Women must take folic acid ‘before they get pregnant’

Only one in four women take folic acid before getting pregnant, despite studies showing how effective the supplement is at preventing birth defects.

Every week, one baby is born with a neural tube defect such as spina bifida or anencephaly — conditions less likely to occur if the mother maintains high levels of folic acid.

As such, all women who could potentially give birth should be taking folic acid, even if they’re not currently trying to get pregnant, according to an obstetrician.