Folic acid is a B vitamin and taken before conception through the first trimester, it is believed to reduce the occurrence of neural tube defects, like anencephaly and spina bifida.  These defects occur in about 1 out of every 1000 births.

Since NTD's happen in the first weeks of pregnancy, around 6-8 weeks, before many women know they are pregnant, it is important for a woman to have enough folic acid in her system before conception. Folic acid is recommended for all women of childbearing age because 50% of these pregnancies are unplanned.

About 2,500 babies are born with NTD's each year, and many other affected pregnancies end in miscarriage or stillbirth.  Spina bifida and anencephaly are the most common forms of NTD's.  Anencephaly is always a fatal condition.  Spina bifida happens when the spine fails to close and therefor the spine is usually exposed.  Depending where the opening of the spine is, determines the amount of paralysis.   80 to 90% of these babies also have a condition known as hydrocephalus.   Some studies have shown
that folic acid can help prevent some other birth defects like cleft lip and palate.

Once a woman has a baby with a NTD, the risk for recurrence is about 1 or 2 percent. It is also recommended that a woman with a history of NTD's consume more folic acid, about 4 milligrams. The usual recommended dose is 400 micrograms.

Please, if there is ANY chance that you could become pregnant in the future, take some extra folic acid, or even a prenatal vitamin. It can't hurt,  and if there is a chance that you will be able to have a healthy baby,  it is worth it.  NTD's know no bounds and can and will happen at any time, to anybody.