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Folic acid (also called folate, folacin, or vitamin B9) is a vitamin that helps the neural tube of the baby develop in the first few weeks of pregnancy. The neural tube later becomes the brain and spinal cord of the baby. If the neural tube does not develop properly from the start, this will result in defects involving the spine, or the brain and skull.
Taking folic acid supplements has been shown to lower the chance for the baby to develop a neural tube defect. While folic acid is found is some foods, including fortified grains, lentils, chickpeas, oranges, brussel sprouts, and spinach, it is difficult to get enough folic acid from your diet alone.
The neural tube of the baby develops very early in pregnancy, before you may even be aware that you are pregnant. It is important that you begin to take a folic acid supplement of 0.4 mg per day (in the pill form from the pharmacy) two to three months before trying to get pregnant. Given that many pregnancies are unplanned, all individuals who could become pregnant can consider taking a daily supplement. It is recommended that you continue taking the supplement throughout the pregnancy until four to six weeks after birth, or as long as chest/breastfeeding continues.
Some individuals may need to take a higher dose of folic acid. Talk to your health care provider about whether you are taking the right dose for you.
For more information on this important vitamin, check out the links below