Folic Acid In Pregnancy
If you're thinking about having a baby, think about this: Women of childbearing age who consume extra folic acid, a form of vitamin B, may help to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
Research has shown that taking a dose of folic acid daily--about four milligrams--before conception and throughout the first trimester (14 weeks of pregnancy) can decrease this risk for women who have already had a child born with a neural tube defect. However, these high dose folic acid supplements should be taken only under a doctor's supervision and not by taking high dose multivitamins.
It has also been shown that women who have not had a baby born with a neural tube defect can also decrease their risk of having an affected baby by taking 0.4 milligrams of folic acid starting before their pregnancy. This dose is found in some over-the-counter multivitamins.
Since folic acid must be started before conception occurs (before the first missed period) to be effective in reducing the risk of neural tube defect, it is important that all women of childbearing age take 0.4 mg. of folic acid daily in the form of a multivitamin. Also, women with a previous baby affected by a neural tube defect should consult their physician/health care provider in order to begin the 4 milligram dose prior to becoming pregnant.
Although folic acid is found in foods, most authorities recommend supplementation by multivitamin to ensure the 0.4 mg. dose.
Last Updated: September 29, 2009
