Folic acid is an important nutrient found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fortified foods. It is important for pregnant women to get enough folic acid because it helps prevent certain birth defects of the baby's brain and spine.

Folic acid is a water soluble vitamin and is part of the B-vitamin family. It is found naturally in some foods and can also be added to others. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) which are birth defects of the baby's brain and spine. Getting enough folic acid before and during early pregnancy can help reduce the risk of having a baby with an NTD by 50% to 70%.

The recommended amount of folic acid for pregnant women is 400 micrograms (mcg) per day. This can be taken as a supplement or fortified food. Some women may need a higher dose if they are at increased risk for having a baby with an NTD. The best sources of folic acid are leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fortified foods such as cereals, breads, and pastas.

The best way to make sure you're getting enough folic acid is to take a supplement or eat fortified foods every day. You can also eat more leafy green vegetables, legumes, and nuts which are good sources of folic acid. There are no known risks associated with taking too much folic acid during pregnancy. However, it is important not to take more than the recommended amount because this could mask other problems that could lead to birth defects.

Folic acid is an important nutrient for pregnant women because it helps prevent certain birth defects of the baby's brain and spine. gofolic.org should take a supplement or eat fortified foods every day to make sure they're getting enough folic acid."