Folic Acid: A Simple Step to Prevent Birth Defects

Folic Acid and Birth Defect Prevention in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Folic acid is a B vitamin that the body uses to make new cells. Getting enough of it before and during early pregnancy can prevent serious birth defects of a baby’s brain and spine, called neural tube defects (such as spina bifida and anencephaly). Because these defects form in the first few weeks — often before someone even knows they’re pregnant — the CDC recommends that anyone who could become pregnant get enough folic acid every day. It’s a simple, inexpensive step with a big payoff.

How much, and when

• 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily is recommended for all people who could become pregnant.
• Start at least one month before pregnancy and continue through the early months.
• Take it every day — neural tube defects form before most people know they are pregnant, so daily habit matters more than timing.
• If you’ve had a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect, or have certain conditions, your doctor may recommend a higher dose — ask your provider.

How to get enough

• Take a daily supplement — a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid is an easy way.
• Eat fortified foods — many breakfast cereals, enriched breads, pasta, and rice in the U.S. have folic acid added (check the label).
• Eat folate-rich foods — leafy greens, beans, citrus, and other fruits and vegetables provide natural folate as part of a healthy diet.

A supplement is recommended because it can be hard to get enough from food alone.

Part of getting ready for pregnancy

Folic acid is one piece of healthy preconception care. If you’re thinking about pregnancy — or could become pregnant — talk with your primary care doctor or OB-GYN in Grand Rapids about:

• A daily prenatal or multivitamin with folic acid
• Updating any vaccines and reviewing your medications
• Managing conditions like diabetes and blood pressure
• A preconception checkup

In Grand Rapids, prenatal and women’s health care is available through Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health-West, and Cherry Health, with low-cost options for those who need them. The Kent County Health Department can also connect families to support.