You always hear about the benefits of folic acid during pregnancy, and the importance of taking your prenatal vitamin with folic acid. But for many women, this is the first time they have even heard of folic acid, much less taken a supplement for it.

Folic acid is a member of the B-vitamin family. It occurs naturally in foods as folates, and is available in synthetic form in vitamin pills.

Foods that are high in folates (and thus high in folic acid) include orange juice, green leafy vegetables, and beans. Some foods are also fortified with the synthetic version of folic acid, such as fortified breakfast cereals, enriched grain products, and vitamins, including your prenatal vitamins.

Even by eating natural and fortified foods, you will not consume enough folic acid needed during pregnancy, which is why you will need to supplement with your daily prenatal vitamin.

Also read Why folic acid is vital during pregnancy