Why cant I wait until Im pregnantor planning to get pregnant to start taking folic acid?
Birth defects of the brain and spine happen in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman finds out she is pregnant. By the time she realizes she is pregnant, it might be too late to prevent those birth defects. Also, half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. These are two reasons why it is important for all women who can get pregnant to be sure to get 400 mcg folic acid every day, even if they arent planning a pregnancy any time soon.
