Neural tube defects form early in pregnancy. The spine develops three to four weeks after conception. This is usually the time of the first missed menstrual period. Because half of all pregnancies are unplanned and because the neural tube forms before most women know they are pregnant, all women of childbearing age should supplement their diet with 400 micrograms of folic acid. Adding folic acid to your diet is easy.
Many multivitamins contain the recommended amount of folic acid.
This is the easiest and most effective way to get enough folic acid. Many breakfast cereals are also fortified with folate. Most have only 100 micrograms per serving. Total and Product 19 have 100 percent of the folate recommended for women. Also, the B vitamin is found in folate-rich foods such as leafy green vegetables, orange juice, bread, peas and liver.