Folic acid is important to help your body build healthy blood and tissues for you and your baby.

All women who are sexually active or who could become pregnant should take a multivitamin that contains 0.4 mg (400 mcg) folic acid every day. Taking folic acid can prevent serious birth defects that affect your baby's brain and spinal cord, such as neural tube defects.

For most women, your prenatal vitamin and a healthy diet will meet your needs for folic acid.

It is important to also get folic acid from foods:

• Dark green vegetables (broccoli, peas, brussel sprouts, romaine lettuce and spinach)
• Corn, dried peas, beans and lentils
• Oranges and orange juice
• Whole grain products (breads, pasta and cereals)

Some women with a history of certain health conditions may need to take more folic acid. Your health care provider can help you decide if you need to take more and how much. Taking more than 1 mg of folic acid per day without the advice of a doctor is not recommended.

For More Information on Your Pregnancy

Contact the Health Unit to speak with a public health nurse. In Clinton and area call 519.482.3416 or toll free 1.877.837.6143. Residents in northern communities in the County can contact a public health nurse in Wingham at 519.357.4993.