A woman who previously delivered a baby with open neural tube defect is planning her next pregnancy. What is the recommended folic acid regimen?
- A 5 mg daily from before conception until 12 weeks gestation ✓
- B 400 micrograms daily starting at confirmation of pregnancy
- C 5 mg daily throughout pregnancy and lactation
- D 400 micrograms daily from before conception until delivery
Correct answer: A. 5 mg daily from before conception until 12 weeks gestation
Explanation
Women at high risk of neural tube defects, including those with an affected previous child, on antiepileptics such as valproate, or with pregestational diabetes, need high dose folic acid 5 mg daily started before conception and continued through the first trimester. Standard 400 microgram supplementation is for low risk women. Continuing beyond 12 weeks adds no proven benefit for neural tube protection.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.