suggests that some are getting higher than the daily tolerable limit and this may contribute to increasing incidence of gestational diabetes. This observational study will record the total amounts and duration of folic acid consumed in pregnancy via supplements at 14 and 32 weeks' gestation and calculated dietary intake from a food frequency questionnaire (Australian Eating Survey) administered in early pregnancy. Pregnancy and birth outcomes, including gestational diabetes, will be recorded and assessed in relatiuonship to folic acid intake and quantified blood levels. Participants will be required to complete a series of 9 short questionnaires, anticipating 45-50mins to complete, approx. 5 min per questionnaire. 8 questionnaires will be sent at enrolment of study at 10-14 weeks gestation and 1 follow-up questionnaire sent at 32 weeks. There is no requirement for study visits. All questionnaires can be completed online, at the participants convenience, through a secure email link. There will be 2 timepoints for participants to provide extra blood and urine samples. A fasting blood and urine sample between 10-14 weeks and a second blood sample at 28 weeks coinciding with their routine pregnancy blood tests. All other data relating to current pregnancy and outcomes will be accessed through medical records. The overall duration of observation will be from 10-14 weeks gestation until 4 weeks post birth.