CDC urges women to take 400 mcg of folic acid every day, starting at least one month before getting pregnant, to help prevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine.

Folic acid is a B vitamin. Our bodies use it to make new cells. Everyone needs folic acid.

Folic acid is very important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine (anencephaly and spina bifida). 400 micrograms (mcg) every day. For folic acid to help prevent some major birth defects, a woman needs to start taking it at least one month before she becomes pregnant and while she is pregnant.
Source:  www.cdc.gov