- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preconception articles
- preconception q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Traci Kurtzer Obstetrician and Gynecologist | ||
 |
How far in advance of conception should you take folic acid? I take it every day, but every once in a while miss it. Does it need to "build up" or do you start over every cycle? What does folic acid do?
Folic acid supplementation is recommended for any woman who is of childbearing age and capable of getting pregnant. Folic acid is a B- vitamin which was found to be important in decreasing neural tube defects (defects in the spine like spina bifida, etc.). The critical time period for neural and spine development is in the first few weeks after conception which is why it is important to have good levels of folic acid prior to conception.
The minimum recommended dose for low-risk women is 0.4 mg daily.* Most multivitamins have at least this amount. If you are only missing your vitamin every once in awhile, your overall level should be fine. Folic acid is also found in food sources and many foods are now fortified with it, but in order to ensure adequate amounts a daily multivitamin is advised.
* For women with a family history or previous child with a neural tube defect, 4.0 mg of folic acid should be consumed per day.
Related Expert Q&A
- Should I start taking prenatal vitamins now, or just normal multi-vitamins and B-supplements?
- When should I start taking folic acid and does it build up in my system before it works?
- Is it a problem to be overweight and pregnant?
- Should I start taking prenatal vitamins months before TTC?
- How do I ensure that I don't gain unhealthy pounds when I get pregnant?
More Answers by this Expert
- I am pregnant and planning a trip to India, Thailand, South Africa and Australia. Is it OK to fly and take a 3-month-old to these countries?
- Can I get pregnant during menopause, 18 months after my last period?
- My daughter just had her second C-section and was told her uterus was still open from her first C-section. What does this mean?
- Our daughter has a negative blood type and didn't receive her second RhoGam shot until eight days after giving birth. Will this create problems with future pregnancies?
- After giving birth, my daughter's placenta failed to come out. Is this normal?