Folic acid
Water-Soluble Vitamin B9 Supplement
Folic acid supplementation is mandatory prior to conception and throughout early pregnancy. Reduces neural tube defects (spina bifida and anencephaly) by up to 70%.
FDA Category A essential prenatal vitamin. All women planning or capable of pregnancy should take 400–800 mcg daily (4–5 mg daily for high-risk mothers).
Crucial for neural tube closure (occurs by day 28 post-conception).
Supports rapid maternal blood volume expansion and fetal cell division.
Prevents maternal megaloblastic anemia.
Fetal folate levels are maintained higher than maternal levels to support rapid DNA synthesis.
Prevents spina bifida, anencephaly, and encephalocele.
Water-soluble; excess is excreted safely in urine.
Prescribe 400-800 mcg/day for low-risk women; 4-5 mg/day for women with prior NTD child, diabetes, or taking anticonvulsants.
Taking folic acid is one of the best steps you can take for your baby's spine and brain development.
- Routine prenatal blood count (CBC)
- Neural tube closes by 28 days after conception, often before a woman knows she is pregnant.
Folic acid is a vital vitamin that protects your baby from serious spine and brain defects like spina bifida.
Start taking folic acid at least 1 month before becoming pregnant and continue through at least the first 12 weeks.
CDC, WHO, and ACOG clinical consensus.
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1
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) PLLR — FDA Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule & Approved Prescribing Information Database Last updated: Official FDA Standard
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2
FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) — FDA MedWatch & Black Box Warning Database Last updated: Official FDA Standard
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3
ACOG Practice Bulletins & Guidelines — American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Clinical Recommendations Last updated: 2025 Clinical Edition
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4
Briggs Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation — Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk (12th Edition) Last updated: 2025 Clinical Edition