Parenting Australia

Folate During Pregnancy

In the developing unborn baby, the neural tube later becomes the baby’s brain and spinal cord. The baby’s neural tube is formed in the first four to six weeks of pregnancy, often before many women know they are pregnant. Women of child-bearing age need a diet rich in folate and, if planning a pregnancy, should consider taking supplements or else eat foods with folate added. For women of childbearing age, it is recommended that they consume 400 micrograms of folate per day. It is especially important to get adequate folate for one month prior to pregnancy and for the first three months of pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects.

Some women may be at higher risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect and may need higher amounts of folate. Your GP is the best person to determine your individual risk, but common reasons for increased risk include already having a baby with a neural tube defect or having a family history of neural tube defects.

Tips to get enough folate in your diet

It is quite common for women to not be getting enough folate in their diet. The best ways to make sure you are getting enough folate before pregnancy are to:

• Take a supplement: the tablet form of folate is called folic acid and is available from pharmacies. You should ask your GP what dose of folic acid would be right for you;

• Eat foods naturally high in folate such as asparagus, spinach, brussels sprouts, oranges, orange juice, bananas and strawberries; and

• Eat foods supplemented with folate such as some breakfast cereals and breads (look for the words ’high in folate’ on the packaging).

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