Folic acid is a B vitamin also known as folate. It is found naturally in some foods such as spinach, kale, citrus fruits and whole grains. It is also found in fortified breakfast cereals and prenatal supplements. If you are trying to become pregnant, it is important to make sure that you get the right amount of folic acid needed for your baby's health.
Importance
Folic acid helps your body make new cells, providing it with the extra blood it needs during pregnancy. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, which occurs when the baby's spinal column does not close to protect the spinal cord, and anencephaly, which occurs when the brain does not completely develop.
Need
You need 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid a day before and during pregnancy. Even if you are not planning to get pregnant, it is important to get enough folic acid in the event that you have an unplanned pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association states that neural tube defects occur during the first 28 days of pregnancy, often before you even know that you are pregnant. Ensuring that you get enough folic acid before your pregnancy can help reduce these defects.
Considerations
You may need more than 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid a day if you want to get pregnant and already have a baby with a spine or brain birth defect. You might also need more folic acid if you or a family member has spina bifida or if you are taking certain medications. Your doctor can help you determine how much folic acid you need and may write you a prescription for a supplement.
Recommendations
To make sure that you get enough folic acid, look for multivitamins or prenatal vitamins that contain the daily recommended amount. Designate a time to take the vitamin every day that is easy to remember. According to the National Women's Health Information Center, you should not consume more than 1,000 mcg of folic acid a day unless your doctor recommends it.
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