When you're planning for pregnancy, there’s a lot to think about—from navigating lifestyle changes to nurturing your overall health. But one simple, powerful choice can make a huge difference from the very beginning: ensuring you're getting enough folic acid. This essential B-vitamin plays a vital role in your baby’s early development, long before you even realise you’re pregnant. Whether it’s through a balanced diet or supplements, prioritising folic acid can help protect your baby’s future health, setting the stage for a smooth pregnancy journey.

Here’s why folic acid should be top of your list.

What is folic acid?

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, a B-vitamin (B9) naturally found in various foods such as leafy green vegetables, beans, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals. In supplement form, folic acid is more easily absorbed by the body and is vital for creating new cells, making DNA, and forming healthy red blood cells.

The role of folic acid before and during pregnancy

Folic acid is especially crucial in the early stages of pregnancy because it helps form the neural tube, which eventually develops into the baby’s brain and spinal cord. This formation occurs just 28 days after conception, often before many women even realise they’re pregnant. Because of this, it’s essential to have sufficient folic acid levels in your body before you conceive and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Preventing neural tube defects (NTDs)

One of the most important reasons to take folic acid when trying to conceive and during early pregnancy is its role in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs). NTDs are serious birth defects that affect the brain and spine, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. These conditions occur in approximately 2 in every 1,000 pregnancies worldwide. However, up to 70% of these defects are preventable with adequate folic acid intake.

In the UK, it is recommended that women take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily while trying for a baby (ideally starting three months before conception) and continue through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you are at a higher risk for NTDs, your healthcare provider may recommend a higher dose, such as 5 milligrams (mg).

The importance of pre-pregnancy folic acid

Many pregnancies are unplanned, and even when pregnancy is planned, the exact timing can often be unpredictable. Because the neural tube forms so early in pregnancy, having adequate folic acid levels before conception is crucial to support this rapid development. Unfortunately, studies show that less than one in three women in the UK take folic acid supplements before pregnancy, which is a significant gap considering how effective folic acid is at preventing NTDs.

Folic acid: Your first step to a healthy pregnancy

Taking folic acid is a simple yet powerful step you can take to support a healthy pregnancy. Not only does it play a vital role in your baby’s development, but it also helps your body create the extra blood cells needed to support both you and your growing baby. Additionally, folic acid can help reduce the risk of other complications during pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia.

How to incorporate folic acid into your routine

• Start early: If you’re planning to conceive, start taking folic acid as soon as possible. Aim for a daily supplement that provides at least 400 mcg of folic acid.
• Eat a folate-rich diet: In addition to taking a supplement, try to include folate-rich foods in your diet, such as leafy green vegetables (like spinach and kale), beans, peas, lentils, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals.
• Choose the right supplement: Make sure to choose a high-quality folic acid supplement that is easily absorbed by the body. During the first trimester, it's common to experience morning sickness and nausea which can make keeping folic acid down difficult. We created our Folci Acid Gummies to give you all of the benefits in a convenient and tasty dose.

When to stop taking folic acid

While folic acid is particularly important in the early stages of pregnancy, many healthcare providers recommend continuing folic acid supplementation beyond the first trimester. Here’s a closer look at when to stop taking folic acid and why it might still be beneficial later in pregnancy:

• Pre-conception and early pregnancy: It is advised to start taking folic acid at least three months before conception and continue for at least the first 12 weeks (first trimester) of pregnancy. This period is crucial as the neural tube, which becomes the baby’s brain and spinal cord, forms during the first month of pregnancy.
• Beyond the first trimester: Some healthcare providers suggest continuing folic acid supplementation throughout the entire pregnancy and even into breastfeeding. While the risk of neural tube defects decreases significantly after the first trimester, folic acid continues to support the healthy development of red blood cells and DNA synthesis, both important for you and your growing baby.
• After the first trimester: If your pregnancy is considered low-risk and you have been taking folic acid regularly up to the 12th week, your healthcare provider may advise that you can stop taking folic acid as a separate supplement after the first trimester. However, this does not mean it’s unnecessary. Most prenatal vitamins contain folic acid along with other essential nutrients, so if you continue taking a prenatal vitamin, you are likely still receiving an adequate amount of folic acid.

Personalised advice

Every pregnancy is unique, and your specific health needs may vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your supplement routine during and after pregnancy. They will provide the best guidance based on your individual health, diet, and any specific risks you might have. For instance, women with a history of neural tube defects in previous pregnancies or certain medical conditions might be advised to continue a higher dose of folic acid beyond the first trimester.

The bigger picture

While folic acid deficiency is the most common preventable risk factor for NTDs, it’s also important to note that other factors, such as genetics, maternal diabetes, and certain medications, can contribute to these conditions. However, folic acid supplementation remains the most effective tool we have for NTD prevention. By spreading the word about the importance of folic acid, we can help reduce the risk of these preventable birth defects and support healthier pregnancies for all.

At Unfabled, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey to parenthood. By making simple, informed choices like taking folic acid, you’re already taking a big step towards a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any supplements or making changes to your diet.