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" Reader Question: I know I should be taking folic acid before I get pregnant. How soon should I start?  On Call Response: In theory, all women of childbearing age should get 400 mcg of folic acid a day. That&amp;#039;s because many women get pregnant before they&amp;#039;re planning to, and taking folic acid cuts the risk of severe birth defects of the brain and spine (neural tube defects) by 50 to 70 percent\u2014but you have to take it before you even know you&amp;#039;re pregnant for it to be effective.  Disclaimer: Your seeking information on health related topics and/or Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, MD&amp;#039;s providing such information herein constitutes neither the solicitation of nor the provision of medical advice, services, care or treatment. Communication with Dr. Fryhofer on this website does not create a doctor/patient relationship. For concerns about your own particular medical condition, you should consult your own medical professional, who can examine and evaluate you. Communication on a website is not a substitute for taking an active role in your own medical care and treatment and being personally seen by a physician of choice in your area. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.womansday.com/life/a41181/folic-acid-to-prevent-birth-defects-6017/>