Should I continue taking folic acid during pregnancy?

Folic acid is a B vitamin (B9) found mostly in leafy green vegetables (such as kale and spinach), orange juice, and enriched grains.

The benefits of folic acid during pregnancy relate to something called the neural tube.  The neural tube is an embryonic structure that develops into the brain and spinal cord.  This structure starts out as a tiny ribbon of tissue and normally folds inward to form a tube by the 28th day after conception.  If this process goes awry and the neural tube does not completely close, defects in the brain and spinal cord can result. About 2,500 babies are born with NTDs each year, and many other affected pregnancies end in miscarriage or stillbirth.  Some of the most common such defects include spina bifida (an incomplete closure of the spinal cord and spinal column) and encephalocele (portrusion of brain tissue out to the skin due to an abnormal opening in the skull. 

It is extremely important for any woman of childbearing age to get enough folic acid.  Adequate folic acid intake is very important 1 month before conception and at least 3 months afterward to potentially reduce the risk of having a fetus with a neural tube defect.  Some scientific studies who have shown that women who get 400 micrograms daily prior to conception and during early pregnancy may reduce the risk of serious neural tube defect (called NTDs)  in their baby by as much as 70%.  Studies have not determined conclusively why folic acid has this profound effect, but they do know this vitamin is crucial in the development of DNA.  Because of this, folic acid plays a large role in tissue formation as well as cell growth and development.  Some recent studies have concluded that Folic acid may actually reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke as well.

Many foods have been regulated to require folic acid, particularly enriched grain products such as breakfast cereals, breads, pastas and rice.  Additionally vitamin supplements are available to bring you to the 400 microgram minimum requirement.

While you are pregnant, your body requires more of all of the essential nutrients than it did before you became pregnant.  Taking them can give your body and your baby an added boost of vitamins and minerals. Some health care providers even recommend taking a folic acid supplement in addition to your regular prenatal vitamin. Talk to your doctor about your daily folic acid intake and ask whether he or she recommends a prescription supplement, an over-the-counter brand, or both.

You may need more folic acid later in pregnancy. Some doctors recommend that women increase their intake of folic acid to 600 micrograms a day (from supplements and food sources) once their pregnancy is confirmed. Most doctors recommend a prenatal vitamin that contains at least this amount of folic acid. You should not take more than 1,000 micrograms (or 1 milligram) without your doctor’s advice.

Also talk to your doctor if you've already had a pregnancy that was affected by a neural tube defect.  He or she may recommend that you increase your daily intake of folic acid (even before getting pregnant) to lower your risk of having another occurrence.


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Each pregnancy, expectant mother, and unborn child is different. Your pregnancy may not progress the same as the information found here. The information here is based on the average pregnancy. It's not meant to be a replacement for any advice your may receive from your doctor. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your doctor.

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