Folic acid is a synthetic version of the natural nutrient called folate, or vitamin B-9. Proper intake of folic acid is essential to a healthy pregnancy. Women who don't get enough of this nutrient are at an increased risk of having fetal development complications, such as birth defects. While pregnant or breast-feeding, women should get 600 or 500 micrograms of folic acid, respectively, each day. If you have questions regarding how to take folic acid during your pregnancy, seek additional guidance from a doctor.
Increasing Your Intake
Step 1
Take a prenatal vitamin that contains enough folic acid to meet your daily needs. You should take each dose with a full glass of water after eating a small snack. Prenatal vitamins are available over-the-counter as softgels and tablets.
Step 2
Increase your intake of foods fortified with folic acid, such as certain types of breakfast cereals, rice, bread and egg noodles. Check the nutritional label of each food item to determine how much folic acid a single serving of fortified foods provide.
Step 3
Eat more foods that contain folate, the natural form of folic acid. Excellent sources of folate include spinach, asparagus, peas, broccoli, beans, lettuce, peanuts, eggs, cantaloupe, papaya and banana. Drinking orange or tomato juice can also help increase your folate levels during pregnancy.
Tips and Warnings
- Although side effects are rare, taking too much folic acid may cause difficulty sleeping, skin irritation, stomach discomfort and, in severe cases, seizures. If you experience bothersome or persistent side effects while taking folic acid, contact your doctor for further evaluation and care.
- Folic acid supplements may interact with certain medications, including tetracycline antibiotics. In addition, certain medication may reduce the effectiveness of folic acid supplement, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs and anticonvulsants. Discuss all medications you are taking with your physician before beginning to take folic acid supplements.
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