First trimester of pregnancy
First trimester of pregnancy
Folic acid
Folic acid
Early weeks of pregnancy
Early weeks of pregnancy

Folic acid and birth defect prevention

Alternative Names:
Prevention of birth defects with folic acid

Information:

Question:
Does folic acid use help prevent birth defects?

Answer:
There is good evidence that the risk of certain birth defects (spina bifida and anencephaly) are reduced by taking folic acid 400 micrograms daily from 1 month before conception through the first trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, if you would like to become pregnant in the near future, you should take a multivitamin with this amount of folic acid.


The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.