Not planning to get pregnant? You still need folic acid

Many of my patients would say: “Dr. Louise Habash, I never planned to get pregnant.”

But they do get pregnant.

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You might be one, among many, who keeps pregnancy on the sidelines, but this is not a reason for you to forego taking folic acid every day. The US Department of Health lists these reasons why you should consider having folic acid supplements:

• A lot of pregnancies in the country are not planned. Because of this, all women who are capable of getting pregnant need to take at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily.

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• Birth defects of the brain and spine occur during the early stages of pregnancy. It could happen even before you are aware that you are pregnant.

• It might be too late to prevent the occurrence of birth defects by the time you find out that you are pregnant.

The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that folic acid is a B vitamin which helps the body make healthy new cells. Everyone needs folic acid, especially women who may get pregnant. Taking this supplement helps prevent birth defects in babies. NIH also suggests getting your daily dose of this B vitamin from leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts, cereals, enriched bread, and dried beans. However, if these food sources don’t reach the daily recommended dose of folic acid, it’s best to take dietary supplements.

So if you’re at a child bearing age, even if you are not able to plan your pregnancy or don’t want to get pregnant yet, taking this vital nutrient is crucial. It’s one of the most effective ways to ensure that you’ll have a healthy baby.

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