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How Folic Acid Helps in Pregnancy
Published in: Female Fertility

The Unconventional Guide: How Folic Acid Helps in Pregnancies

How Folic Acid Helps in Pregnancies

  1. What happens if you don’t take folic acid during pregnancy? Risks of neural tube defects including Spina Bifida and Anencephaly
  2. Folic acid tablets for pregnancy Folic acid as the synthetic form of Vitamin B9 and its role in neural tube and red blood cell development
  3. When to stop taking folic acid in pregnancy Supplementation is generally recommended up to 12 weeks, though continuing is safe
  4. Folic acid dose for pregnancy women Age-based daily intake breakdown with higher amounts for pregnancy and breastfeeding
  5. Folic acid supplementation in early second trimester Post-12-week supplementation may support the child’s cognitive development
  6. Folic acid supplementation in early second trimester Post-12-week supplementation may support the child’s cognitive development
  7. How long after taking folic acid will I get pregnant? Start 2–3 months before conception; diet alone is not sufficient, supplementation is necessary

One of the most essential nutrients for pregnancy is folic acid. The benefits of folic acid are vast, and loads of research have shown that when this nutrient is started in the months preceding pregnancy, it has important health benefits for expecting women and their babies. Folic acid aids the proper closure of the embryonic neural tube, which is the precursor to your baby’s brain and spinal cord, during the first few weeks of pregnancy. It also aids in the development of your baby’s heart and circulatory system, as well as lowering the risk of some birth defects. Here, at Sudha Fertility Centre, we provide you with highly qualified Gynecologists who will guide you throughout your journey of becoming a mother.

What happens if you don’t take folic acid during pregnancy?

Your baby is more likely to have neural tube defects if you don’t get enough folic acid before and after birth. Neural tube defects are life-threatening birth defects that affect the spine, spinal cord, or brain. These include:

  1. Spina bifida: This disorder occurs when the spinal column of an unborn baby does not completely close during growth in the womb, exposing the spinal cord. As a result, the muscles controlling the legs and other organs are paralyzed. Spina bifida affects children for the rest of their lives. They can also need a number of surgeries.
  2. Anencephaly: This means that most or all of the brain and skull does not develop in the womb. Almost all babies with this condition die before or soon after birth.

Lack of Folic Acid in Pregnancy

Folic acid tablets for pregnancy

Folic acid is a synthetic version of the B vitamin folate. Folate aids in the formation of red blood cells and the development of your baby’s neural tube into their brain and spinal cord.

Every day, 400 micrograms of folate are recommended for all women of childbearing age. Check to see if your multivitamin contains the recommended amount of vitamins if you take it every day. You can take folic acid tablets instead of a multivitamin if you don’t want to take one.

When to stop taking folic acid in pregnancy

Your baby’s spine will have grown by the time you reach 12 weeks pregnant, so you can avoid taking folic acid. You can, however, continue to take supplements after 12 weeks if you wish, and it will not affect your infant. Folic acid, as well as other important vitamins for a healthy pregnancy, such as vitamin D, can be found in pregnancy vitamins and supplements that are designed to be taken all the way through pregnancy.

When to Take Folic Acid During Pregnancy

Folic acid dose for pregnancy women

The prescribed dietary allowance (RDA) requires the folate you get from both food you consume and any supplements you take.

0-6 months: 65 micrograms/day adequate intake (AI)

7-12 months: 80 micrograms/day adequate intake (AI)

1-3 years: 150 micrograms/day adequate intake (AI)

4-8 years: 200 micrograms/day adequate intake (AI)

9-13 years: 300 micrograms/day adequate intake (AI)

14 years and above: 400 micrograms/day adequate intake (AI)

Pregnant women: 600 micrograms/day adequate intake (AI)

Breastfeeding women: 500 micrograms/day adequate intake (AI)

Gynecologists recommend that all pregnant women take at least 600 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily. This level of folic acid is found in most prenatal vitamins.

It is possible that taking folic acid after you find out you’re pregnant isn’t enough. Many women don’t know they’re pregnant until they’ve been pregnant for 6 weeks or longer. Neural tube defects usually appear in the first month of pregnancy, before you even know you’re expecting.

The CDC recommends that women who plan to become pregnant or who are of childbearing age take 400 mcg of folic acid daily to ensure they have enough folic acid in their bodies to prevent neural tube defects.

If you’ve already given birth to a child with a neural tube defect, you might need higher doses of folic acid in the months leading up to your next pregnancy and during the first few months of pregnancy. Your doctor will help you determine the proper dosage.

Folic acid supplementation in early second trimester

The neural tube of the baby should have closed by 12 weeks, so you won’t need to take folic acid. But it isn’t harmful to take it all the way through your pregnancy. So, you can carry on if you are taking pregnancy multivitamin pills that contain it.

