Pre-pregnancy & Folic Acid

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, an essential B vitamin important before and during a pregnancy to prevent certain birth defects. However, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, folic acid is also important for all women of childbearing age who could possibly become pregnant. The amount of folic acid you require each day is higher if you're pregnant, could become pregnant or are nursing.

Background

According to Weight-control Information Network, folate, iron, calcium and protein are key nutrients during pregnancy. Obtain these nutrients from foods, supplements or both. An obstetrician may encourage you to start taking a prenatal vitamin supplement before you become pregnant to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. Weight-control information network also notes that the following foods are rich in folate: spinach, broccoli, strawberries, orange juice, beans and fortified breads, breakfast cereals and other grains.

Significance

Folate deficiency is associated with neural tube defects, a type of birth defect that affects a baby's spinal cord. According to Weight-control Information Network, women who are folate-deficient at the time they become pregnant have a higher chance of giving birth to an infant with neural tube defects or a low birth weight or who is premature. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, adequate folate consumption during the time right before and after conception, or the periconceptual period, protects against neural tube defects.

RDAs

The National Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board has established recommended daily allowances, or RDAs, for folate for pregnant and nursing women. The RDA for folate for pregnant women is 600 mcg, and 500 mcg for women who are breastfeeding.

Recommendations

Before taking any type of multivitamin or prenatal vitamin supplement, consult your health care provider. Most obstetricians encourage women to take a prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid several months before becoming pregnant, or if they could possibly become pregnant. The American Dietetic Association encourages all women of childbearing age to consume at least 400 mcg of folic acid through food or supplements each day. Before and during a pregnancy, Weight-control Information Network also encourages you to look for a prenatal supplement that contains at least 400 mcg, or 0.4 mg, of folic acid.