When the pregnant woman can take a folic acid?

It is recommended that women who are planning to become pregnant or who are in the early stages of pregnancy should start taking a folic acid supplement of 400 micrograms (mcg) per day at least one month before conception and continuing through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This can help to prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, in the developing fetus. Women who have had a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect may be advised to take a higher dose of folic acid before and during pregnancy as per their doctor's recommendation.