A 23-year-old lady taking antiepileptics for a seizure disorder gets married. When should folic acid supplementation advised to the patient?
(A) Any time as soon as she presents to the clinic irrespective of pregnancy (B) Three months before becoming pregnant (C) 1st trimester (D) As soon as pregnancy is confirmed
(A) Ans: A. Any time as soon as she presents to the clinic irrespective of pregnancyIf a pregnancy is planned in high-risk women (previously affected child with neural tube defects), supplementation should be staed with 4 mg (= 4000 microgram) of folic acid daily, beginning 1 month before the time of the planned conception.Recommendations:By U.S. Public Health Service.Folic acid 0.4 mg daily - For all women of childbearing age & ones capable of becoming pregnant.Folic acid 4 mg (= 4000 microgram) daily - For planned pregnancy in high-risk women (previously affected child) - Beginning 1 month before time of planned conception.