Overview
Folic acid is one of the most important nutrients to take before pregnancy - yet many women only start after they find out they are pregnant, which can be too late. The neural tube, which develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord, forms in the first few weeks after conception, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Starting folic acid two to three months before trying to conceive gives your body time to build up the reserves your baby needs from day one.
Table of Contents
Introduction
If you’re trying to get pregnant, there’s one small daily habit that can make a meaningful difference to your baby’s health before you even get pregnant. This is where folic acid for preconception care becomes essential.
Folic acid is the synthetic version of folate, a B vitamin that your body needs to grow healthy cells and form DNA. Doctors tell women to take folic acid before they get pregnant because the neural tube that becomes the brain and spinal cord of the baby develops in the first few weeks after conception, before you even know you are pregnant.
If you start early, your body will have time to build up the reserves your baby needs from day one.
Why Is Folic Acid Important Before Pregnancy?
Here are the reasons why folic acid for pregnancy preparation is very important:
- It helps the early development of the fetus
Folic acid and fetal development are closely related. During the first few weeks of pregnancy, your baby’s cells multiply at a rapid rate and folic acid is directly involved in this process. It is one of the important nutrients your body needs pre-pregnancy, when it matters most.
- It Reduces the Risk of Spina Bifida
This is one of the major benefits of folic acid in pregnancy. Adequate folic acid greatly reduces the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida.
When and How Much Folic Acid Should You Take?
Most women are advised to take a 400 mcg folic acid supplement every day, starting two to three months before planning to conceive and continuing it through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This window will let folic acid build up to a protective level.
Some women may require a higher prescribed dose of 5 mg, which is available by prescription. If you've had a personal or family history of neural tube defects, diabetes, epilepsy, sickle cell anemia, or thalassemia, you can speak with your doctor at the fertility assessment and talk about the right kind of nutritional preparation for pregnancy.
Sources of Folic Acid and Folate
Here are some sources that you can rely on for folic acid for conception:
- Foods Rich in Folate
A healthy, varied diet supports nutritional preparation for pregnancy and provides natural folate through leafy greens like spinach and kale, broccoli, beans and legumes, oranges, whole grains, and some fortified cereals. Having said that, your diet alone can rarely provide enough folate for full protection.
- Folic Acid Supplements and Medical Guidance
A daily supplement remains essential alongside good nutrition. When choosing one, check the label for “folic acid,” not just “folate,” since folic acid is the form proven effective against neural tube defects.
Also Read: How to Improve Egg Quality: 10 Foods That Boost Fertility Naturally
Conclusion
Consuming folic acid is an inexpensive habit that can have an outsized impact on your baby's earliest development. As part of preconception care, you can talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns aboutfemale infertility and nutrition.
If you are planning a pregnancy or preparing for an IVF treatment, talk to a fertility specialist about starting folic acid today.