Folic Acid

[Jbird]

Why are we advised to take Folic Acid pre pregnancy and what, exactly, does it do?

[bednobs]

it lessens the chance of the baby having spina biffida

[Sqad]

Folic acid deficiency predisposes to Spina Bifida.

[redcrx]

folic acid is important as it reduces the risk of spinal cord problems, such as spina bifida.

As the increased intake should be taken during the first 12 or so weeks of pregnancy it is advised to take it whilst trying to conceive so as to offer further protection.

Most women may not realise that they are pregnant until 4+ week into the prgnancy so this covers them for those early weeks of development

[annie0000]

It helps with the development of the spinal cord in early pregnancy and protects against spina bifuda.

[Sqad]

redcrx makes a good point.

<<<<it is advised to take it whilst trying to conceive so as to offer further protection. <<<

[ann_h]

To answer the other part of your question, folic acid is essential in cell development, particularly nerve cells and DNA formation so plenty of it is needed to start off your baby.
200mg is recommended minimum for adults, but it does no harm to take the 400mg daily recommended as minimum in pregnancy anyway.

[mollykins]

It doesn't always work though . . . .