Folic Acid and Vitamins

Women who are planning a pregnancy should begin taking a multi-vitamin with folic acid at least three months before getting pregnant. However, since about half of all pregnancies are unplanned it is important that all women of childbearing years take a multi-vitamin with folic acid every day whether they plan to get pregnant or not.

Studies show that taking the B vitamin folic acid before pregnancy decreases the risk of having a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect (NTD) by at least 50 percent. The two most common NTD’s are spina bifida and anencephaly. NTD’s happen early in pregnancy, 15 to 30 days after conception, before a women even knows she is pregnant. (Learn more about NTD Testing)

Maternal health conditions, or the medications used to treat certain conditions may increase the risk of having a baby with a birth defect. Women who have diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension or other medical conditions should visit with a health care provider before becoming pregnant. Women who take medications for these conditions and who become pregnant, are advised not to stop taking their medications, but to talk with their health care provider as soon as possible.

Public Health Services recommends that all women between 15 and 44 years of age consume 400 micrograms (400 mcg or 0.4 mg) of synthetic folic acid each day. Certain breakfast cereals are now fortified with synthetic folic acid, as are enriched grains and pastas. Most over-the-counter multi-vitamins contain the necessary amount of folic acid. Women are also encouraged to eat foods rich in folate, the type of folic acid found in foods, in addition to taking a multivitamin with folic acid every day. Foods rich in folate include green leafy vegetables, orange juice, and beans.

For more information about birth defects, prevention, and resources for families, contact the Utah Department Of Health Birth Defect Network at 801-257-0566 ext. 201 or toll-free 1-866-818-7096. For questions about drugs or other exposure during pregnancy, contact Utah’s Pregnancy RiskLine at 801-328-2229 or 1-800-822-2229.

health.utah.gov/birthdefects

www.marchofdimes.com