PRECONCEPTION HEALTH: START FOLIC ACID BEFORE PREGNANCY SUNLEAF WOMEN'S CARE HOSPITAL 2 key evidence-based messages 1. Start folic acid before conception. For women planning pregnancy at average risk of neural tube defects, recommend 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) of folic acid daily, ideally beginning at least 1 month before conception and continuing through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. 2. Identify women who need a higher dose. Women with a previous neural tube defect–affected pregnancy or other significant risk factors may require high-dose folic acid under clinician guidance. The appropriate dose depends on the applicable guideline and individual risk profile. Key take-home message Don't wait for a positive pregnancy test to start folic acid. Preconception counselling is an important opportunity to reduce preventable neural tube defects. #SUNLEAFWOMENSCARE #PRECONCEPTIONCARE #FOLICACID #PREGNANCYPLANNING #MATERNALHEALTH #WOMENHEALTH #GYNECOLOGIST #SURAT #VARACHHA #SARTHANA