Folic acid is a necessary element needed for correct neural tube development.
It is part of the B-Complex Vitamins and is also called folate or folacin. It is present in many leafy, green vegetables, orange juice, dried beans, and peas. For woman who have had a child with a neural tube defect, it is recommended for them to take 4 to 5 miligrams of folic acid daily for 2 to 3 months prior to conception and until at least the 3rd month of pregnancy. It is difficult to get enough folic acid by diet alone. In fact, in order to get 4 mgs of folic acid daily, you would need to drink 80 glasses of orange juice or have 100 servings of broccoli.