- Folic acid helps prevent certain birth defects.
- Folic acid works if taken before and during early pregnancy.
- Take a daily multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid.
Before pregnancy, take a multivitamin that contains 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. This is the amount you need to help prevent some birth defects of the brain and spine. During pregnancy, you need at least 600 mcg of folic acid very day. Your prenatal vitamin should have this amount. Talk to your provider about taking a prenatal vitamin.
