Women who are pregnant or might become
pregnant may take folic acid to prevent the
occurrence of nerual tube defects in the
developing fetus. Birth defects that occur due
to folate deficiency include Spina Bifida, which
is when the fetal spine and back do not close
during development, and anencephaly.
If you are planning to becoming pregnant,
Health Canada recommends to take folic acid
at least 3 months prior to becoming pregnant
and to continue taking folic acid throughout
pregnancy, especially in the early weeks of
pregnancy.