Folic Acid: When to Take It & How to Track It

What is Folic Acid?

Folate is a B vitamin the body uses to make DNA and divide cells. Folic acid is the form used in supplements and fortified foods. The CDC and NHS both advise that anyone who could become pregnant take folic acid every day, because it lowers the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Those defects form in the first weeks of pregnancy, often before a person knows they are pregnant, which is why the advice is to start before conception. That makes folic acid a long-running daily habit for many people, often months before any pregnancy test.

When to take Folic Acid: general timing information

• The CDC recommends that everyone who could become pregnant get folic acid every day to help prevent neural tube defects. [1]

• The NHS advises starting folic acid when you are trying to get pregnant (ideally 3 months before) and continuing for the first 12 weeks. [2]

• Some people are advised a higher dose, for example those with diabetes or a family history of neural tube defects. A GP can prescribe it. [2]

• Antiseizure medicines such as phenytoin, carbamazepine and valproate can lower folate levels, and folate can lower their levels in turn. Ask your doctor before starting. [3]

• Folate supplements could interfere with methotrexate taken for cancer, and sulfasalazine can reduce folate absorption. [3]

How to set a Folic Acid reminder in Pillzy

1. 1

   Tap + in Pillzy and add "Folic acid" with the dose your GP, midwife or label gives.

2. 2

   Choose Once daily and pick a fixed time, such as when you brush your teeth.

3. 3

   Add a note with your start date, so you can tell your midwife how long you have been taking it.

4. 4

   Mark it taken each day. If you switch to a prenatal vitamin, add the new product and stop the old reminder.

5. 5

   Use Statistics to check you have not missed days in the early weeks.