The two most common forms of neural tube defects are spina bifida and anencephaly. Babies with anencephaly do not develop a brain or have only a partial brain. These babies die before birth or soon after they are born. Doctors say that up to 3,000 of these neural tube birth defects can be prevented if women take 400 micrograms of folic acid everyday before becoming pregnant and during the first three months of pregnancy. Even women who are not planning to get pregnant should take 400 micrograms of folic acid everyday.
Folic acid is important for women of all ages because it can help prevent heart disease and stroke.
A. Doctors say the best way for women to get folic acid is to take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid everyday and eat foods rich in folic acid like dark green leafy vegetables, peas, beans, lentils, oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, and enriched breads and cereals.