Expert Information for Parents On-Line
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FOLIC ACID AND PREGNANCY

INFOPARENTS.COM: Current national reccomendations indicate that all women of childbearing age - and especially those who are planning to become pregnant, take 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of folic acid supplements daily, in addition to the folic acid they get from food.

The reason for this reccomendation is that studies have shown that taking folic acid supplements 1 MONTH BEFORE and throughout the FIRST THREE MONTHS of pregnancy decreases the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70%.

What is a neural tube defect? The neural tube formed during the first month of prgenancy, becomes the baby's brain and spinal cord. When the neural tube doesn't form or develop properly, this can result in neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Your health care provider can prescribe a prenatal vitamin that contains the right amount of folic acid. If you have had a previous baby with a neural tube defect, you will need an even higher dose of floic acid. The exact dose and form of the supplement is best determined by your health care professional.

Many women do not even know that they are pregnant before the 2nd month of pregenancy. By this time, the neural tube is already formed. This is why folic acid should be taken before becoming pregnant.

This answer is provided by Infoparents.com, Expert Information for Parents On-Line, for more parenting resources and information please visit www.infoparents.com


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The information provided above is designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace the advice and care of your health and/or allied health professional, nor is it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
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