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Why Should I Take Folic Acid?

Why Should I Take Folic Acid

Folic acid is an important vitamin needed before and during pregnancy.

Getting enough folic acid may reduce your baby’s risk of certain birth defects, such as:

  • Brain and spinal cord defects (neural tube defects, or NTDs)
  • Cleft lip and palate
  • Heart defects

We recommend that you take folic acid (at least 400 mcg each day) before getting pregnant and through the first 3 months of pregnancy. Many prenatal vitamins include 800 mcg of folic acid. These vitamins are available without a prescription. 

Let us know if you:

  • Had a previous pregnancy with a neural tube defect.
  • Are taking medications to control seizures.

Additional References

Disclaimer

If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.

This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.