Folic acid is a B vitamin. If a woman has enough folic acid in her body before and during pregnancy, it can help prevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine.

All women of reproductive age should get 400 mcg of folic acid each day to get enough folic acid to help prevent some birth defects. Women need 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. If taken BEFORE pregnancy, folic acid can prevent up to 70% of neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly

During early development, folic acid helps form the neural tube. Folic acid is very important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby’s brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida).

The Health Department has free multivitamins for women of childbearing potential, for more information contact our office at 910-893-7550 or click on the link below to view the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web site. Frequently Asked Questions About Folic Acid