What Is  Folic Acid? 

Folic acid, sometimes called folate,  is a B vitamin (B9) found mostly in leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach, orange juice, and enriched grains. Repeated studies have shown that  women who get 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) daily prior to conception  and during early pregnancy reduce the risk that their baby will be born with a serious neural tube defect (a  birth defect involving incomplete development  of the  brain and spinal cord) by up to 70%. 

The most common neural tube defects are spina bifida (an incomplete closure of the spinal cord  and spinal column), anencephaly (severe underdevelopment of the brain),  and encephalocele (when brain tissue protrudes out to the skin  from an abnormal opening in  the skull). All of these defects occur during the first 28 days of pregnancy — usually before  a woman even knows she's pregnant. 

That's why it's so important for all  women of childbearing age  to get  enough folic acid — not just those who are planning  to become pregnant. Only 50%  of pregnancies are planned, so any woman  who could become pregnant should make sure she's getting enough folic acid. 

Doctors and scientists still aren't completely sure why  folic acid has such a profound effect on  the prevention of neural tube defects, but they do know  that this vitamin  is crucial in the development of DNA. As a result,  folic acid plays  a large role in cell growth and development, as well as tissue formation. 

Getting Enough Folic Acid 

The Centers for Disease Control  and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all  women of childbearing age — and especially those who  are planning a pregnancy — consume about 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams)  of folic acid every day. Adequate folic acid intake is very important before conception and at least 3 months afterward  to potentially reduce the risk  of having a fetus  with a neural tube defect.

So, how can you make sure you're getting enough  folic acid? In 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration mandated that folic  acid be added  to enriched grain products — so you can boost  your intake by looking for  breakfast cereals, breads, pastas,  and rice containing 100%  of the recommended daily  folic acid allowance. But for most women, eating fortified foods isn't enough. To reach  the recommended daily level, you'll probably need  a vitamin supplement. 

During pregnancy, you require more  of all  of the essential nutrients than you did before you became pregnant. Although prenatal vitamins shouldn't replace a well-balanced diet, taking them can give your body — and, therefore, your baby —  an added boost of vitamins and minerals. Some health care providers even recommend  taking a folic acid supplement in addition  to your regular prenatal vitamin. Talk  to your doctor about your daily  folic acid intake and ask whether he or she recommends  a prescription supplement, an over-the-counter brand, or both. 

Also talk  to your doctor if you've already had a pregnancy  that was affected by a neural tube defect. He or she may recommend that you increase your daily intake  of folic acid (even before getting pregnant)  to lower your risk of having another occurrence.