Folic Acid Before Pregnancy: Why It Matters and When to Start
Learn why folic acid matters before pregnancy, the right dose, food sources, and when to start for a healthy baby.
In short: Folic acid is essential for the formation of the baby’s neural tube and for preventing its defects. The usual dose is 400 micrograms a day, started at least one month before pregnancy and usually continued to the end of the first trimester. Some women need a higher dose under medical supervision, such as those with a previous affected pregnancy, diabetes, or on epilepsy medication.
Folic acid is one of the most important vitamins a woman needs before pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. If you’re planning to conceive, understanding folic acid can help you prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy.
It plays a vital role in supporting healthy fetal development and reducing the risk of birth defects.
What is folic acid?
It is a type of vitamin B.
What roles does folic acid play in the body?
- It helps the body form new cells.
- It supports normal blood production.
- It plays a vital role in the development of the fetal nervous system.
Why do we recommend taking folic acid before pregnancy?
- It plays a crucial role in the formation of the neural tube in the fetus, which later develops into the brain and spinal cord.
- Folic acid deficiency during this period can lead to neural tube defects in the fetus, such as spina bifida or craniofacial anomalies.
When should I start taking folic acid before pregnancy?
At least one month, and preferably three months, before conception. Starting early gives your body time to build up healthy folate levels before your baby’s neural tube begins to form.
How does taking folic acid affect the mother’s health?
It protects her from anemia.
Does folic acid play a role in reducing the risk of preeclampsia?
Yes, it contributes to healthy placental development, which reduces the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy and preeclampsia, as preeclampsia occurs due to placental dysfunction.
What is the recommended dose of folic acid?
400 micrograms daily before pregnancy and during the first trimester.
In which cases are higher doses of folic acid needed?
- A previous pregnancy with a fetus that had birth defects, especially those affecting the nervous system.
- Diabetes.
- Taking certain medications for epilepsy.
What are the natural sources of folic acid?
- Green leafy vegetables
- Oranges and citrus fruits
- Lentils and beans
- Avocados
- Nuts
- Fortified cereals
Eating a varied diet rich in these foods can help support your folic acid intake alongside supplements.
When should you stop taking it during pregnancy?
Usually, after the first trimester, but there are some cases where it’s necessary to continue taking it throughout the pregnancy.
Are there different folic acid formulations available in pharmacies?
Yes, there is the baseline formulation, which requires enzymatic conversion to the active ingredient in a woman’s body, and there is the active formulation.
Women with an MTHFR mutation require the active formulation directly because their bodies are unable to enzymatically convert the baseline compound to the active ingredient.
If you have questions about which folic acid formulation and dose are right for you, our clinical team can guide you as part of your pre-pregnancy or fertility care.
Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G
Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist
The finest doctor in Jordan — may God bless him and his whole medical team. A doctor in every sense of the word. I advise anyone planning a pregnancy to visit Dr. Najeeb Layyous. His manner is wonderful, always smiling, with the highest ethics; he gives every patient her due, and the patient’s comfort matters most to him. We had been to many doctors and none understood and treated my case except him. Special thanks to him and the whole team, and to Dina in particular — a lovely person. I recommend anyone considering IVF or pregnancy to visit his clinic.