Getting enough folic acid is one of the simplest ways to help your baby grow healthy and strong. Folic acid is a type of B-vitamin that helps your baby’s brain and spine develop during the first weeks of pregnancy.
Taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy can help prevent serious conditions called neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, which affect the brain and spine.
The good news is that getting enough folic acid is easy. Most health experts recommend taking a daily vitamin supplement with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. Folic acid is also added to foods like cereal, bread, and pasta. You can also get folate (the natural form of folic acid) from foods like leafy green vegetables, beans, and oranges.
Even if you eat healthy foods, it can still be hard to get the right amount of folic acid from food alone. That's why a daily supplement is important.
It’s best to start taking folic acid before you get pregnant. Neural tube defects happen in the first month of pregnancy, often before you even know you are pregnant. By making folic acid part of your daily routine, you can help your baby have a healthy start. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about the best options for you.