Why Folic Acid Should Be at the Top of Your Pregnancy Checklist
By Danielle Ramos
Whether you’re actively trying to conceive or just planning for the future, folic acid is a nutrient you’ll want to make sure is front and center. This little nutrient plays a critical role in supporting both you and your growing baby.
What Exactly is Folic Acid?
Folic acid, also known as folate or vitamin B9, is a water-soluble B vitamin that’s essential for cell division and DNA formation. During pregnancy, it’s especially crucial during those first few weeks, when the baby’s brain, spinal cord, and other organs are forming. In fact, getting enough folic acid can reduce the risk of serious birth defects by up to 70 percent, which makes it an easy win for both mom and baby.
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Why It’s So Important: The Facts You Need to Know
Not everyone gets enough folic acid through food alone, so it’s often necessary to supplement with a daily dose. For many women, folic acid is vital in the early stages of pregnancy when the neural tube (which forms the brain and spinal cord) is closing. If the neural tube doesn’t close properly, it can lead to birth defects like spina bifida or anencephaly. However, taking folic acid can help prevent these issues before they even begin.
Studies show that Hispanic women, in particular, may be at higher risk for these birth defects—possibly due to lower levels of folate in their blood or the presence of the MTHFR C677T gene variant, which makes it harder for the body to process folate. So, if you’re Hispanic, this may be an extra important thing to think about when planning your pregnancy.
It’s important to note that folic acid isn’t just important at the very beginning. It supports healthy fetal growth throughout the entire pregnancy, reducing the risk of complications as your baby develops. Plus, it helps maintain your own health during pregnancy.
When to Start Taking Folic Acid
Planning to get pregnant? It’s a good idea to start taking folic acid now. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends women trying to conceive take between 0.4 and 0.8 mg (400 to 800 mcg) of folic acid daily. They also recommend starting at least one month before trying to conceive. In addition, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also advises that women of reproductive age (15–45 years) take at least 400 mcg of folic acid every day, whether they’re currently pregnant or not. This is because neural tube defects can occur before you even realize you’re pregnant!
Make Sure Your Prenatal Vitamin Contains Folic Acid
One important thing to keep in mind is that not all prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, so check the label to be sure. If you’re not sure which brand is best for you, ask your doctor or midwife for their recommendations.
How Folic Acid Prevents Birth Defects
Folic acid works like a protective shield, helping to prevent serious birth defects like spina bifida, which occurs when the spinal column doesn’t form properly, and anencephaly, a fatal defect where the baby is born without parts of the brain or skull. These defects happen early in pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she’s pregnant, which is why it’s so important to start taking folic acid ahead of time.
But folic acid’s role doesn’t stop there. It may also help reduce the risk of other birth defects, like cleft lip and palate, as well as heart defects, making it an all-around superhero nutrient.
Supports Healthy Growth for Both You and Your Baby
As your baby grows, the need for folic acid intensifies. This nutrient is essential for the rapid cell division that happens as your baby’s organs and tissues form. Folic acid also supports the production of red blood cells, which are key to carrying oxygen throughout the body—helpful for both mom and baby!
For you, it helps prevent folate deficiency anemia, a condition where there aren’t enough red blood cells to carry oxygen, which can leave you feeling tired and sluggish. By ensuring that you have enough folic acid, you help keep your energy up and support your body’s oxygen supply.
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