How long should folic acid tablets be taken during pregnancy?

Generally, doctors recommend starting folic acid supplementation three months before pregnancy and continuing until at least three months after conception, meaning a total of more than six months. The detailed explanation is as follows:

The development of the fetal neural tube begins in the early stages following fertilization. During the first few weeks of pregnancy, the neural tube forms the baby's brain and spinal cord. If the mother lacks folic acid during this period, the risk of neural tube defects increases significantly. By supplementing with folic acid three months before pregnancy, sufficient levels can be ensured during this critical phase of neural tube development. This is because, in most cases, the neural tube has already begun developing before a woman even realizes she is pregnant. Therefore, it is advised to start taking folic acid when planning for pregnancy to ensure adequate nutritional support during the early stages of fetal nervous system development. The key is to build up the body’s folic acid reserves in advance by taking folic acid tablets or supplements before conception. In the early stage of pregnancy—specifically the first three months after conception—the fetus's demand for folic acid gradually increases. Timely supplementation helps meet this increased demand and further reduces the risk of neural tube defects.

In summary, if you are planning to become pregnant, it is essential to start taking folic acid in advance. However, the dosage should be determined after a medical evaluation and under a doctor's guidance to avoid any adverse physical reactions.