Folic acid supplementation after the early period recommended to prevent NTD can have a positive impact on the child’s cognitive growth. There is a need for more randomised trials in pregnancy and follow-up in childhood.

Folic Acid and Second Trimester

How long after taking folic acid will I get pregnant?

Ideally, you should take folic acid supplements for two to three months before you conceive and until you are 12 weeks pregnant. This helps it to build up in your body to the point that it protects your future baby from neural tube defects like spina bifida.

Knowing when to take folic acid and how much to take will help you launch your fertility journey on the right foot.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention recommends that women take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day for one month before attempting to conceive.

You may also increase your intake of folate, which is the natural source of folic acid, by eating more foods that contain it. Even a balanced diet, however, does not provide enough folic acid for pregnancy, so taking folic acid supplements is necessary.

Folic Acid and Pregnancy

Take your folic acid-rich daily prenatal vitamin to keep up the good work on the nutrition front. This supplement, combined with a balanced diet, is an ideal way to start off your new baby’s life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much folic acid should I take during pregnancy?

Most women of childbearing age are generally advised to take folic acid daily before and during early pregnancy. The amount may vary depending on individual health history and risk factors. Since every pregnancy is different, it is always best to consult your doctor to determine the right dosage for your specific needs rather than self-prescribing.

When should I start taking folic acid before pregnancy?

Ideally, you should start taking folic acid at least one to three months before you plan to conceive. This is important because the baby's neural tube which develops into the brain and spinal cord begins forming very early in pregnancy, often before a woman even realises she is pregnant. Starting early ensures your body has enough folic acid at the most critical stage of fetal development.

What happens if I don't take folic acid during pregnancy?

Without adequate folic acid, the baby's neural tube may not close properly, which can lead to serious birth defects such as Spina Bifida and Anencephaly. These conditions can cause lifelong disability or be fatal. Taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy significantly reduces these risks, which is why doctors recommend beginning supplementation even before conception.

When should I stop taking folic acid during pregnancy?

For most women, folic acid supplementation is recommended up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, by which time the baby's neural tube has already closed. However, continuing folic acid beyond 12 weeks as part of a pregnancy multivitamin is considered safe and may offer additional benefits such as supporting the baby's cognitive development. Talk to your doctor about what is right for you.

What is the difference between folic acid and Folate?

Folate is the natural form of Vitamin B9, found in foods like leafy green vegetables, beans, citrus fruits, and broccoli. Folic acid is the synthetic version used in supplements and fortified foods. The body tends to absorb folic acid more efficiently than naturally occurring folate, which is why supplementation is strongly recommended even for women who eat a folate-rich diet.

Can I get enough folic acid from food alone?

While eating folate-rich foods is absolutely encouraged, research consistently shows that diet alone is rarely sufficient to meet the increased demands of pregnancy. Foods like spinach, lentils, avocado, and fortified cereals contribute to your folate intake, but a dedicated supplement is still recommended to bridge the gap. Your doctor can guide you on combining a healthy diet with the right supplement.

What foods are rich in folic acid/folate?

Some of the best natural sources of folate include dark leafy greens like spinach and kale, legumes such as lentils and chickpeas, broccoli, avocado, citrus fruits like lemon and orange etc.., and fortified breakfast cereals and bread. Including a variety of these foods daily is a great way to support your overall folate levels alongside your prescribed supplement.

Does folic acid help with fertility or getting pregnant?

Folic acid is not known to directly boost fertility, but it plays an important supporting role in reproductive health. Adequate folic acid levels help create a healthy environment for conception and early fetal development. Some studies also suggest it may support sperm health in men. If you have concerns about fertility, speak with a fertility specialist for personalised guidance.

Can folic acid reduce the risk of miscarriage?

Folic acid deficiency has been associated with early pregnancy loss in some studies. While adequate folic acid intake supports healthy fetal development and may reduce certain risks, it is not a guaranteed protection against miscarriage, as many factors contribute to pregnancy loss. Always discuss your pregnancy health and supplement routine with your doctor for the most appropriate care.

What should I do if I've previously had a baby with a neural tube defect?

If you have previously had a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect, you may need a different folic acid supplementation plan than the standard recommendation. It is essential to consult your doctor well before planning your next pregnancy, as they will assess your personal history and recommend the most appropriate supplement dose and timing. Do not self-adjust your dosage always seek professional medical advice.

 

 

Dr. S. Pradeepa is a fertility specialist at Sudha Fertility Centre,

Dr. S. Pradeepa is a fertility specialist at Sudha Fertility Centre, Erode, with expertise in IVF, IUI, ICSI, PCOS, and endometriosis. She holds MBBS, DGO, DNB (OG), and a Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine. Known for her patient-centric approach, she provides personalized, evidence-based care and reviews medical content to guide informed fertility decisions.

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