Having a Healthy Baby - Folic Acid

What is Folic Acid?

FOLIC ACID is a B Vitamin is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells. This is especially important during infancy and pregnancy when growth is taking place at a rapid pace. Both adults and children need folate to make normal red blood cells and prevent anemia.

Why is it Important for Women to Take Folic Acid?

Folic acid is very important for all women who may become pregnant. It has been found to help prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord when taken regularly by the mother. These defects can cause serious health problems and possibly death in infants.Even women who are not pregnant should take folic acid every day to ensure that there is enough of the vitamin in their body during the first few months of pregnancy. Folic Acid also prevents anemia (low blood iron) during pregnancy so....

IT BENEFITS MOM AND BABY!!

How Much Folic Acid Do You Need?

The recommended daily dose of Folic Acid is 400 mcg (micrograms) as part of a healthy diet. If you have had a prior pregnancy that was affected by a brain or spinal cord defect, talk to your doctor about increasing your intake of folic acid to reduce the risk in future pregnancies.

Where Do You Get Folic Acid?

Multivitamins

Folic Acid can be found in most multivitamins - particularly those designed for women. It is important to READ THE LABEL on the bottle of vitamins to ensure that you are getting 100% of the recommended amount.

Foods

There are a variety of foods in which folic acid can be found:

• GREEN VEGETABLES - Spinach, Broccoli, Asparagus, Romaine Lettuce, Peas

• Beans - Black Beans, Lentils

• Orange Juice

• Peanuts

• Liver

Many foods are now "ENRICHED" or "FORTIFIED" with Folic Acid:

• Bread

• Pasta

• Rice

• Breakfast Cereal

Be Sure to Read the Labels to Ensure that These Grains Products are Enriched with the Recommended Amount of Folic Acid!!

For more information on Folic Acid, speak with your health care provider.

If you would like to additional information about Having a Healthy Baby, call the Pregnancy and Newborn Health Education Center:

1-888-MODIMES

1-888-663-4637

or visit the March of Dimes website.

For More Information on FREE or LOW COST Health Insurance, Prenatal Care or Breastfeeding Support Call 1-800-453-4666.