Asda pharmacies are set to offer free pregnancy packs that include a 3-month supply of folic acid to women who are pregnant or trying to conceive.

The supermarket has teamed up with baby charity Tommy's to offer the packs, which contain a Having a Healthy Pregnancy book, an Asda Little Angels nappy and pack of wipes and the 400mcg folic acid supplements, from next Monday (April 23).

The pregnancy packs will be available from all 218 Asda pharmacies from April 23

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Asda has not revealed the amount it has spent on the initiative but deputy superintendent Faisal Tuddy said the move was about "balancing the supermarket's commercial interests with giving something back to the community". "Folic acid is required during pregnancy to reduce a number of risks including neural tube disorders in babies and we're delighted to be able to provide it free of charge to those women who need it."

The pregnancy packs will be available from all 218 Asda pharmacies while stocks last and will be limited to one pack per customer. The supermarket has briefed its pharmacists on the scheme and leaflets raising awareness of the importance of folic acid to a healthy pregnancy are available in-store.

Last month the supermarket chain launched a similar campaign providing free vitamin D at its pharmacies for children aged between three and five years.