All women of childbearing age should take folic acid daily, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Most prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, and they can be taken both during and after pregnancy. If you plan to become pregnant, you should also be sure to obtain adequate amounts of folic acid to prevent birth defects early in pregnancy.
About Folic Acid
Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, which is one of the B vitamins. It is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that it dissolves in water and is not stored in the body. Because the body does not produce folic acid, it must be obtained frequently from the diet. Folic acid plays a key role in maintenance and production of new cells, which is especially important during the rapid growth of your developing baby. It also contributes to the production of red blood cells, and it helps prevent anemia.
Pregnancy Benefits
During pregnancy, adequate folic acid intake is a key factor in the prevention of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, a condition that causes the spinal cord to be exposed, and anencephaly, or severe underdevelopment of the brain. These defects usually develop in the early stages of pregnancy, and they can be detected as early as 16 to 18 weeks into the gestation period. As noted by the American Pregnancy Association, neural tube defects may develop in the first 28 days of pregnancy, which is before many women even realize they are pregnant.
Dosage
WomensHealth.gov recommends that all women of childbearing age consume between 400 and 800 mcg of folic acid per day. If you have had a baby with a brain or spinal birth defect and want to become pregnant, or if you have a family member with spina bifida, your doctor may recommend that you take doses as high as 4,000 mcg. Discuss the ideal folic acid intake for your pregnancy with your doctor before choosing a supplement.
Sources
In addition to folic acid supplements, you should try to get as much folic acid as possible from your diet during your pregnancy. Many foods, such as pasta, rice, cereals and breads, are fortified with folic acid. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a helpful list of cereals that contain 100 percent of the daily value of folic acid. Other foods, such as leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans and whole grains, may also contain folic acid.
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