Use of folic acid to prevent congenital malformation should be best initiated :
Ans. is d i.e. before conception "Folic acid has been shown to effectively reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTD's). A daily 4 mg dose is recommended for patients who have had a previous pregnancy affected by neural tube defects. It should be staed atleast 1 month (ideally 3 months) prior to pregnancy and continued through the first 6-12 weeks of pregnancy." Remember : Folic acid is used to reduce the risk of neural tube defect Therapeutic dose of folic acid (to be given in females with previous history of baby with NTD) - 4mg. Prophylactic dose of folic acid - 0.4mg i.e. 400 mcg Duration :It should be staed 1 month before conception and continued till first 6-12 weeks of pregnancy. Note : Women with insulin dependant diabetes mellitus and those with seizure disorders treated by valproic acid) and carbamazepine are also at greater risk for NTD's.
During 1st trimester of pregnancy
During 2nd trimester of pregnancy
During 3rd trimester of pregnancy
Before conception