An Overview of Folic Acid and Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you have no doubt been instructed about the importance of getting enough
folic acid. However, did you know that it is just as important (if not more important) to take folic acid before conception? The
benefits of folic acid for preventing birth defects have long been known, but recently, there is interest in using folic acid to prevent or treat other complications of pregnancy.
Folic Acid and Birth Defects
Folic acid is important for preventing neural tube defects (such as
spina bifida). This is most important just before conception and during the
first trimester. Although
prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, it is important to start folic acid before conception occurs. Since so many pregnancies are unplanned, it is usually recommended that all women of childbearing potential take 400 mcg of folic acid daily (usually through a multivitamin), just in case. There is no need to panic if you have not been taking folic acid, though, since many foods in the United States have been fortified with folic acid. Even if you haven't been taking folic acid, you are probably getting some from your diet.
The recommended dietary intake (RDA) of folic acid for pregnant women is 600 mcg per day. Many prenatal vitamins (especially ones available by prescription only) contain more, as much as 1000 mcg (1 mg) per day. In special circumstances, even higher doses may be recommended. For instance, if you have had a baby with a neural tube defect, your healthcare provider may recommend as much as 4 mg (4000 mg) per day. Higher doses may also be recommended for women taking certain medications, such as
seizure medications.
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