Take folic acid every day. Provided by Congresswoman Roybal-Allard. Why Folic Acid Is Important Folic acid, a B-vitamin, prevents birth defects affecting your baby's brain and spinal cord. Even if you are not planning to become pregnant soon, it is a good idea to get plenty of folic acid.
Unplanned pregnancies happen every day.
In fact, about half of all pregnancies are not planned. Folic acid is critical during the first few weeks of your pregnancy. Because most women do not realize they are pregnant until after the first month, it is very important to get enough folic acid whether or not you are planning on having a baby. Taking folic acid every day will help ensure your baby's good health and prevent birth defects to the spine and brain. Two of the most common birth defects are spina bifida and anencephaly.