Do you still need to take folic acid in the late stages of pregnancy?

In general, pregnant women should continue taking folic acid during the third trimester, but supplementation should be appropriate and moderate. The details are as follows:

Pregnant women in the late stages of pregnancy still need to pay attention to their folic acid intake. Folic acid is an important B vitamin that plays a crucial role in maternal and fetal health. It helps prevent neural tube defects in the fetus, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. During the later stages of pregnancy, fetal growth and development enter a critical phase. Some pregnant women may have impaired folic acid metabolism, leading to persistently low levels of folic acid in the body. If a pregnant woman develops symptoms of megaloblastic anemia—such as dizziness, fatigue, and numbness in hands and feet—due to folic acid deficiency in the third trimester, she should appropriately supplement folic acid to improve these anemic symptoms. However, folic acid supplementation should be moderate, as excessive intake may cause side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort.

Pregnant women in the third trimester should also ensure adequate intake of protein, calcium, iron, and other essential nutrients, along with appropriate vitamins, to support healthy fetal development and maternal well-being. At the same time, they should avoid high-sugar, high-salt, and high-fat foods, as well as raw, cold, spicy, and irritating foods, maintaining a balanced and varied diet.