Folic acid in pregnancy is one of the most important nutrients for the healthy development of the baby, especially during the first weeks of gestation. Many women don't know that its role is more crucial before they even know they are pregnant, as the baby's neural tube forms in the first 28 days after conception. In this article, we explain what folic acid is, why it's so important, when to start taking it, and what dosage is recommended by health organizations.

What is folic acid and why is it essential in pregnancy?

Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, a water-soluble nutrient necessary for DNA synthesis, cell division, and the formation of new tissues. During pregnancy, these functions multiply: the expectant mother's body must generate new cells at high speed for the development of the embryo, placenta, and maternal tissues. Insufficient folate intake at this stage has been linked to a higher risk of neural tube defects, the embryonic structure that will form the baby's brain and spinal cord.

Benefits of folic acid during gestation

Scientific evidence strongly supports folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy. Its most documented benefits include:

• Significant reduction in the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida or anencephaly.
• Support for correct placenta formation and fetal growth.
• Contribution to red blood cell production, helping to prevent megaloblastic anemia in the mother.
• Complementary role in the development of the baby's nervous system alongside other key nutrients.

Therefore, gynecologists and midwives throughout Spain systematically recommend folic acid supplementation to any woman who is trying to conceive or is already pregnant.

When to start taking folic acid?

Ideally, supplementation should begin at least one month before conception, as the neural tube closes around the fourth week of gestation, a time when many women are not yet aware they are pregnant. It is recommended to continue supplementation throughout the first trimester, and in many cases throughout the entire pregnancy, always under the guidance of the healthcare professional monitoring the pregnancy.

Recommended dosage of folic acid in pregnancy

The standard recommended dose for most women trying to conceive or who are in their first trimester is 400 micrograms per day. However, there are higher-risk situations where higher doses, up to 4-5 mg daily, are recommended, such as in women with a history of previous pregnancies affected by neural tube defects, diabetes, treated epilepsy, or obesity. These higher doses should always be prescribed and supervised by a medical professional, never self-administered.

Folate-rich foods vs. supplementation

Natural folate is found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits, nuts, and fortified cereals. Although a varied diet helps maintain good folate levels, during pregnancy it is very difficult to meet needs through diet alone, among other reasons because folate from food is less absorbed than synthetic folic acid and because the body's demands increase significantly. For this reason, specific supplementation remains the most reliable and evidence-backed strategy to prevent deficiencies at this stage.

Folic acid and other key nutrients in pregnancy

Folic acid rarely acts alone: it is part of a set of nutrients that work together to support a healthy pregnancy. Vitamin D3 is essential for the mother's bone health and the baby's skeletal development, while Omega 3 fatty acids, especially DHA, contribute to the fetus's brain and visual development. Magnesium helps reduce fatigue and muscle cramps, which are common in the third trimester. At AndaVida, you will find a selection specifically designed for this stage within our women's health collection, featuring trusted brands like Solgar, Solaray, and Nutralie.

Precautions and final recommendations

Although folic acid is a safe and well-tolerated supplement, it is important not to exceed recommended doses without medical supervision, as sustained excess could mask a vitamin B12 deficiency, especially relevant in vegan or vegetarian women. It is always best to consult with a gynecologist or midwife before starting any supplementation, and choose pharmaceutical-quality products with clearly indicated dosages.

Folic acid in pregnancy is not a whim or a trend: it is one of the most scientifically backed preventive measures to protect the baby's health from the earliest weeks of life. If you are trying to conceive or are already pregnant, do not wait to ensure adequate intake. Discover our selection of supplements for pregnancy and women's health at andavida.es, and give your baby the best possible start.