Folic acid supplements important in pregnancy planning

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding all women who could become pregnant and women who are already pregnant about the importance of taking a folic acid supplement before conception and up until the 12^th week of pregnancy.

The reminder comes after the Department of Health introduced legislation that will see folic acid added to non-wholemeal flour in Northern Ireland in order to help protect newborn babies from serious brain and spine problems. The new measures will come into effect from 2026, to allow businesses to prepare for the change.

Dr Hannah McCourt, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “The introduction of legislation to add folic acid to non-wholemeal flour in Northern Ireland is a significant step forward, but it’s important for women to also take supplements as well. Along with foods high in folate such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, peas, chickpeas, or breads and breakfast cereals which have added folic acid, women who could become pregnant or are already pregnant should take a folic acid supplement to help protect their unborn baby from conditions such as spina bifida.

“Spina bifida is one of the neural tube defects (NTDs) that occurs when a baby’s spine or brain do not develop in the normal way. This can affect people in different ways such as difficulties with movement, bladder and/or bowels. Research has shown that by eating foods rich in folate and taking extra folic acid you can reduce the risk of your baby being affected by an NTD by approximately 70%.”

It is recommended that women take a supplement of 400 micrograms (400µg) folic acid as soon as they start trying for a baby (ideally for three months before) and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This will help your baby’s brain and spine to develop normally. Some people will need a higher dose of folic acid. If any of the following apply to you, reach out to your GP for advice:

• Previously had a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect;
• Family history of neural tube defects;
• Coeliac disease;
• Sickle cell disease;
• Diabetes;
• You take anti-epileptic medicines;
• You have a BMI over 30.

Dr McCourt concluded: “A lot of women know when they would like to have a baby. However, a high percentage of pregnancies are unplanned, so even if you are not planning to have a baby right now, it is important to be aware of the benefits of taking a folic acid supplement. If you get pregnant unexpectedly and haven’t been taking folic acid, you can start taking it as soon as you find out and up until the 12^th week of pregnancy.”

Folic acid supplements are easy to swallow tablets. They are available to buy from your local pharmacist or supermarkets at a low cost.

For more information on folic acid, visit: www.pha.site/folic-acid-leaflet

For information on planning a pregnancy, visit: www.pha.site/PlanningAPregnancy