All pregnant women will be provided with free vitamins by spring 2017, the Scottish government has announced.
‘As an obstetrician I am delighted at this announcement,’ said Catherine Calderwood, chief medical officer for Scotland. ‘We understand the long-term positive effects that good nutrition can have for pregnant women and offering these essential vitamins will help to improve the health of mothers, babies and children in Scotland.’
Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister of Scotland, said: ‘There is strong evidence that taking vitamins in pregnancy improves both the mother and baby’s health and providing free vitamins, to all pregnant women, has the widespread support of healthcare professionals.'
Some women in Scotland already receive the vitamins, and this move will bring universal access to the scheme.
Additionally, all parents will be provided with a ‘baby box’ of essential items for their children. Based on a similar scheme in Finland, the boxes provide clothes, toys and nappies, as well as a mattress that allows the box to function as a cot.
‘The baby box has a proven record in tackling deprivation, improving health and supporting parents and we’ll shortly begin a dialogue with parents to gather their views on shaping its contents and the best way to deliver it,’ added Ms Sturgeon.
These two initiatives are part of wider scheme by the Scottish government to ensure children get the best start in life.
Part of this strategy was the commitment to increasing the health visitor workforce by 500, in 2014. As of December 2015, there are 1376 health visitors in Scotland, compared to 1252 in 2012.
Additionally, the Family Nurse Partnership, which provides specialist nurse home visits, will be expanded to cover every teenage mother in Scotland, as well as a boost to childcare to 30 hours a week.