Folic acid is a type of B vitamin that is important for the growth and development of a healthy fetus. It is recommended that women take folic acid before and during pregnancy to help reduce the risk of certain birth defects in their babies.

In this article, we will discuss when you should start taking folic acid during pregnancy to ensure the health of your baby.

What is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, which is a B vitamin that is naturally found in foods such as leafy green vegetables, liver, and legumes.

Folic acid is important for the production of DNA, which is necessary for the growth and development of cells. It is also needed for the formation of the neural tube, which develops into the brain and spinal cord of the fetus during the early stages of pregnancy.

Why is Folic Acid Important During Pregnancy?

Folic acid is important during pregnancy because it helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs), which are birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord.

NTDs occur when the neural tube does not close properly during the early stages of development, which can cause a range of problems including intellectual disability, paralysis, and even death.

The most common NTDs are anencephaly, which is when the brain fails to develop properly, and spina bifida, which is when the spinal cord does not close properly.

Taking folic acid before and during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of these defects by up to 70%.

When Should I Start Taking Folic Acid?

It is recommended that women start taking folic acid at least one month before they plan to become pregnant. This is because the neural tube develops during the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.

If you are already pregnant and have not been taking folic acid, it is still important to start as soon as possible.

While it is best to start before conception, taking folic acid during the first trimester of pregnancy can still help reduce the risk of NTDs.

How Much Folic Acid Should I Take?

The recommended amount of folic acid for women of childbearing age is 400 to 800 micrograms (mcg) per day. During pregnancy, this amount increases to 600 to 800 mcg per day.

Women who have had a previous pregnancy affected by an NTD or who are taking certain medications may need to take higher doses of folic acid, so it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the appropriate amount for you.

Can I Get Enough Folic Acid From Food?

While it is possible to get some folic acid from food, it can be difficult to get enough to meet the recommended daily amount. This is why it is important to take a folic acid supplement, in addition to eating a well-balanced diet.

Foods that are high in folate include leafy green vegetables, liver, legumes, and fortified cereals and breads.

Are There any Side Effects of Taking Folic Acid?

Folic acid is generally considered safe, and there are no known side effects associated with taking the recommended amount.

However, taking high doses of folic acid can mask the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can be harmful if left untreated. If you are taking high doses of folic acid, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about monitoring your vitamin B12 levels.

Conclusion

Taking folic acid before and during pregnancy is important for the growth and development of a healthy baby.

It is recommended that women start taking folic acid at least one month before they plan to become pregnant and continue taking it during the first trimester. The recommended daily amount of folic acid is 400 to 800 mcg for women of childbearing age, and 600 to 800 mcg during pregnancy.

While it is possible to get some folic acid from food, it is recommended to take a supplement in addition to eating a well-balanced diet. Talk to your healthcare provider about the appropriate amount of folic acid for you.