Vitamin A & Pregnancy: Safe Supplementation & Risks

Question
Dear Dr
I am 32 yrs old, pregnant with my 1st child (currently 11 weeks). I have been taking a multivit supplement since before becoming pregnant and up to now. The supplement contains 4000IU Vitamin A. Recent reports in the media have recommended pregnant mothers to avoid vitamin A supplementation during pregnancy (related to risk for birth defects) which has caused some alarm! I was under the impression that lower doses of Vitamin A are not associated with birth defects and that most reports indicated an intake >10000IU to be potentially harmful. The supplement also contains beta-carotene which is reported to be not toxic (also folic acid etc). In your clinical experience, do I need to worry about an increased risk for birth defects at the dose mentioned? Your advice greatly appreciated...

Answer
As long as you are taking the lower dose of vitamin A, you are safe. Vitamin A is in all prenatal vitamins and is safe for use during pregnancy. A dose of 4000 IU will not cause birth defects in the baby. Yes, you should also take folic acid every day.