Folic Acid 101: Why 400 mcg Matters Before and During Pregnancy
Folic Acid 101: Why 400 mcg Matters Before and During Pregnancy
A pharmacist-informed guide to what folic acid is, why it’s essential for neural tube development, how much you need, and where to get it—so you can feel confident from preconception through pregnancy.
By Due Date Prep • 4–5 min read
Jump to: What It Is • Why It Matters • How Much • When to Start • Sources
At a Glance
- Folic acid is the supplemental/fortified form of folate (a B vitamin) that helps your body make new cells.
- All women capable of becoming pregnant are advised to get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily.
- Taking 400 mcg daily before and during early pregnancy helps prevent serious birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine (neural tube defects).
Before pregnancy even begins, your baby’s brain and spine start forming. That’s why folic acid—a form of folate your body uses to build new cells—matters most early. Think of it as a daily, protective baseline you keep on board well before your first prenatal visit.
What is folic acid?
Folate is a B vitamin that supports the creation of new cells—blood, skin, hair, nails, and more. “Folic acid” is the synthetic form used in supplements and fortified foods (like many enriched grains). It’s easy for your body to use and helps ensure you reliably meet your daily needs.
Why does it matter for pregnancy?
Adequate folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy helps prevent neural tube defects (NTDs), serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Because the neural tube closes very early in pregnancy—often before someone knows they’re pregnant—the daily habit matters most now, not later.
How much folic acid do I need?
- General recommendation: 400 mcg daily for all women capable of becoming pregnant.
- Prior pregnancy affected by an NTD: Talk to your clinician—guidance often includes a higher dose (e.g., 4,000 mcg/day) starting at least one month before conception through the first trimester.
Note: More isn’t always better for prevention—stick with your clinician’s guidance.
When should I start?
Ideally, begin at least 1 month before conception and continue during pregnancy. Waiting until a first prenatal visit is often too late to provide the full protective benefit for NTD prevention.
Where do I get folic acid?
- Prenatal or multivitamin: Most contain 400 mcg folic acid—check your label.
- Fortified foods: Many breads, cereals, and pastas are enriched with folic acid—look for “folic acid” on the ingredient list.
- Folate-rich foods: Leafy greens, beans, citrus, and avocado provide natural food folate (helpful overall) but may not reliably reach 400 mcg/day on diet alone.
Nourish the rest of your routine
Your folic acid comes from your vitamin and fortified foods; your overall nourishment comes from balanced, steady energy. Our Due Date Prep date-based snacks are a fiber-rich, convenient option for busy days—not a folic-acid supplement.
- Educational content only and not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.
- *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources & Further Reading
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About Folic Acid. Accessed May 2025. cdc.gov/folic-acid/about
- CDC. Clinical Overview (for healthcare providers)—recommendations on 400 mcg/day and higher-dose scenarios after a prior NTD. cdc.gov/folic-acid/hcp/clinical-overview
- CDC. MTHFR Gene Variant and Folic Acid. cdc.gov/folic-acid/data-research/mthfr