Start now. Most guidelines recommend 400 mcg of folic acid daily for at least 3 months before conception. It reduces the risk of neural tube defects that form very early — often before you know you're pregnant.

For Indian women, 400 mcg is the same recommendation. Some doctors prescribe 5 mg if you have specific risk factors (diabetes, epilepsy meds) — that's a conversation for your OB, not me.

Sources

Not medical advice. When to see a doctor →