Whitewave if you are happy with that answer then cool go with that advise . If you aren't then your GP can prescribe it for you also. Ultimately it's your call when/if you start. I made the choice to start it as soon as my pregnancy was confirmed based on what I had read. I wonder if the midwives start them at 12 weeks because most GP's would have prescribed a 3 month supply when confirming the pregnancy? No matter, as I said it's totally up to you.

The info we got sent to the medical centre I work in said that most NZers are lacking in iodine. Suppliments have recently been recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women and are subsidised by the government. You will need to have it prescribed every 3 months but it only costs $3 rather than however much you pay for the over-the-counter stuff. Plus it's a standardised dose. The amount you need to take to be dangerous is a lot and would need to be over a long period of time. I would say unless you specifically eat a diet with plenty of Iodine (I want to meet you!!!) or are already taking suppliments containing iodine you wont need to worry about overdosing. As always discuss with you GP, OB or MW if you have any concerns.

Hope that helps!