Folic acid’s primary role is to prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy. In general, women need 600 mcg of folic acid every day before becoming pregnant, and have increased needs—up to 1000 mcg per day—during their first trimester and at least 200 mcg for making breast milk in the second half of the pregnancy. The recommended daily intake for folic acid during breastfeeding ranges from 290-500 mcg/day.
But, because folic acid is so important to a woman’s health during pregnancy (and after childbirth) and breastfeeding, it is often known as that “miracle vitamin” for women.
While you may not get all the folic acid you need from food sources alone, by taking a daily supplement of folic acid before and during pregnancy, you’ll make sure you and your baby have enough.