The term folic acid refers to the synthetic form of the B vitamin folate. While folic acid is an important vitamin for everybody, the vitamin is especially vital during pregnancy. Folic acid helps prevent specific birth defects, called neural tube defects, and allows you to produce the extra red blood cells that you need during pregnancy.
Neural Tube Defects
Folic acid plays a critical role in the development of DNA, which is the genetic material of each of your cells. Because of this, folic acid is largely tied to proper cell growth and development. Without proper amounts of folic acid during pregnancy, the developing fetus may develop birth defects called neural tube defects.
The most common neural tube defects are spina bifidia, anencephaly and encephalocele. Spina bifida is characterized by an incomplete closure of the spinal cord and spinal column, causing the spinal cord to bulge through the baby's back. Anencephaly is an underdevelopment of the brain and encephalocele is characterized by brain tissue that is exposed to the outside of the body through an abnormal opening in the skull.
Considerations
Neural tube defects typically develop within the first 28 days of pregnancy, which is the amount of time that elapses before a woman even realizes she is pregnant. Because of this, the American Pregnancy Association notes that you should take folic acid supplements or increase your intake of folate prior to conception. If you become pregnant, start taking folic acid as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. Getting enough folic acid before you become pregnant can reduce the risk of neural tube defects by 50 to 75 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Recommended Daily Allowance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all women of child-bearing age consume 400 mcg of folic acid daily. Pregnant women should continue to consume 400 mcg of folic acid during the first three months of pregnancy.
Food Sources and Supplements
You can meet your folic acid needs in two ways -- food and supplements. Because more than half of pregnancies are unplanned, the American Pregnancy Association notes that the FDA requires that most fortified cereals contain folic acid. Other food sources of folic acid include leafy green vegetables, beans, enriched breads, rice, pasta and citrus juices.
Your doctor may also recommend a folic acid supplement, which can make it easier for you to meet your needs. When deciding on a supplement, choose one that contains 100 percent of the daily value of folic acid. Always consult your doctor before beginning any supplementation.
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