Folic acid

Folic acid can help prevent birth defects, known as 'neural tube defects', such as spina bifida. You should take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day while you are trying to get pregnant and until you are 12 weeks pregnant. If you didn't take folic acid before you conceived, you should start as soon as you find out that you are pregnant.

You should also eat foods that contain folate (the natural form of folic acid) such as green leafy vegetables and brown rice. Some breakfast cereals, breads and margarines have added folic acid.

Some women with an increased risk of neural tube defects are advised to take a higher dose (5 milligrams) of folic acid each day. Women have an increased risk if they or their partner have:

• a neural tube defect or a family history of neural tube defects
• a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect
• diabetes

Women taking anti-epilepsy medication may also need to take a higher dose of folic acid.

If any of the above applies to you, talk to your GP for advice. Your GP or midwife may also recommend additional screening tests during your pregnancy.