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It's important for everyone who can get pregnant or is planning to get pregnant to take a daily supplement with 400 to 800 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. Taking a folic acid supplement in addition to following a healthy eating routine can help prevent serious health problems for babies.
Folic acid is a type of folate added to supplements and foods. Folate is a vitamin that’s especially important if you’re pregnant or may become pregnant. It can help prevent serious problems with your baby’s brain and spine.
Getting enough folic acid is important even when you aren’t planning to get pregnant. It’s most important to take folic acid at least 1 month before you get pregnant and through the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor about folic acid.
You can take a multivitamin that includes folic acid or a supplement that has only folic acid. You can find multivitamins and folic acid supplements at most pharmacies and grocery stores. Get tips for choosing a multivitamin with folic acid.
Be sure to check the label and choose a multivitamin or supplement with 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid. This label shows a multivitamin with 400 mcg folic acid.
Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance plans must cover folic acid supplements for women who may become pregnant. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get folic acid supplements at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.
If you don't have insurance, you may still be able to get help paying for folic acid supplements:
To learn more, check out these resources:
Learn more about health insurance options for pregnant women.
In addition to taking a folic acid supplement, it’s important to follow a healthy eating routine. Learn how to build a healthy eating routine [PDF – 1.6 MB].
Make sure to include foods with folate in your eating routine. Many healthy foods have folate, including:
Folic acid is also added to foods like many cereals, breads, pastas, and other foods made with grains. Check the Nutrition Facts label and choose foods with folic acid.
Use these resources to: