Folic acid (400 mcg/day) or Folate is an essential Vitamin required almost 12 weeks before you conceive and also during the first trimester (first 3 months) for the growth and development of the brain and spine of the fetus. Folic acid is also required throughout the Pregnancy for the formation of blood. Its deficiency can lead to anemia in the mother and malformation in the fetus such as neural tube defects.
